Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

The Old Granary, Units 4 and 5 Church Farm, Astwick Nr Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4BH
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10 82 Reviews
  • Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick, Hitchin
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick opened in September 2019, and is built in a newly refurbished barn which is located in beautiful countryside in the hamlet of Astwick, right next door to the historic church of St Guthlac. It is an area of both historic and natural beauty where regular outings are arranged so children can freely explore nature to aid their learning and awareness of their surroundings.

There are dedicated rooms for various age ranges and each room reflects the seven areas of learning, as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage. There is free-flow access all year round to a purpose-built garden where children can continue their learning but more importantly have fun, jumping in the sandpit or making mud pie in the mud kitchen!

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Care Provided by Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Natasha Moniz (Owner/Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 40
  • Total Places for Children
  • 105
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

  • Age: 3 months - 2 years:
    Full day: £82.00
    Half day: £50.00


    Age: 2 years - 5 years:
    Full day: £71.50
    Half day: £42.50

  • Please see our website for more information.
  • Parking

  • There is free parking on site for nursery drop off & pick up.


Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick Reviews (82)

Total of 82, showing 61-80
10

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick has a Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick has 82 reviews.

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Review from Victoria C (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Monkey Puzzle Astwick is such a wonderful nursery. It set in a beautiful location of farmland and greenery, meaning the children get to play outdoors and be close to nature on a daily basis. The staff are extremely caring and passionate about the children’s development and well being. My son looks forward
to nursery every day, and we are comforted knowing that he is in such an amazing place, and being looked after by key workers that genuinely care about him. I’m am so grateful for everything they do for my son every day, and will be sad when he has to move to big school!

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

When looking to open a nursery - Church Farm was a natural choice as I know the farm setting is so amazing for children, including my own to explore. They learn so much from being outside and we are so lucky to have a farm as our setting and a base to our ethos. Thank you for all your feedback - it really is valued.


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Review from Kate S (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Monkey Puzzle Astwick for almost a year now and he loves it. Having placed my children at a handful of nurseries over the years, I can, hands down, say that this establishment tops them all. The environment, meals, outdoor spaces, staff and communication are all of the highest
standard. My little one will be starting school soon but I know that he will treasure his memories of his time at Astwick forever.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

A huge thank you for your review - great to know we are getting things right and making our families happy.


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Review from Ailsa F (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Superb nursery set in the grounds of a farm. The staff are wonderful, friendly and very supportive. Activities are varied and I love that there is an opportunity to get outdoors and visit the animals on the farm. This makes the nursery stand out from others in the area. His development has come on wonders
since attending and I feel confident in knowing we have made the right choice. In a time where things are so uncertain, it is such a comfort to know how happy he is at nursery and we are so lucky to have been able to send him during this time. Would recommend to anyone without any hesitation. Love that we have the app to keep us up to date with everything he does each day and allows us to see pictures. We love it!

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

We love the app too as it helps parents and ourselves build a good partnership. Thank you for your kind feedback and so glad we are making both you and the most important people, our children happy.


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Review from Kerry B (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would recommend this nursery, since my daughter has started I have seen a difference. I love the app that you can log onto to see how your child is doing and you see daily pictures and updates which is lovely. Also, that their keyworkers tell you at the end of the day.
The management and staff are
very friendly. Very clean safe and very healthy meals on offer.
It's so lovely that the nursery is on a farm and the children and babies enjoy the outside and see the farm animals at the same time.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for your review - means a lot to us.


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Review from Scott H (Father of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son is extremely well cared for at Monkey Puzzle Astwick. Starting during a pandemic when he had never been around other adults seemed daunting but the staff made it so easy. He has now settled in very well and has good relationships with staff. We are well informed of what he gets up to when he
is there and they are quick to act if he isn't quite himself. The staff can be commended for doing everything they can to keep the children safe and healthy during a time when a lot of parents are nervous about leaving their children for the first time.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thanks for your feedback - it has been a difficult and very unique time for parents and children to start nursery and as a parent, I completely understand how daunting this can be. I’m glad you found the settles worked well and we credit our amazing little ones for the incredible way they have bonded with us and the setting. They have done amazing!


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Review from Zuzana C (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined the nursery soon after it opened and she loves it. She settled in very quickly and made lots of new friends. The staff are amazing as they make learning fun, our daughter has learned so many different skills in the nursery. They have a lovely outside space and they get to go on lots
of walks to explore fields, animals and a lake. I would definitely recommend the nursery.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for such positive feedback - we really appreciate it and use this to strive to improve further.


