The vast majority 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 & food Hygiene.
Michelle Mobey Co-Owner and Principal
Michelle is a Qualified Teacher holding a Bachelor of Education (Hons), Qualified teaching status as well as a Master of Arts Degree specialising in Early Years Education. She has been working in education and childcare for over 15 years, as well as bringing up her two children, who have attend/ attended their settings.
When asked why she wanted to work with children, Michelle replied ” I have always wanted to be work with children. I love their energy, honesty and their total love of everything fun and exciting. I really enjoy sharing new ideas and experiences with them. My hope is that I can create a fun, exciting and caring learning environment. I have a lot of patience, enthusiasm, creativity and enjoy helping children (and adults) to discover new things. I want to create an environment that is exciting and fun for the children and my staff. As long as children are given, love, support and encouragement they will succeed. Job satisfaction was the most important factor in choosing a career, and working with children, I believe, is the ultimate choice.”
Since moving to the UK, from South Africa in 2007, Michelle has worked for the National Autistic Society as a teacher creating highly motivating, sensory, dynamic and visually based lessons. After having her first child she branched out into Childminding and received an Outstanding from Ofsted. Michelle has experience of working with children who have multiple barriers to their learning with a vast array of needs and abilities. She hopes to pass on this knowledge to her staff and will use her previous experience as a sound base for coaching and staff development.
Michelle is a good people manager, believing that open honesty, clarity and consideration go a long way in inspiring the best from people. She has a strong work ethos and is highly adaptable, motivated and incredibly enthusiastic.
Simon Mobey Co-Owner, Maintenance and Facilities Manager
Simon is one of our owners, and is responsible for all things building, site and maintenance. He is a qualified electrician holding 17th Edition city & Guilds, CDM Construction Design Manager, British Safety Council Level 2 ‘Risk Assessment, Fire Warden, LGWSETA trade Test-Electrician (SA), National N3 Certificate (SA).
Simon has the amazing task of creating and building special requests for our team as well as building, upgrading and our fantastic Nursery. He works tirelessly in repairing, building and generally making our Amazing Nursery even more awesome.
In 2015 Michelle and Simon opened their first Nursery, Monkey Puzzle Irthlingborough. Michelle managed this until late 2016. In 2017 Michelle & Simon opened their second beautiful setting Monkey Puzzle Kettering. Following on from the success of these two amazing settings in, July 2018 Michelle and Simon took over ownership of Monkey Puzzle Bedford.
Dominique Smith – Nursery Manager, DSL / SENCO
Dominique is our wonderful Nursery Manager, Special Education Needs Co-ordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead. She holds a level 2 & 3 in Childcare, as well as a Leadership and Management qualification, she is also working towards her level 5 qualification in Management & Early Years. Dominique has always wanted to work in childcare and is passionate about early years and strives to enhance all children’s learning experiences, with a lot of experience with children with a range of abilities and disabilities. Dominique when asked why she wanted to work in childcare explained ‘I enjoy seeing children develop and grow into little people, it is the most rewarding experience.’
Sita Kakkad – Deputy Manager
My name is Sita and I work in preschool. I studied BA Education Studies at University and have a strong passion for working with children to help them learn and grow.
Qualifications and Training
* First Aid Training
* BA Education Studies
* Safeguarding
* Preschool Readiness Training.
* Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Vickie Payne – Room Leader
My name is Vickie, I have been working in childcare for 6 years and I have enjoyed it a lot! I started at Monkey Puzzle as a student from college but loved it so much I then started my apprenticeship at the nursery which helped me to gain my Level 3 qualification. I have had experience working in all rooms within the Nursery, but baby room is always my favourite and the age I enjoy the most. In my spare time I love to sing, go shopping and spend time with my family.
Qualifications and Training
* Level 3 diploma in children’s learning and development
* Paediatric first aid
* Level 2 in food and hygiene
* Basic safeguarding
* Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Casey Brownless – Room Leader
Hello, my name is Casey and I have just completed my level 3 qualification at Monkey Puzzle, and I am so happy to be qualified. They have supported me loads throughout my course, and I enjoyed every second.
