Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Hartley Wintney

Nursery Owner, Nursery Manager, DSL & SENCO - Level 3.

Since volunteering at a local nursery helping children for whom English was not their first language, I have had a strong desire to work with children. After the birth of my eldest son Chester, I realised I really did not want to return to the daily grind of commuting to London, not really knowing who was looking after him, and decided the only way forward was to start a nursery business that offers the opportunity to be actively involved in his day to daycare, and an exciting change of career whilst using my existing skills gained throughout my employment.

I hold an LLB (Hons) Law degree and PGDip in Legal Practice and have worked in various roles in law, finance and compliance.

As a mum, I will ensure that the nursery runs to the highest of standards so that all children benefit from the same level of care as I would expect for my own. I want my nursery to feel like a second home to the children (it is my second home too, after all!), where they feel comfortable, safe and secure, whilst benefiting from a stimulating learning environment. Read less

Nursery Owner.

As Cherry’s business partner and co-owner of Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney, my role is that of Director of Finance, preparing the monthly payroll and maintaining the business accounts. When I am called upon, I will roll up my sleeves and do the cleaning, the cooking, provide lunch cover support, decorate, and I have been known to do some gardening.

I have 3 beautiful and talented daughters and four terrific grandchildren, not to mention two delightful sons-in-law, all of whom I am extremely proud.

Some of the job roles I have held during my working life include working as a nanny/housekeeper in Canada to 3 lovely children, who are now grown up with families of their own; as a Systems Analyst for the MoD and as a teacher of maths and IT in a grammar school.

I really enjoy watching the children learn and grow within our lovely nursery, and I enjoy seeing the children all engaged in a multitude of fun and exciting activities. Read less

Assistant Manager & DSL - Level 3.

In January 2018, I emigrated to the UK from South Africa, where I started this amazing job at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney. I started working as a Nursery Assistant in Hedgehogs Room, then in October 2019, I was promoted to Room Leader. In October 2022, I was blessed with a little baby girl of my own, returning to work in October 2023 as Preschool Room Leader.

My choice of career was due to the arrival of my beautiful baby sister, who is 13 years younger than me.

Watching her grow and teaching her new things made my heart happy, and I knew that teaching was the career for me. I now have my Level 3 in Childcare and Development as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of South Africa.

I enjoy spending time with my daughter and husband, going out with family and friends, and my favourite hobby is swimming.

I love working with children, watching them grow and helping them develop through playing and having fun. Every day is a good day when working with babies and young children. Read less

Deputy Nursery Manager, DSL, Squirrels Room Leader and Curriculum Coordinator - Level 3.

I joined the Monkey Puzzle at Hartley Wintney team in the summer of 2021 after working in various nurseries and preschools over the past 23 years, as well as having two grown-up daughters of my own.

Over the years of working with young children, I have been fascinated by finding out how children’s minds work and what motivates them to learn and develop. I have completed courses in ASD and SENCO training and have extended my understanding by attending seminars with leading childcare experts to make sure my knowledge is current and relevant.

I have always felt privileged to be entrusted with the care and development of the most important being in a person’s world, and enjoy the variety of every day being different. Read less

Babies' Room: Room Leader - Level 3.

I’ve worked in childcare for 10 years now and explored various roles. I feel passionately about creating a safe, fun environment for children to learn and grow.

I love exploring and travelling when I’m not working! Read less

Babies' Room: Senior Nursery Practitioner - Level 3.

I joined Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney as an Apprentice in February 2023, with a view to starting a career in Early Years. In October 2024, I gained my Level 3 Qualification in Early Years & Childcare Education.

Having previously worked in a lot of customer-facing roles, I have met a lot of new Mums with their children, and I love watching children grow and develop. I want to be a part of that process, working with the children in the nursery to learn new skills and develop their understanding of the world, and I look forward to progressing my career at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney. Read less

Toddlers Room: Senior Nursery Practitioner - Level 3.

I’ve been at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney since August 2020 and work in Squirrels Room as a Nursery Practitioner. I joined the nursery as an Apprentice before later qualifying as a Nursery Practitioner. Since having two younger siblings, I became interested in children’s learning and development. I love how rewarding my job is in being able to watch and help children grow and learn, as well as having lots of fun.

Outside of work, I enjoy football, reading and playing guitar. With this, I love incorporating and sharing my interest in sports and music with the children! Read less

Toddlers Room: Nursery Practitioner - Level 3.