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Review from Katie E (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son finds it hard with places and people he doesn't know but he has settled in so well here and has been with Monkey Puzzle for over a year now. It's a perfect setting on a farm so they are out walking most days and having picnics. Surrounded by pigs, sheep and horses.
He has come a long way and
asks every day if he can go to "school".
They are very supportive and it's very child-led play.
I asked my son what he likes best and he said he enjoys seeing the diggers and tractors!
I have recommended this nursery to a number of people as I love it so much, you also get daily updates and pictures of what the kids have been doing.
Can't recommend enough you won't be disappointed.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you - we do have the most beautiful environment and make the most of it exploring with the little ones. It means a lot to have such a lovely review.


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Review from Mark C (Father of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't speak highly enough about this nursery. Since our daughter has been going there we, i.e. Mum and Dad, have seen her come on and develop so quickly. The app is brilliant where you can see what your child has done in the day and regular pictures are posted every day so you can see your child enjoying
their day. The staff keep you up to date on developments and how your child is progressing. 10/10. Never seen our daughter looking so happy to be there. Brilliant place brilliant staff.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

We love having all our little people and they really do brighten our day - thank you for giving us such a positive review.


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Review from Jonathan B (Father of Child) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our son to Monkey Puzzle in July 2020 and he’s thrived since joining. The key is the combination of great facilities, staff that he loves, the outdoor space, and the fact that the nursery is on a farm (with tractors and animals on view every day). I cannot recommend it enough.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for reviewing us. Really does mean a lot to hear such positive feedback to us all.


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Review from Maelle C (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are absolutely delighted with Monkey Puzzle Astwick. Often amazed at the staff creativity to keep the little ones busy and open their eyes to the world. The access to the farmland is a real bonus, allowing the children to have everyday interactions with the natural environment, and learn how to be
creative around it. Space is luxury and seeing pictures of our daughter running in a field simply is priceless. I would recommend this setting to anyone looking for a nursery.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for the feedback- the staff team do work so hard so it is lovely for them to hear it’s appreciated. Our ethos is to encourage the children to explore nature and I love that we do not use ICT too much as I believe our little ones have enough around them at home and as they get older. We prefer to climb a tree or run in the fields on a treasure hunt. So glad you embrace our ethos too.


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Review from Lisa W (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would strongly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a nursery for their little one to be cared for. We have 2 children at the nursery. Our eldest is in the preschool and the youngest started in the baby room and recently moved into the daisy room. We are extremely happy with all-round what
the children receive. They are truly loved and cared for in the best way possible, lots of opportunities are giving and learning activities linked to the EYFS but still having fun. The nursery is situated on farmland where the children can explore the piglets and sheep! The staff are knowledgeable and always there to help!

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Review from Laura D (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have loved seeing our little girl settle into a nursery routine so happily and quickly thanks to the friendliness of the staff at Monkey Puzzle. The settling in sessions worked great to help build up our daughter's confidence before staying for a full day and it's lovely to then receive photos throughout
the day of what fun activities they are doing. It's a great feeling to be able to pick up your child at the end of a day with a great big smile on their face. Thank you to all the staff at Monkey Puzzle.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for your lovely review. It means so much to myself and the staff team to get parent feedback and is important to know what we are doing well. With Covid meaning access is now restricted to parents not being able to come into nursery, we felt the activity updates would be a nice way to keep our parents involved in their child's day. I am glad the parents like them as much as we do!


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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at Monkey Puzzle two months ago. After switching from another nursery, he settled in very quickly and absolutely loves it. The location is amazing. He loves his walks and seeing the farm animals. The caring and compassion from the staff are amazing. There are a comprehensive handover
and app that you get constant updates on. Wish we switched our son earlier to this nursery.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a wonderful review. We are always grateful to hear feedback from our parents. Natasha


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Review from Marlena Z (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery! Beautiful setting and really caring staff. After having a wonderful nanny for the last 2 years, we were rather apprehensive to send our son to the nursery, but as he will start a preschool next year, we decided it’s time to boost his socialising skills and we are delighted with Monkey
Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick. The management is very approachable and responsive and the nursery nurses are really kind and well organised with a series of engaging activities keeping our son involved and entertained. I would definitely recommend this place to any parent who is looking for good quality childcare for their little ones.

