All of our staff are either NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) or equivalent, or participating in the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Early Years and Childcare. We have a very high qualified staff ratio which far exceeds that of OFSTED requirements. All of our staff are trained in First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Hygiene.
Career opportunities
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to providing great career opportunities for its entire staff. We are very keen to ensure the majority of staff participate in training at all levels. Our policy is always to recruit and/or promote internally if at all possible.
We want to offer diverse career opportunities to all staff that are seeking them. Whether it is your goal to become a Senior Nursery Nurse or a Nursery Manager. Wherever we can, we will assist you in achieving that goal.
Current Vacancies:
Room Leader
Full-Time Nursery Nurse level 2/level 3
Level 3 full time position available
Housekeeper/ cook 9.30am – 3pm available
Nursery cleaners 6pm-8pm available
Caroline Musgrove
Owner & Director
For the past 15 years Caroline has been working as a paediatric Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS and for local authorities. In this time she has been fortunate to work in many pre-school settings where she has seen examples of excellent practice and some which needed supporting. Yet the research still suggests that nearly half of all children are starting school without the language levels required to access the curriculum.
Caroline intends to create a communication rich environment where all staff have been specifically trained in supporting the development of speech and language through play. There will be specialist small group intervention packages for children who require a boost and there will be screening for all children aged 2 years and above for possible speech and language difficulties.
Feel free to contact Caroline if you have any questions at caroline@monkeypuzzleshefford.co.uk.
Taylor – Deputy Manager
Foundation Degree in Early Years
Hi my name’s Taylor and I work in the Owls room as a Nursery Nurse. I have worked in childcare for 6 years and have recently completed my Early Years Foundation Degree in Childcare. I am continuing to study to reach my target of Level 6. Working with children has always been my passion and supporting them to reach their potential.
Jess – Deputy Manager
BA in Applied Education Studies
Hi I’m Jess and I’m Owls Room Leader. I have worked in childcare for 14 years, working at a village pre school for 3 years and then the local lower school for 11 years.
I am proud to say that I’ve just completed an Education Studies Degree with Honours.
I have always wanted to work with children and have wanted to be a part of their learning journey. To see a child progress is the best job satisfaction.
Kirstie – Deputy Manager
Level 3
My name is Kirstie, I have been working in childcare for the past 10 years and have loved every minute of it. Children are so inspirational and the way their minds work is fascinating. From helping them with their first steps to eventually writing their names every child is amazing and will learn in different ways. Since having my own child my passion for working with children has grown, seeing how they develop and the people they become, knowing I have helped them on their journey is why I love working with children.
Sarah – Manager Foundation
Degree in Early Years
I have over 10 years experience with working with children. I have completed a foundation degree in early years and use my knowledge and understanding to support the team. I have my own daughter who is almost 3 years and she also attends the nursey. I have a step son who is 12 years old. I am the safeguarding officer and have had lots of training to support this role. I really enjoy coming to work and seeing what each day brings. Its a pleasure seeing the children develop and grow.
Nicole – Nursery Practitioner
Level 3
My name is Nicole. I am level 3 qualified in childcare. I have gained a wealth of experience in nurseries over six years. I believe this experience, alongside the Forest school experience gives me a lot to offer when nurturing and inspiring young children to reach their full potential. I hope to continue to extend my knowledge in the future.
Nadia – Room Leader
Level 3
Hi I’m Nadia and I have always had a passion for working with children.
This was even more so when I became a parent. My enthusiasm grew even stronger with the knowledge and understanding of child development. I am level 3 in early years which I have completed recently.
Linda – Nursery Nurse
Level 6
My name is Linda. Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion in working with children and young people. My career started as a social worker, which I enjoyed before starting my own family. I did my NVQ level 2 and then level 3 and then became an assessor in childcare. I went onto complete a degree in Child and Adolescent studies and then a PGCE which led me into the classroom teaching health and social care and childcare up to foundation degree level. After many years of teaching I am now semi retired and absolutely love working here part time with the children. Every day brings forth innovation, challenges and great rewards. I am proud to be part of each child’s learning journey.
Saffron – Nursery Nurse
Level 3
Hi, my name is Saffron. I recently finished my level 3 in childcare and work as a nursery nurse in the squirrels room. I love working with children as I find it fascinating watching how they play and learn.
Lucy – Nursery Practitioner
Level 3
My name is Lucy. I am level 3 qualified in childcare. This is my first job within a nursery setting, however I have had previous experience in other childcare organisations such as forest schools and primary schools. I look forward to this new chapter in my life, helping and extending the children’s learning and development.
Liz – Nursery Practitioner
Level 3
Hi my name is Liz and I have a level 3 in childcare. I have been in childcare since I was 15 which is nearly 25 years. I have worked in most areas of childcare and I really enjoy it. I have 2 boys of my own who are teenagers now. Since I have been at Monkey Puzzle I have really enjoyed it, childcare is my vocation and I feel I will do it forever.
Lily – Nursery Assistant
My name is Lily. I am currently working towards achieving my level 4 in child and family studies. This is my first job within a nursery setting and I look forward to extending my knowledge through this experience.
Clem- Nursery Practitioner
Level 2 (working towards Level 3)
My name is Clem, I am level 2 qualified I childcare and working towards my level 3 qualification. I have worked in childcare for two and a half years and have experience with ages 0-4 years. I’m a bubbly and outgoing person who loves to help children succeed and reach their goals. I enjoy watching the children grow.
Kelly – Nursery Nurse
Level 3
My name is Kelly, I’m a qualified nursery nurse and I work part time in hedgehogs room. I enjoy working with children because I love watching them grow and develop and seeing their own personalities develop. I also enjoy messy activities!
Denise- Nursery Assistant
Working towards level 3
Connie – Nursery Assistant
Kerry – Lunch Time Assistant
Unqualified
Hi my name is Kerry, I have two sons aged 19 and 12 years. I am the nursery Lunch Assistant for Hedgehogs. I love coming into the nursery and seeing the children’s bright, cheerful faces full of enthusiasm! Its lovely to see them grow and develop everyday.
Chloe – Nursery Apprentice –
Unqualified
Hi my name is Chloe I have recently joined Monkey Puzzle, and this is my first child care job. I am looking forward to learning whilst I work within the setting.
