One of our main strengths at Monkey Puzzle is the quality of the staff throughout the nursery, and we get some fantastic comments from parents about the team.
The most important thing for a parent is to know your child is going to be cared for and happy whilst at nursery. We have:
- A very strong key-person system across the nursery
- A family home approach by being small and attentive rather than big and diluted
- All team members know each child in the nursery individually so moving up through the different aged rooms is as pain free as possible
- Very low staff turnover – this ensures continuity in care for your child
Liz Butterworth – Nursery Owner
My name is Liz, and I opened the nursery in 2011, after deciding to join the Monkey Puzzle team as a franchisee. I have a degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Ergonomics, and spent fifteen years working as a consultant before moving into a career in childcare. I decided to open the nursery after struggling to find high quality childcare for my own children, and have loved working with the team to establish a setting to meet the needs of busy working parents. It gives me immense satisfaction to hear how much our children and parents love Monkey Puzzle, and I look forward to continuing this in the years to come.
In my spare time I enjoy road biking, running and yoga, as well as cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I also have a passion for travelling.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- MSc (Eng) Work Design & Ergonomics
- 6 years’ experience in childcare
- 15 years’ experience in business consultancy
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Deputy Designated Person for Safeguarding
- Health & Safety Coordinator
- Food Hygiene Level 2
Kath Wakes – Nursery Manager
My name is Kath, and I joined Monkey Puzzle when the nursery opened in 2011. I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and love to see children thrive and develop. For most of my career I have worked in private day nurseries, initially as a nursery nurse, then as room leader, and deputy manager for a large nursery chain in the area. I have also worked previously as a nanny.
As nursery manager I am responsible for the day to day running of the nursery, supporting staff development in order to achieve outstanding practice and continuous improvement in our provision. I am also responsible for safeguarding children and adults, and ensuring compliance. In addition to being the full time nursery manager, my roles at Monkey Puzzle include being Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy SENDCO.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends. I also enjoy cinema and reading contemporary fiction.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
- 20 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Designated Person for Safeguarding
- Deputy SENDCO
- Fire Warden
- Food Hygiene Level 2
Nina McLean – Deputy Manager
My name is Nina, and I have 9 years’ experience in childcare. After previously working as deputy room leader at a nursery in Macclesfield, I joined Monkey Puzzle in 2013. Since 2015 I have been Room Leader in preschool, responsible for up to 24 children and 3 other staff. It is so rewarding working with children of this age and helping them transition to school. Whilst at Monkey Puzzle I completed my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, and am currently studying a BA (Hons) in Primary Education. I also have specialist training to support children who speak English as an additional language, and am SENDCO for the nursery. In 2018 I was promoted to Deputy Manager and am enjoying learning new things and supporting the Manager in the day to day running of the nursery.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the cinema and travel as much as I can.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
- 9 years’ experience in childcare
- 10 years’ experience in customer service
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- SENDCO
- Deputy Safeguarding Designated Person
- Food Hygiene Level 2
Alison Hartslief – Toddler Room Leader
My name is Alison, and I have worked for Monkey Puzzle since 2016. Originally from the UK, I have spent most of my life living in South Africa, but moved back to England with my husband in 2015. After having my children in South Africa, I completed a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase at North West University (equivalent to a UK degree level qualification). I then worked as a primary school teacher in Durban. Prior to joining Monkey Puzzle, I worked in temporary roles in nurseries and schools locally on behalf of an employment agency. I originally worked in preschool at Monkey Puzzle, but in 2018 was promoted to Toddler Room Leader. I have also recently completed my CACHE Level 3 in Childcare, enabling me to be classed as qualified with the UK.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase
- CACHE Level 3 in Childcare
- 25 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Steph Wood – Baby Room Leader
My name is Steph, and I have worked for Monkey Puzzle since 2016. Currently I am leader of the baby room but in my career have worked with children of all ages. I have been employed previously for private day nurseries in the local area, and as a teaching assistant at local primary schools. I have also been a nanny for a family with 4 children. In 2012 I obtained my degree in Early Years from Manchester Metropolitan University, and thoroughly enjoy putting my knowledge into practice. I am also 3rd in Charge, responsible for running the nursery in the absence of the Manager and Deputy.
In my spare time I enjoy baking, painting and creating wall murals.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BA (Hons) in Early Years (Level 6)
- 11 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Rebecca Maples – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Becky, and I graduated in 2016 from Bangor University with a degree in Psychology. I joined Monkey Puzzle in the same year as bank staff, and am now mostly based in the Toddler Room. Recently I gained my Level 3 Diploma in Early Years and hope to continue to using this as I progress in my career.
In my spare time I enjoy reading books, going to the cinema, and spending time with my family and friends.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Level 3 Diploma in Early Years
- 2 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Olivia Umpleby – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Olivia, and I have recently graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Psychology and Psychotherapy. I joined Monkey Puzzle in 2016 as I love working with children. Currently I am on a postgraduate course training as a play therapist. I hope to have a career helping children to get a good start in life. I am currently based permanently in the baby room. I have worked previously as a teaching assistant in a primary school (Year 2) and I have recently been awarded my Level 3 Diploma in Early Years.
