Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley

Park House, 16 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9PJ
Review Us
8.6 55 Reviews
Monkey Puzzle East Finchley is conveniently located directly opposite East Finchley tube station and adjacent to Cherry Tree Woods. There is a car park located at the rear of the building which can be used to drop off and collect children. The nursery has large bright welcoming spaces and has been fully refurbished. Each age group has its own dedicated room, tailored to meet the needs of individual children. All curriculum planning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, is child led and initiated by children's interests to ensure that all children have a unique and absorbing learning experience to help them enjoy and achieve their full potential.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Person in charge

  • Jenny Eracleous (Operations Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 80

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Session Times:
    Full Day: 08:00-18:30
    Half Day: 8:00am – 13:00pm or 13:30pm – 18:30pm


    Under 3 year olds (3 months – 3 years):
    Full Day – £103.90
    Half Day – £66.95


    Over 3 year olds (3 – 5 years):
    Full Day – £93.90
    Half Day – £61.95


    2/3/4 year old funding options available

  • Nursery fees updated from April 2024.
    Please see our website for further fee information.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:30
    Tuesday 08:00-18:30
    Wednesday 08:00-18:30
    Thursday 08:00-18:30
    Friday 08:00-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Inset Days & Christmas

Parking

  • Car Park info when coming from Highgate.


    Car park available for staff, parents and visitors.


    Past East Finchley station on your left,
    Next set of traffic lights turn right (Fortis Green),
    Then second right (Park Hall Road),
    Then first right (Baronsmere Road),
    Then left down Ingram Road – turn right at the bottom of Ingram Road. It looks like a dead end but it’s not, you’ll come to the nursery car park.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley Reviews (55)

Total of 55, showing 1-20
8.6

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.563) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley has 55 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Linda N (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended Monkey Puzzle from the age of 1 until she started school at 5. We were delighted with this nursery and were so sad when she had to go to school. All areas of the nursery were excellent from the baby room to pre-school. The staff clearly knew the children well and they provided a
stable, caring and consistent environment for all the children. I was so impressed by the way all the activities were tailored for each child's needs and levels of development. Each day was filled with activities to challenge and develop every child. The children were all included in every activity and any disputes between the children were handled brilliantly. The staff were very wise in their interactions with the kids and their parents and we learned a lot from them as first-time parents. The food was brilliant and the team managed to deal with our daughter's allergies without any issues. The management team were excellent. Highly recommend this for any child.

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Review from K P (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fabulous nursery. They do everything you'd expect, art, colouring and activities but the thing my son loves most are the everyday extras, forest school twice a week, street dance, yoga, campfires, wood work and pony rides on special occasions.
It is magic, the staff are lovely. The children
well behaved. I can't rate it nicely enough.

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Review from Claire L (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has absolutely loved her time in Babies at Monkey Puzzle for the last 6 months and we are very sad to be moving away from this nursery.
From the moment you step into Monkey Puzzle, you are made to feel welcome. Everyone in Babies knew my daughter very well, you could go and drop off/pick
up from the room and whoever was available would happily chat with me about her day.
It feels like a small town nursery with a huge emphasis on the outdoors. Kids are taken out on excursions to the park, shops and coffee shops! They go outside multiple times a day whatever the weather and eat/sleep outside when it suits. It is this level of ingenuity and focus on giving children wonderful experiences which meant Monkey Puzzle overdelivered on all our expectations.
Babies room has a separate dark sleeping room, the food is fantastic and they have an app to keep you updated on their day.
I highly recommend Monkey Puzzle after our fantastic experience! It is a wonderful team with kind, loving, experienced staff.

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Review from Ella P (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children attended the nursery from Baby room right up to Preschool and we never had any doubts about their care and learning. Staff here really make an effort to know and encourage your child as an individual, it's a very warm environment, with lots of opportunities for discovery and play.
My boys really enjoyed all the activities they had throughout the year celebrating and learning about all the important cultural celebrations, from Chinese New Year to Diwali and Hannukah there really is an effort to support and celebrate children and families from all backgrounds. I never had any concerns about the care my kids received here and wholeheartedly recommend them.

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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It's been almost 2 years since we joined Monkey Puzzle, East Finchley. Management and staff are extremely loving, caring and professional. This place is the best one we came across so far, and planning to send our second baby there soon!
They are all perfect in any way you can imagine! We would 100%
recommend!

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Review from Zara J (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All three of my children have attended the nursery from the baby room through to preschool and so we have been connected to it for the last decade. Sadly my youngest is soon to start school and so our Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery journey is coming to an end. The team are so wonderful that they are an extension
of our family. It can feel like a very vulnerable position handing over the care of your child to another, but I can say with confidence that your child is in safe hands. The children are truly loved by the staff and are given such wonderful learning experiences. I have been so impressed with how there is a constant strive for improvement, to make sure that the children have the best possible opportunities. I feel that I could not have given my girls a better start in life and will be forever grateful for their time at the nursery.