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Review from Stefan (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at Monkey Puzzle Astwick are truly wonderful. Our little one took some time to settle, but the staff were so warm and welcoming and now she loves it! She comes home happy and tired every day having had adventures and fun with her friends. The team have also fully accommodated our little one's
allergies and they go above and beyond to make sure she is safe but included. Fantastic nursery and beautiful setting. Highly recommended!

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Review from Jo B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves her time at Monkey Puzzle. The staff are caring and really take the time to know each child. Our daughter can be ‘a character’ and I am always 100% confident in how the nursery looks after her while she is there. The activities they involve the children in are wide-ranging and always
fun. The facilities are outstanding and I love how they encourage the children to be outside whenever they can. Our daughter's key worker works closely with us to ensure we all know how she is developing and is starting to really encourage toilet training and behaviour charts. I would totally recommend Monkey Puzzle to any parents looking for a caring, stimulating and well-equipped nursery.

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Review from P S (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot thank the manager and her lovely team enough for providing such a fun and friendly environment. My child is thoroughly enjoying nursery and is thriving. The genuine interest and care my child is given makes a real difference. 100% would recommend any day of the week. The manager is very transparent
and proactive about anything that might impact on the children etc and it very appreciated.

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Review from Leanne I (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is most nurturing loving perfect place to send your child, my son adores every day he attends here and loves all of the staff each and every one of them are amazing and adored by my son. I trust them completely! Great facilities, lots of activities on hand for kids, lots of outdoor play!
Every day my son attends he claps and gets excited as we pull into nursery! Which tells me how much he enjoys being there! My son has allergies and staff are amazing at preparing him dairy, gluten and wheat-free food - it’s never too much for them and are very much enjoyed by also! Overall one of best nurseries I visited before choosing one for my son ! It has everything you would want in nursery setting !

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Review from Annabelle D (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience of Monkey Puzzle Astwick has been fantastic. Our little boy has started within the last month, and struggled to settle (he’s only 10-months-old and has barely been apart from me). Every member of staff, particularly his key worker and room leader, have been fantastic in both helping him
settle at nursery and helping me feel confident that he’s in good hands. I’ve never felt like I was a burden for asking how he is or making requests about his naps etc. They’ve been incredible and I can’t thank them enough for making the experience calm and happy. The facilities are excellent, the staff are always presented well and so friendly. The setting of the nursery is second to none in the local area and they go above and beyond.

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Review from Tia D (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m a first-time mum and was extremely nervous to put my son into a nursery. I had been to visit a few, and none of them stood out, I just didn’t get a good feeling from them.
I then, a few months later, went to look around Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick, and I instantly felt at ease. The girls
there are all so professional, and instantly I had a good feeling.
My son started and has been there since pretty much their opening. He loves it, he has excelled so much since starting, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in his learning.
I recommend the nursery to all of my friends and family. The nursery as a whole is beautiful and is located on a farm.
Can’t fault anything with them.

Reply from Natasha Moniz at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much Tia, we love having him. It is always so lovely to hear parents views on the nursery and gain their Feedback.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.969)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.969 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick is calculated as follows: ( (253 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 261 Ratings = 4.969

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick is based on 22 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 105 number of registered child places is 21, which has been reached with 22 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (1)

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Natasha Moniz

Job Title: Nursery Owner

Joined: 2019

NVQ Level 4 – Childcare & Education
Safeguarding Officer
First Aid Officer
Paediatric First Aid
Food Hygiene


I have over 20 years’ experience in childcare, first starting as a nursery nurse, then as a deputy manager and finally a manager working for two of the largest nursery groups in the UK. I have also worked in the NHS with babies and their mothers who were suffering with severe mental health conditions.


I have always loved working with children as no two days are the same, and children have a way to make you smile so much. It is a privilege to teach a child something new and watch them grow and develop until they are ready for school.


I love working at Monkey Puzzle Astwick as its always been a dream of mine to own my own nursery and I still can’t quite believe it’s finally happened! It’s no longer a job – it’s a passion, and I have absolutely loved putting my heart and soul into making my nursery such a beautiful place (even if I do say so myself ??). I also love the location on Church farm; it’s such an amazing environment for the children and my staff team.


In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my own three boys and my husband, going on family days’ out or movie nights at home on the sofa. I also enjoy spending time with friends and travelling.


An interesting fact about me…


I used to work as a PA for Charles Worthington (celebrity hairdresser) and also trained in fashion and make-up at the London College of Fashion before realising that my passion was caring for children.


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