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.
Lisa Livsey – Regional Manager
Lisa is qualified to CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education, as well as Level 2 Team Leading and is working towards her NVQ Level 5. Lisa is also a qualified emergency first responder. She has Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 food Hygiene and Lisa is fluent in British sign language. Lisa is a great mentor to all our staff. Lisa has 10 years’ worth of experience working in nurseries and she will be using her experience and knowledge throughout all 3 nurseries to ensure the nurseries are achieving to the best of their abilities. She loves working with children of all ages as well as assisting and enhancing their development and sharing many precious milestones.
Dominique Smith- Nursery Manager, SEND & DSL
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.’
Alicia Hurst – Deputy manager and Yellow room leader
Our very enthusiastic Deputy Manager has been with Monkey Puzzle since June 2017. Alicia has a Level 3 Qualification in childcare and is working towards her level 5 qualification in Management & Early Years. Alicia loves ‘supporting the children to grow and learn’.
Chloe Wright – Blue Room Leader
I am very excited to start the role as Acting Room Leader. My experience ranges from looking after younger family members and having volunteered in many different settings. I’m looking forward to bringing my creative side into the setting and giving the children opportunities to have new experiences.”
Rebecca, Nursery Practitioner
I completed my level 2 & 3 (diploma) in childcare back in 2010. I worked in various schools & nurseries but left in 2012 to have my daughter. I have recently got back into childcare after joining Monkey Puzzle in August 2018 as Bank staff. I am looking forward to bringing my previous experience into the setting & expanding my skills further throughout my time here.
Katie Tyler, Nursery Practitioner
Hello my name is Katie. I am a qualified level 3 childcare practitioner who loves to see children grow and develop. I also have my SENCO qualification which allows to work alongside children with special needs, this fills me with so much happiness to be able to support children to the best ability I can and ensuring they are getting the best out of each learning opportunity possible. At my previous nursery I worked with the toddlers and I am pleased to be staying with this age group as they are my favourite.
Arlee Roe – Purple room leader
At the age of 25 I have finally decided which career path I would like to take. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into the daily routines and sharing my caring nature with the team and children. I also have a true love for Disney. My aim is to complete my apprenticeship as soon as possible, as I look forward to being a qualified Level 3 practitioner.
Elizabeth Cox – Nursery practitioner
My name is Elizabeth and after finishing college studying Media, I have decided that I want to begin an apprenticeship in a nursery as my desire is to become a level 3 qualified practitioner. Working at Monkey Puzzle will give me the hands on experience and learning opportunities needed in order to gain this.
Casey Brownless, Apprentice
Hello my name is Casey and I am an apprentice training for my level 3 qualification.
I’m very new to childcare as for 2 years I was studying business. I have previous 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 enjoyed.
I love watching and supporting this children progress in their learning and can’t wait to help them progress further for their futures. 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 and looking forward to being a qualified Nursery Practitioner.
Layla Coe, Apprentice
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 currently a Nursery Apprentice at Monkey Puzzle and I am looking forward to 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.
Lisa Williams, Our Fantastic Nursery Chef
I am a mum of four, who has always loved to cook and have a Level 2 in food hygiene. With many years’ experience working in Nursery/School kitchens, I naturally have a passion when it comes to enhancing the children’s nutritional experiences when at nursery. I do love to make things from scratch ranging from pastry, bread and every sauce you could think of. I have already begun to cook with the children regularly which is a lovely experience for all of us.
Fergus Murray, Facilities Support
Hi, I’m Fergus, I have 5 years’ experience working with children. I am Level 3 (EYE) Qualified. I love working with children cause they are all characters and each day is full of smiles! I took a bit of time away working with children to explore other interests of mine. I really missed working in the childcare industry and when this opportunity arose I was very excited to take this on. I am very lucky to be in the position I am where I can be a support around the nursery and within the rooms as well. In my spare time I enjoy playing rugby for Long Buckby. Don’t be afraid to say hello if you see me around the nursery .
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.
