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.
Alexandra Wallis – Nursery Manager
I adore my job and thrive off seeing the children flourish, I love having good relationships with parents. After running the Baby Room I was offered a promotion here at Monkey Puzzle Bedford. I was delighted with the opportunity to further my career and have always been excited to try new things. I love watching children’s minds develop, understand, and think. I have a deep love of children of different ages and getting to know their little personalities. Myself and my team strive to provide best possible home from home experience for the children, and I am so excited for the future of the nursery. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family. I am very proud of the family orientated, welcoming setting we have created. I am currently working towards my Level 5 in childcare and management.
FUN FACT: I Love the colour yellow, sunflowers and watching musical theatre.
Qualifications & Training:
- Level 3 childcare and education
- First aid at work
- Paediatric first aid
- Designated Safeguarding
- SENCO Training
- 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
Languages: English
Deputy Manager – Saskia Powell
I have been working in childcare for at least 5 years, I have transferred from our sister setting in Irthlingborough where I was a toddler room leader. I have recently completed my level 5 qualification. I love working with children because I love watching their little personalities come through.
Qualifications and Training
- Emergency first response
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Paediatric First Aid
- Food Hygiene Level 2
- SENDCO
- Health and Safety at work
- Safe sleeping for babies and reducing the risk of SIDS
- Female genital mutilation, preventing and recognising FGM
- Prevent training
- Safeguarding training
- Behaviour management
Deputy Manager – Chloe Hollis
Qualifications and Training
- Emergency first response
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Paediatric First Aid
- Food Hygiene Level 2
- SENDCO
- Health and Safety at work
- Safe sleeping for babies and reducing the risk of SIDS
- Female genital mutilation, preventing and recognising FGM
- Prevent training
- Safeguarding training
- Behaviour management
Preschool Room Leader – Ellie Short
My name is Ellie and I am the Baby Room Leader. I never knew what I wanted to do for a career but after spending some time at Monkey Puzzle, I knew that childcare was it for me. It is so rewarding to see children grow and be a positive influence in their lives. I started as an apprentice at Monkey Puzzle to get my qualification and have progressed to being the Baby Room leader.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my family friends. I also like to listen to music and keep active.
FUN FACT: Really good swimmer
Qualifications and Training
- Emergency first response
- Paediatric first aid
- Food safety and hygiene level 2
- Health and safety at work
- Safe sleeping for babies and reducing the risk of SIDS
- Female genital mutilation, preventing and recognising FGM
- Prevent training
- Safeguarding training
- Behaviour management
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Georgia Church – Toddler Room Leader
I have recently completed my level 3 qualification in childcare, while working at Monkey Puzzle Bedford since September 2019. In doing this I have gained lots of hands on experience. I have had experience with working with all age ranges, and now enjoy working with the children in the Blue room. I love getting messy
In my spare time I enjoying spending time with my family and friends and watching the football.
Qualifications and Training
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Childcare Level 2
- Childcare Level 3
- Level 2 food Hygiene
- Safeguarding
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
- 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
Languages: English
Baby Room Leader – Esther Bell
I have been in childcare for 7 years. My daughter attends Monkey Puzzle Bedford. The opportunity arose to join as the Toddler Room Leader and I jumped at the chance to join the wonderful setting. I love to watching children learn and grow.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
FUN FACT: Really good at TikToks!
Qualifications and Training
- Grade B in English
- Level 2 Public Services
- Level 2 Customer Service
- Level 3 childcare – Pending as in progress.
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
- Basic Safeguarding
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
Languages: English
Nursery Practitioners
Kofo Oni – Nursery Practitioner
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 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
Languages: English
Stacy Giddings – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Stacy I am a Nursery Practitioner at Monkey puzzle Bedford. I have worked at monkey puzzle for just over 8 years and have progressed from a volunteer to Deputy Manager. After having my son I returned as a Nursery Practitioner. 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 friends 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
FUN FACT: Can draw cartoon animals
Languages: English, basic French
Bethany Wright – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Beth, and I have just finished my Level 3 as an apprentice here at Monkey Puzzle! I love getting messy with the children and researching new activities that they love but also really learn from! I have experience with all the rooms, and I can’t pick a favourite age!
Katy James – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Katy and I am a level 3 qualified practitioner here at Monkey Puzzle Bedford. I have experience with all age ranges and adore being in the sensory room and you will often find me running around with the children in the Garden!
Kirsty Oliver – Nursery Practitioner
I work currently in the Toddler Room and love to get messy, especially with the glitter! I am the first to get the children outside in the Garden, especially if that means we can splash in the water.
Susanna Shreeves – Nursery Practitioner
Hi! My name is Susanna and I work 2 days a week here and love it! I really enjoy being creative and have a special talent for making fabulous play dough! I have 2 of my own children and plenty of experience in childcare – I just love watching them grow!
Millie Hodson – Nursery Practitioner
My name is Millie and I am super close to being a Level 3 and I cannot wait! I used to be a dancer, and I love having dance parties with the children and showing them my best moves! I am a creative girl so you will usually find me drawing and colour
Fun Fact: Ballerina
Language: English, basic sign language
Christy Harrington – Assistant Nursery Practitioner
Hello! I am Christy and I am an Assistant Practitioner. I have my own child who is 10, and I absolute adore working in the Toddler Room. I am happy to get stuck into anything – especially if it means we can all get a little messy while having fun!
Amy Hathaway- Nursery Apprentice
Hi, my name is Amy, and I am a Nursery Apprentice. I loved getting creative and celebrating special occasions with the children. I am always happy to help and will always have a smile on my face!
Fun Fact – I am very creative!
Tegan Harris – Nursery Apprentice
Hello my name is Tegan and I am an apprentice at Monkey Puzzle. I haven’t been here very long but have just loved every second of watching the children grow and develop. I love seeing the children have fun and get messy!
Fun Fact: I won employee of the month on my first month of working here!
Languages: English
Facilities Support
Radheka Gharu – Chef
Martin Wright – Facilities Support
Ive been with Monkey Puzzle since October 2021. I enjoy making things and helping children in the setting. I have found working at monkey Puzzle really interesting, with everyday being different. I have a grown up son and really enjoy football
FUN FACT: can do amazing pencil drawings
Qualifications & Training:
- First aid at work
- Paediatric first aid
- Basic Safeguarding
- Level 2 Food Hygiene
- FGM
- Prevent duty
- health and safety at work
- PAT testing
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.
Monkey Puzzle Bedford