Before joining childcare for 2 years I was studied business. I have lots of experience as I’m a eldest sibling of 5 with a huge family so I have done plenty of babysitting age ranging from infant to teenagers which I extremely enjoy.
I love watching and supporting the children in their learning and can’t wait to help them progress further. The bonds that I have gained already with the children and the parents is amazing. I can honestly say I’m really enjoying working at Monkey Puzzle Kettering.
Layla Coe –
My name is Layla. I have always had a passion for working with children and young people. I love to support them to grow and develop. I started studying Childcare back in 2006 and undertook a placement in a nursery.
In 2018 I obtained a Level 2 Teaching and Supporting Children and Young People in Schools qualification as well as had a placement in a primary school for two years.
I am now a qualified level 3 nursery practitioner at Monkey Puzzle and I have thoroughly enjoyed obtaining my Level 3 qualification in Childcare. Since being at Monkey Puzzle I have gained a Level 2 in Food and Hygiene and I am first aid trained.
Sophie Bryan – (level 2 qualified)
Hello, my name is Sophie, I am currently a level 2 qualified practitioner but am nearly finished my level 3 qualification. I have been working in childcare for nearly 3 years, I enjoy watching the children develop and make their own friends.
Lydia Al-Hariri – (Level 3 qualified)
Hello, my name is Lydia and I am a level 3 qualified nursery practitioner. I have experience with different age groups through all my placements during gaining my qualification. I have been searching for the right nursery for a few months and I have found the perfect one to start my childcare career in. I love getting messy with the children and listening to their imaginations run wild.
Madyson Fields – Apprentice
My name is Madyson, I enjoy being around children and watching them grow. I have a big family and enjoy spending time with my siblings and also my 2 year old nephew. I can’t wait to start training for my level 3 in childcare and learning new things every day. I have heard so many positives things about Monkey puzzle and I am excited to be part of their team!
Rosie Humphreys – (Nursery apprentice)
Hello my name is Rosie and I am excited to be gaining my level 3 through an apprenticeship with Monkey Puzzle. I enjoy getting so messy with the children and letting them get stuck in with lots of fun! I enjoy preschool age the most as I feel I can have more conversations with them and get more out of communicating with them.
Courtney Barnes – (Nursery Apprentice)
My name is Courtney, I have always been interested in working alongside children and watching them grow. I have a lot of experience as I babysit my siblings and younger cousins in my spare time which I really enjoy as I love seeing how they have all have developed throughout the years. l am very excited to start training for my level 3 in childcare and I can not wait to learn new things every day and be apart of the Monkey Puzzle team.
Sasha Willis – (Nursery Apprentice)
My name is Sasha and i am delighted to be starting my apprenticeship within childcare at Monkey Puzzle. I have always wanted to work with children and i love to look after and spend time with my young niece and nephew. I am excited to watch the children learn and develop and can not wait for my skills and knowledge to grow as part of the team!
Hannah – (Nursery Apprentice)
Hello my name is Hannah and I am currently doing my level 3 apprenticeship here at Monkey Puzzle. I love working with children and watching them grow. Before working at Monkey Puzzle I worked in two primary schools learning how to care and teach children. I have a real passion for childcare and love working with all the children.
Matthew Buonassisi – Maintenance/ Facilities Support
I am an energetic and enthusiastic person who is honest and Trustworthy, I am a good listener and enjoys working as a team and always willing to help. My hobbies include being a professional referee in football, going to the gym and watching my favourite team (Liverpool) play.
Qualifications and Training:
– Level 1 First Aid
– Health and Safety Training / CDM
– Fire Safety Training
– Risk Assessment Training
– Child Neglect Training
– Stress at Work
– Lone Working
– Safe Guarding Training
– Identifying Emotional Abuse Training
Katie – (chef)
Hello my name is Katie and I am delighted to have joined Monkey Puzzle to become their chef! For the past 20 years I have been a stay at home mum to take care of my lovely children and watch them grow, now they are all grown up and old enough to manager without me I thought why not return to work and try something new. I love cooking and have been around it my whole life as my dad was a chef so excited to see what it brings!
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.
This is a rapidly expanding business and we are always looking for quality staff for our existing Nurseries. Please contact us for details of our current vacancies.
