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.
Management & Room Leader
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.
Laura Currington – Nursery Manager
My name is Laura, and I started working here in May 2018.
I have worked in childcare for the past 11 years. I have gained the following qualifications along the way NVQ level 2 and 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development also passing my level 5 in leadership and management in childcare in May 2016. I have worked in both day nurseries and mainstream nursery schools, so feel I have experienced all areas.
I am very passionate about childcare and I am a person who believes in building very good partnerships with parents and families, as this will help support a child in their development. I am particularly interested in promoting independence, natural, sensory and messy play experiences.
I have been designated Safeguarding Officer and SEND Coordinator in my previous positions.
I am very keen on inputting children’s interests into the daily activities, as I feel if the child is interested they will learn more.
Qualifications & Training:
- NVQ level 5 in Leadership and management in Childcare
- Level 3 in Childcare & Education
- Designated Safeguarding Officer
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-Ordinator
- FGM
- Food hygiene
- Paediatric First Aid
- Prevent Duty
- Health and safety
- Safe sleeping for babies
- Behaviour management
- Working in Partnership with Parents
- Courageous conversations
Laura-Jade Lampard- Deputy Manager
My names Laura – Jade, I’m a Deputy here at Monkey Puzzle Bedford. I have previously worked at the Irthingborough site, where I was a Room Leader. I have worked in childcare since I was 18, I took a year break since then and soon came back as I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else. I love being part of a childs world and really getting involved in their play. I have been a nanny, practitioner and room leader which all gave me the same joy! I also love singin ‘Let it go’ at the top of my lungs!
- Level 3
- First aid
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
- Behaviour Management
- 123 Magic (behaviour support)
- Makaton
- EYFS Training
- Risk Taking
- Play for boys
Danniella Watson – Baby Room Leader
My name is Daniella Watson (Dani) and I am the room leader of the baby room here at Monkey Puzzle Bedford.
I have over 10 years experience working in childcare and have had the pleasure of looking after a range of ages of children from 0-10 years old, in different childcare settings, including nurseries and nannying.
I love working with babies and being apart of supporting their growth and development. Their joy and excitement from learning and exploring new things is infectious.
As a mother myself to a little boy I feel I am very passionate about making sure the baby room has a loving, caring, home from home feel about it.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my son, partner and our large families. We love to explore new places and socialise with our friends and their children.
Qualifications & Training:
- NVQ level 3 in childcare
- Food hygiene
- Health and safety
- Paediatric first aid & first aid at work
- Safeguarding
- Prevent duty
- Safe sleeping for babies
- FGM
- Early child development
- Talk for all – communication
- Behaviour management
Vanessa Warren – Room Leader
My name is Vanessa, I qualified 7 years ago and have worked in different parts of childcare. I am level 3 qualified and have worked in nurseries for the last 3 years. I love looking after children and watching them grow into young people. I spend a lot of time with my friends children outside of work and look after my young nephews who I love and adore. My hobbies outside work are music, I play the tuba in a local band, I enjoy country walks and being outside.
- Level 3 qualified
- Food Hygiene
- Safeguarding
- FGM
- First aid
Paige Skelton – Preschool Room Leader
My name is Paige and I have worked in childcare for the past 8 years. I have worked with all ages in this time from babies to pre-school. I am very passionate about my job, helping children grow and learn. I enjoy being creative and messy to support the children’s play. I am level 3 qualified in childcare and education
- First aid
- Level 3 Childcare and Education
- Safeguarding
Zoe Gimlinge – Acting Room leader
Hi I’m Zoe, I work in the Toddler room. I have been working here for nearly 2 years now. I am level 2 qualified and working towards my level 3. I started to show interest in working with small children when I used to teach swimming lessons to preschoolers. I have a real passion for all things messy play and edible and like to show off my creative side by creating some enhanced sensory environments for the children to enjoy.
Qualifications & Training:
- Safe sleeping for babies
- Food hygiene
- FGM
- Safeguarding
- Prevent duty
- Health and safety at work
- Sing and sign
- First aid
- Level 1 swim teacher
- Level 2 in early years
- Spoken languages: – English – French
Nursery Practitioners
Ellie Francis – Nursery Practitioner
Kofo Oni – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Kofo Oni, a nursery Practitioner with Monkey Puzzle, Bedford. I am a qualified Level 3 National Diploma holder in children’s care. With deep interest in the care of children, I have been working at Monkey Puzzle since 2016, as a nursery Practitioner. I also worked in various childcare settings in the past. First, in 2012, I worked as a classroom assistant in a nursery section, as a volunteer, at St. Joseph Lower School in Bedford. Second, in 2015, I worked as a lunch-cover staff at Livingstone Primary School in Bedford. Finally, I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Early Years) at a UK University.