I started my career in childcare in 2017 after the birth of my first son. I opened up a childminding business and fell in love with watching how children grow, develop, and learn through their play. I was offered an opportunity at a preschool setting, where I then worked for three years. During this time, I was able to complete my level 3 early years educator qualification. I joined Monkey Puzzle in September 2022 and feel privileged to be a part of a wonderful team.

In my spare time, I love to create new and exciting memories for my two children and spend time together as a family. Read less

Preschool Room: Room Leader & Early Years Teacher.

I moved away from a career as a Computer Programmer and into childcare when my eldest child was born in 2006. I then spent 12 years as a Childminder to enable me to look after my own children and others in a home-from-home environment.

Once my children were older, I started working in a local Preschool and in 2019, I started studying at Reading University, where I was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Education and Early Years Teacher Status.

I joined Monkey Puzzle in September 2022 as an Early Years Teacher and love being part of the children’s journey, helping them to learn and grow. Read less

Preschool Room: Nursery Practitioner - Level 2.

I joined Monkey Puzzle in December 2019, starting my Early Years career as an Apprentice in the Toddlers' room, before moving to Preschool, where I completed my Level 2 Early Years qualification. I have lots of nieces and nephews and have always loved spending time with children, watching them develop and achieve new things, so a career in Early Years always felt like a natural progression.

I am a very creative person. I love drawing and painting in my spare time, as well as singing and playing the piano. I like to use my creativity with the children at the nursery, and love seeing them enjoying the music and artistic activities I do with them. Read less

Preschool Room: Senior Nursery Practitioner - Level 3.

From the age of 11, when my first nephew was born, I have loved to watch children grow and develop and achieve new things. From this, I studied Child Development in secondary school and furthered it with Health and Social Care at Queen Mary’s College. I joined Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney in March 2023 as an Apprentice to gain my Early Years qualifications, and I love being with the children while doing so. In October 2024, I gained my Level 3 Qualification in Early Years & Childcare Education.

On the weekends and during my free time, I like to spend time with my family and nephews. I like reading, baking, going to the theatre and drawing. Read less

Preschool Room: Nursery Practitioner - Level 3.

In 2018, I started my career in childcare as an apprentice at another nursery. During this time, I gained my Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, becoming qualified in 2020. I joined Monkey Puzzle in March 2022 to gain further knowledge and develop my skills. I feel proud that, through my role, I can have a positive impact on the children I care for.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and creating artwork. Read less

Nursery Administrator.

I joined Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney in 2016 as Deputy and Preschool room leader after working in various other childcare settings, bringing over 18 years of experience with me, as well as having three grown-up children and two grandchildren of my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed developing the preschool room and being able to offer the children experiences to enjoy and learn in a fun environment, enabling them to reach their full potential.

I am very passionate and committed to delivering high-quality care for all the children at Monkey Puzzle. As Co-Manager, I am able to work more directly with all staff across the nursery, highlighting my dedication to high standards of care and education and inspiring and supporting them to make a difference to the lives of the children in our care. Read less

Nursery Housekeeper.

I have been working in school environments since 2026 and I just love the energy and enthusiasm the children bring to my day. My favourite part is being greeted each morning by all the smiley, happy faces.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places with my own children. Spending time in the great outdoors and by the sea is where I'm happiest. Read less

Nursery Housekeeper.

In my role as Nursery Housekeeper at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney, I enjoy helping out over the busy lunchtime period, helping the practitioners and interacting with the children during their lunchtime, and ensuring that all aspects of the nursery are kept clean and organised.

In my spare time, I am a busy Mum of two girls, and I enjoy walking my dog and spending time with friends and family. Read less

Marketing & Facilities Manager.

Being Cherry's partner, I have been helping out behind the scenes at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney since it opened, but from March 2022 I became an official member of the team. I was a Graphic Designer for 18 years before joining, and now use this experience to look after the nursery’s website, social media and marketing. I also help out with recruitment & admin, assist the management team in the smooth running of the nursery, and make sure that the building, facilities, and toys are safe and in good working order.

Being a big kid at heart and having two young boys of my own, I love getting down to a child’s level, playing games and discovering with them. I enjoy being with the children on my breaks from my main roles, whether that be reading a story or finding out what games their curious minds have created.

Out of work, you’ll find me mountain biking, running, and spending time with my family. Read less