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Review from Kim P (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has attended Monkey Puzzle East Finchley for the past 2 years since he was 10 months old, and he's loved every minute. Right from his settling in sessions, we were put at ease and could breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that he was happy there. Looking for a nursery can be a daunting experience
as a first time parent, but the staff at Monkey Puzzle have been reassuring throughout. Our son's learning and development has come on leaps and bounds during his time here, and he's made some wonderful friends that he's moved up with from the baby room to tweenies and now toddlers. He loves the staff and we can see how much time and effort they put into his experience too. We really couldn't recommend this nursery more.

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Review from Viktorija U (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my daughters absolutely love this nursery!
They always have fun and learn a lot of new things.
Very sad that one of my daughters is leaving for school this year.
We are very excited to spend a few more years with this great team with my second daughter.

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Review from A G (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Monkey puzzle East Finchley is like your extended family - they looked after my firstborn since she was 6 months old till graduation from preschool. My second child is now in the baby room and I couldn't think of any other nursery to put her in other than this one. We were very happy with the very professional
management team and all teachers in the different rooms e.g. baby / Tweenies/ Toddler/ Preschool. I would recommend to talk to the nursery management team if you have any queries or concerns and never assume anything.

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Review from Maria G (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined Monkey Puzzle some months ago. We had a bad experience in his previous nursery and we were a bit nervous about it. Since the first visit, our gut feeling told us this was the place we were looking for. It is a nurturing environment. At Monkey Puzzle they really care about the children
and it feels like a second family. Since my son joined the nursery he has bloomed and he is so happy. I love how we are kept informed about his day and his developmental milestones. The activities the kids do during the day help their development and stimulate their curiosity. They even eat and, sometimes, take the nap in the garden, visit the neighbourhood park and get confident with little pets. The management, the teachers, the whole staff are amazing and caring. My son adores the food there too. My second child will join the baby's room soon and we are very excited to spend many years with this great team.

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Review from E K (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at Monkey Puzzle and cannot recommend it highly enough. Both children charge into nursery every morning and leave with enormous smiles. The children explore, play and learn according to their own preferences but are certainly challenged to try new things. The teachers are enormously
caring and communicative and are loved by the children in turn.


Whilst my children have been attending, Monkey Puzzle has made continual innovations to improve an already excellent nursery. The Forest School is particularly well loved and the variety and nutrition provided by the food is really excellent.

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Review from Hila Z (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m absolutely sure my child was happy during his stay at Monkey Puzzle since every day when we arrived, he would start smiling and be happy to get in. I always felt that the staff had listened to my concerns and did their best to accommodate requests.

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Review from Amy L (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Monkey Puzzle for just over a year. He joined Tweenies and has since moved up to Toddlers. I would highly recommend Monkey Puzzle. The team are so warm, nurturing and knowledgeable. They provide a stimulating, fun and caring environment and there is such a family feel. My son loves
nursery and always comes out smiling. I am a child psychologist and have no qualms about moving my children out of settings if I don’t think they are right, but I am and have continued to be so impressed with Monkey Puzzle from day one. I feel very lucky that we have such a wonderful setting in our local area. Thank you to the manager and all the team for their ongoing support and for giving my boy such a great nursery experience.

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Review from Y Y (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley has consistently exceeded my expectation. The management staff are always helpful and work efficiently with the parent. Teachers are well trained, they are passionate in their teaching and caring to the children. My daughter started to love this place from the
first day of school settling. She has a favourite teacher, she is lovely teacher, showing her warm and friendly smile to all the children and parents. I highly recommend this nursery for child development, communication and setting up a good habit with children.

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Review from Marsha B (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were part of the Monkey Puzzle family for 6 years until our youngest child started school. We were impressed from our first visit because it was obvious how caring and approachable the now manager was with the children. I'm grateful for the staff making us feel so comfortable leaving our children
for the first time when they started and for providing such a fun and caring environment for them. They've also been very helpful to us over the years. Great staff, great place - can't recommend highly enough!

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Review from Aleksandra V (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley last year October while walking home. My son had already been with a different nursery at that time but I decided to move him to Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley and it was the best decision I have made. I wish I could have done this earlier! Monkey
Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley team are amazing, very polite and always update parents with their children achievements. My son is always excited to go to nursery and is so happy after leaving. Very amazing experience. Thank you so much! I will definitely send my other child to Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley once they are born.