Qualifications & Training:
- Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Care
- Early Child Development Certificate
- Creative Awareness of Children
- Abuse and Neglect
- Health and Safety at Work
- FGM/ Prevent Duty
- Safeguarding
Currently studying for a Degree (Early Years) at a UK University
Stacy Giddings – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Stacy I am Deputy manager at monkey puzzle Bedford. I have worked at monkey puzzle for just over 5 years and have progressed from a volunteer to the current Deputy manager this has been an amazing experience and I have enjoyed being part of the progression of all children that have joined us along the years. From a young age I wanted to work with children and knew that I would love to make a career of it, the enjoyment to see the individual development of each child is amazing.
In my spare time I love socialising with my friend and spending quality time with my family
Qualifications & Training:
- Level 3 childcare and education
- First aid at work
- Paediatric first aid
- Inclusive practice
- play care and development from 0-2 years
- Food safety
- five to thrive
- Designated Safeguarding officer
- sing and sign
- FGM
- Prevent duty
- health and safety at work
- Behaviour management training
Dorothy Summerfield – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Dorothy, I have worked in childcare for over 30 years but if you include my own children grandchildren it is nearer to 50 years.
I am level 3 qualified and also have pediatric first aid, safeguarding food hygiene FGM
Over the years I have done courses on treasure baskets, behaviour management, sing and sign. I tried to retire for 15 months but found that working with young children was so very rewarding I couldn’t stay away.
- Level 3 qualified
- Behaviour management
- Sing and sign
- Food Hygiene
- First aid
Christine Daniel – Lunch Cover
Hello, my name is Chrissy and I have been working at Monkey Puzzle Bedford for 4 years now. In total I have worked in childcare for 23years, I really enjoy getting crafty with the children and helping them to make masterpieces. I am relief staff so I am able to spend time in each room, it’s a joy to spend time with different ages!
Of a weekend I work in my local charity shop as a volunteer, which I also really enjoy! I also love to go and see my family and spend lots of time with them.
Qualification & Training:
- Basic safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
- First aid
Amber Gallagher – Lunch Cover
Laura Stella – Relief Staff
My name is Laura and I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Arts in Early Years Education which is helping me to gain understanding of the importance of play in children’s development. Before joining Monkey Puzzle I had previous experience as an au pair and as a nanny. I have always been passionate in working with children as I feel it can be fun and rewarding.
Qualifications & Training:
- Basic safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
- Health and safety at work
Rebecca Reid – Relief Staff
Hi I’m Rebecca, I work mostly in the baby room an other areas when needed as part of the relief team. I have 28 years experience working as a childminder for under 3s, with lots of experience with young babies. I understand the importance that a positive partnership with parents has on a setting. I am level 3 qualified and up to date on all relevant training including first aid and safeguarding. My interests outside of work include travelling, gardening and cooking.
Qualifications & Training:
- Level 3 qualified
- First Aid
- Safeguarding
- Prevent Duty
Nursery Apprentices
Megan Drury – Nursery Apprentice
Hello my name is Megan and I am an apprentice here at monkey puzzle Bedford I am based in the preschool room. I started out visiting as agency but loved it here so much I decided not to leave! Although currently unqualified I’m working towards it every day. My love for children has always been a part of my life and I have years of babysitting under my belt. I have a University degree in Art and think of myself as a very creative person. I’m not one to shy away from mess or a challenge. I also volunteer for Bedford Hospital learning and assisting teaching, in aspects from trauma training to basic life support and first aid. In my time away from work I am a massive vintage enthusiast and spend most day light hours listening to retro music and collecting clothes and memorabilia or baking and dancing. I’m also a bit of a Disney fanatic which always helps you connect with children!
Qualifications & Training:
- Basic Safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
Kirsty Brookbanks – Nursery Apprentice
Hi im Kirsty, I work in the purple room at Monkey puzzle Bedford. I’ve recently started an apprenticeship and I’m working towards my level 3 qualification in childcare. I was lucky enough to have found the job thanks to a family friend suggesting I would be great working with children, since then I have enjoyed every moment working here and look forward to coming into work and seeing the babies development. I’ve had experience of looking after children through various babysitting jobs for friends and family. I studied different courses at college so I’m excited to bring my creativity to the baby room. I am trained in safeguarding, prevent duty, FGM and Safe sleeping for Babies. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and keeping fit and healthy by going to the gym
Qualifications & Training:
- Basic Safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
- Sleeping babies (SIDS)
- Early Child Development
Rebecca Hadley – Nursery Apprentice
My name is Rebecca, I’m 24 years old, I work in the Toddler room and I’m currently starting my Level 3 Apprenticeship. I enjoy working with children and seeing them grow and develop is rewarding.
I received a 2.1 in my undergraduate degree in Media Production and a merit in my post graduate in Film Television by Creative Practice.
I am hoping to achieve my qualification in Childcare and making a difference in a child’s life.
Qualifications & Training
- Basic Safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
- Food Hygiene
Teashana – Housekeeping
Godfrey Martin – Caretaker
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.