In my spare time I enjoy reading books, trips to the gym to keep fit, and attending my boyfriend’s gigs.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Teaching Assistant Level 3
- Level 3 Diploma in Early Years
- 5 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Gaynor Monk – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Gaynor, and I joined Monkey Puzzle in 2014. I have an NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Childcare and 18 years’ experience of working with children. Currently I am based in the Toddler Room caring for children aged 2-3, but I have experience with children of all ages gained in my career and also in my role as Mum to 3 children. Prior to joining Monkey Puzzle, I worked in a local pre-school. I also worked for many years as a childminder.
In my spare time I enjoy foreign travel and going to the gym.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 2 in Childcare
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
- 18 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Giselle Fox – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Giselle, and I have worked in childcare for over 28 years. I have an NNEB qualification in childcare, equivalent to an NVQ Level 3. I have previously worked as a nanny, childminder and in a preschool and private day nursery before joining Monkey Puzzle in 2015. Currently I am based in the Toddler room.
In my spare time I enjoy shopping, cooking, socialising with my friends and walking my dog Molly.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NNEB in Childcare
- 28 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Sarah Drummond – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Sarah, and I have worked for Monkey Puzzle since August 2018. Currently I work as part of the team in preschool, helping the children to develop and become more independent in preparation for their transition to school. I have worked previously in childcare for 10 years, with most of my experience being in local preschools
In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with friends, spending time with family, reading and walking my dog.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BA (Hons) in English
- Early Years Professional Status (Level 6)
- 10 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Nicola Parker – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Nicola, and I have worked for Monkey Puzzle since the nursery opened in 2011. Currently I am part of the team in the baby room but in my career have worked with children of all ages, and have also worked one-to-one supporting a child with special needs. I have an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and 15 years’ experience of working with children. Previously I have worked as a nursery nurse at private day nurseries in the local area, and also as a private nanny.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two children Max and Ruby, and socialising with friends and family.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
- 15 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Bernice Purves – Nursery Apprentice (Level 2)
My name is Bea, and I have been at Monkey Puzzle since March 2018. I am currently a member of the team in the Toddler room, and am also studying as an Apprentice for my Level 2 in childcare. I hope to go on after this and complete my Level 3. I have had lots of experience with children in my life as I am the mother of 2 sons, now in their 30s, and have 3 wonderful grandchildren, aged 3-11 who I looked after since they were babies. I have also worked in schools as a supervisor and at breakfast and after school clubs. I love working with children and get great satidfaction from helping them develop.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Working towards Level 2 in Childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Rachael Cottey – Nursery Apprentice (Level 3)
My name is Rachael, and I currently work in the Baby Room as a Level 3 Apprentice. After living in Dubai for 4 years, I joined Monkey Puzzle in April 2018. For most of my career I have worked in the travel industry, but since having my 2 children have developed a passion for working with children, and have decided to retrain as a nursery practitioner.
In my spare time I enjoy running, spending time with my children and husband, and socialising with family and friends.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Working towards Level3 in Childcare
- BA (Hons) in Travel & Tourism Management
- 9 years’ experience in the travel industry
- Paediatric first aid certificate
Melanie Barnard – Nursery Administrator
My name is Mel, and I joined Monkey Puzzle in 2017 as part of the management team. My current role involves a wide range of administrative tasks associated with the day to day running of the nursery. I have worked in childcare for 21 years, most recently for a local nursery as a room leader. Previously I have also worked as a Nursery Manager. In 2017 I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Childhood Studies. Currently I work part time so that I can also take care of my 2 young children.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BA (Hons) in Early Years
- 21 years’ experience in childcare
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Food Hygiene Level 2
Helen McDonald – Nursery Chef
My name is Helen, and I have worked for Monkey Puzzle since 2012. Initially I was the Deputy Manager but applied for the vacancy of Chef when it arose as it was part time and would enable me to spend more time with my family. Previously I have worked as a nursery nurse in private day nurseries and also as a childcare assessor. I have always enjoyed cooking and love the challenge of preparing nutritious, healthy meals that the children will enjoy.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 in Childcare
- 15 years’ experience in childcare
- Food Hygiene Level 2
The majority of other members of the childcare team are qualified to NVQ Level 3 or above, with some members of the team currently studying for additional qualifications. We have also trained all of our permanent staff in paediatric first aid to ensure that we can keep your child as safe as possible.
We also have a fantastic team of bank staff who are used on a regular basis to cover staff holidays and sickness, and therefore know all of the children at nursery very well. This means that we rarely need to use agency staff, and ensures that the children are cared for by familiar staff at all times.
Career opportunities
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to providing great career opportunities for its entire staff. We ensure the all staff participate in training at all levels. In particular, safeguarding training is provided to ensure that we can provide the very best care to our children. We will also ensure that First Aid and Food Hygiene courses are regularly available to you.
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. Currently we are recruiting for the following positions:
Apprentice Nursery Nurse
Nursery Nurse (Level 3 or above)
Nursery Assistants (Bank Staff)
Full and part time positions available.
Please call 01625 444706 for further information and to request an application form.