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Review from Leslie G (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter attended Monkey Puzzle from the time she was 1 - 2 and a half. We have absolutely loved our experience with Monkey Puzzle and the teachers, environment and the other parents and children. It is a real community nursery where you get to know the other kids and parents and see familiar faces
every day. We love the app that allows you to see what your child is up to all day. The staff are quick to reply to any concerns you may have and help fix any issues. They have wonderful healthy food for the kids and can accommodate any dietary requirements.


The transparency and responsibility they showed during Covid was second to none. The new procedures and rules they implemented were responsible and appropriate.


Unfortunately, we have moved back to the US and had to leave Monkey Puzzle. We still miss it all the time despite our child being in a new nursery. There are things that Monkey Puzzle does so well that our new nursery just falls short of. I highly recommend Monkey Puzzle.

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Review from James O (Father of Child) published on 26 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so happy with Monkey Puzzle for our daughter and will be sending our son there too. All of the staff are so caring and enthusiastic about working with the children. The management are fantastic and have given us so much confidence and peace of mind that our children will be well cared for
and will love their time at nursery. Our daughter cannot wait to get to nursery in the mornings and has made such good progress during her time there.

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Review from Ruth S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Monkey Puzzle East Finchley for the last two years. We have been so impressed by the level of care, attention and consideration shown by each and every member of staff. The children are well-fed, have a variety of stimulating games and crafts but are also allowed their independence
to explore and develop relationships. We are so happy our daughter is there and have even kept her there when we moved home because we know she enjoys it so much. We love the diversity and how the children are encouraged to learn about different cultures, religions and languages. Would highly recommend to other parents considering this nursery.

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Review from Lisa B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been absolutely fantastic for our children so far. The eldest started in the baby room at 10 months old and has just turned 4. The youngest is 1 and has just started in the baby room. To see how our son has blossomed under the care of the team at Monkey Puzzle has been amazing. He really
struggled at first and the manager and her team showed so much support for him (and us!), it was incredible. He comes home every day bubbling with the excitement of what he’s done now. The management team is very hands-on, responsive, caring and professional. I can’t recommend the nursery enough as somewhere to trust with your children.

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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.563)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.563) out of 10 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.6 out of 5 from 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.938 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley is calculated as follows: ( (45 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.938

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.625 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley is based on 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.375

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 80 number of registered child places is 16. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.25

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (4)

Paula

Paula

Job Title: Nursery Owner

Joined: 2011

Paula is the owner of Monkey Puzzle East Finchley branch, which she opened in September 2011.
Jenny

Jenny

Job Title: Operations Manager

Joined: 2011

Jenny has over 20 years of experience working in childcare. She has been with Monkey Puzzle since we first opened our doors in 2011. Jenny takes on the responsibilities of lead safeguarding officer and behaviour management coordinator within the nursery. Her role is to support children, staff and parents in every way possible. Her aim is to make Monkey Puzzle a warm and comfortable environment where children grow in confidence and thrive.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

- Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development - Level 5 in Management - Emergency First Aid at Work - Paediatric First Aid - Fire Warden - Fluent in Greek - Food Hygiene Level 2 - Qualified Mental Health First Aider - Safeguarding – designated person - Safer Recruitment - Prevent Duty for Managers - FGM
... Read more
Agnieszka (Aga)

Agnieszka (Aga)

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2012

Aga has committed nearly 15 of those years to Monkey Puzzle. She started with us as a nursery practitioner and successfully worked her way up to the Deputy Manager position. Aga has been working with children since 2008 and specialises in supporting children with additional needs, health & safety, and risk management. Aga also acts as our deputy safeguarding officer.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

- Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. - Level 2 in Team Leading - Level 2 in Health and Safety - Level 2 in Equality and Diversity - Paediatric First Aid - Emergency First Aid at Work - Safeguarding – designated person
... Read more
Mira

Mira

Job Title: Third in Charge

Joined: 2018

Mira joined Monkey Puzzle in 2018 as the Preschool Room Leader and is now our Third in Charge, working across all of the rooms to support the children and staff. Mira’s approach is consistently child-led and she is passionate about providing children autonomy in their learning to explore and grow their confidence in themselves. Mira also acts as one of our designated safeguarding officers...

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

- Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma - Fire Warden - Mental Health First Aider - Paediatric First Aid - Emergency First Aid at Work - Safer Recruitment - Prevent Duty for Managers - Safeguarding - Food Safety Level 2
... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley

What is the Age Range of Children that Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley accepts?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley Open?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley is open: Monday 08:00-18:30, Tuesday 08:00-18:30, Wednesday 08:00-18:30, Thursday 08:00-18:30, Friday 08:00-18:30.

How many Children does Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley have capacity for?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley has capacity for a total of 80 Children.

How far is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley to the centre of London?

5.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery East Finchley has an Enhanced Service - more info.