Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill

41 Colney Hatch Lane, London N10 1LJ
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9.9 37 Reviews
  • Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill, London
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill offers children a great early years learning experience.   

Designed for various age ranges, each room reflects the seven areas of learning, as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Highly skilled staff keep parents up to date with the daily progress of their child.

Fees are inclusive of freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks and drinks, nappies, wipes and creams.

Daily menus are approved by a professional nutritionist to meet energy requirements of children.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Paula Murphy (Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please see our website for further fee information


    Their core hours are 8am – 6.30pm

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 & 1 week at Christmas

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill Reviews (37)

9.9

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill has 37 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
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Total of 37, showing 1-20
Review from Szabina F (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are extremely happy with the care our daughter has received. The team has made her settling-in process smooth and always caters to her individual needs. The additional activities are a wonderful supplement to the already excellent schedule. We can't recommend this place enough and are grateful for
the supportive environment they provide.
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Review from Lauren A (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has settled into Monkey Puzzle so well and the staff are so warm and welcoming. She's just become happier and happier there. The nursery manager and the whole team have also been incredibly flexible which we appreciate so much. It was so daunting initially but the staff made the settle
in process smooth and comfortable.
She has grown in confidence and become the best eater since going there. All the staff are wonderful and have really created a family feel - which I felt straight away when visiting.
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Review from Jaymee-Leigh R (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to the nursery for 10 months now and I am so grateful for the staff he has around him, they are such a welcoming team and this leaves me with such confidence having my child attend Monkey Puzzle.
They encourage the growth of the children and I see my son grow and become confident
little by little in every task or challenge he encounters in life.
Seeing my son run into the nursery everyday with a smile on his face honestly warms my heart and that is all thanks to the amazing staff, thank you!!
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Review from J C (Father of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Monkey Puzzle Nursery is a fantastic hub of childcare and education. Our two year benefits immensely from the excellent staff and facilities. The management team have always been approachable and super helpful.
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Review from H K (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to say Huge THANK YOU to Monkey Puzzle for being a wondrous nursery and help especially during challenging times. Monkey puzzle helped me with all 4 daughters since 2019. I really would like to recommend this nursery as it listens and gives outstanding service in raising new minds. Thank
you
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Review from Lucy E (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Monkey Puzzle, Muswell Hill for the past 2 years, part time and absolutely loves it. I cannot fault the staff, they are approachable and genuinely caring. Nothing is ever too much, and they are extremely accommodating. My daughter has always looked forward to attending - even
asks to go on the weekends..! and has learnt so much and made great friends. The environment is warm and safe, and we have always been well informed with what she has been up to in the day, or changes within the nursery. I feel truly grateful to have chosen such a special place for our daughter to begin her journey into learning and making relationships. And a big thank you to the manager who's dedication does not go unnoticed - We will really miss being part of such a big family!! 100% recommend :)
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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Monkey Puzzle for almost a year. He started when he was 2 years old, so it was a little harder for him to get used to saying goodbye - the staff went above and beyond to comfort him and make sure he felt supported during this transition. I never felt worried as I saw how much
fun he had during his settling in period and because of the updates we get during the day - It's always nice to see how much nourishing food he has eaten. He now waves goodbye and skips in. They have been amazing in supporting his growth and learning skills. I'm amazed at the amount of activities he takes part in during the day, he's always walking out with something he's baked or painted. Furthermore, I feel like the nursery staff always go out of their way to accommodate your child's particular needs.
His younger sibling will be joining him soon and I feel confident he will have the same experience.
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Review from Matthew P (Father of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have attended and loved their time at Monkey Puzzle.


A a significant amount of the staff that cared for our eldest (7 yo) , are now looking after our youngest (2 yo) which I believe is a testament to the warm, nurturing environment that exists within their nursery.


5 stars all

around!
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Review from R L (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in January 2024 after having a childminder and post pandemic. We were both anxious and excited as he would meet plenty of new faces and teachers. The settling period was superb, one staff member in particular was amazing in making sure we were reassured and informed at all times
and his transition was seamless. He loved the nursery, made loads of friends, and learned so much! We are so happy we picked Monkey Puzzle and highly recommend. The app was also very handy in tracking their activities and appreciate the timely feedback. If I would have another child, I'd happily put them back to the same nursery. All the love, our Monkey puzzle Family xxx
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Review from Eirini P (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Monkey Puzzle is amazing! The staff are warm, caring, and truly dedicated to each child's growth. Our son loves going every day and has blossomed in confidence, learning, and independence. The nursery is clean, safe, and full of engaging activities, and we're always kept up to date with his progress.
We couldn't be happier-it's like a second home for him!
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Review from Dasha P (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been my child's second home since he was 7 months old, and I couldn't imagine a better place for him to grow. The staff are truly exceptional - caring, attentive, and always going the extra mile. The variety of activities keeps him engaged, happy, and constantly learning. I'm so grateful
for the love, support, and safe environment they provide every single day
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Review from G G (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had two children make their happy way through Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill in the last four years and have only wonderful things to say about the setting and the staff! The staff care so much and are so kind and enthusiastic. They are always a pleasure to speak to and have interactions with, and
are so helpful with any issues that crop up. They are patient and loving with my children and I completely trust them to care for my children in the best way.
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We always value any feedback that we receive. We hope that your children will both continue to thrive.
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Review from M A (Father of Child) published on 24 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at Monkey Puzzle Nursery when she was just 8 months old, and now at 25 months, we couldn't be happier with the experience. The nursery has truly become a second home for her. Every morning, we're greeted with a warm, friendly welcome, which immediately puts both us and our daughter
at ease. It's the little touches like this that really set Monkey Puzzle apart. The staff are incredibly kind, attentive, and genuinely care for the children, creating a nurturing environment where our daughter has thrived.
A special mention goes to the manager, who has been outstanding. He's incredibly flexible and accommodating, always working with us to ensure everything runs smoothly. His leadership, combined with the team's dedication, creates a family-like atmosphere that makes us feel confident our daughter is in the best hands.
We've seen our daughter grow in confidence and curiosity, and we can't recommend Monkey Puzzle enough. It's a wonderful, supportive nursery.
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It always provides a huge morale boost to the team when they hear their efforts are appreciated.
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Review from D H (Father of Child) published on 24 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Monkey Puzzle since he was 18 months old, and now at 4 years old, he is ready to start school this September. Born during the challenging pandemic period, he had limited interaction with other children, making him quite anxious. From our initial visit to enrolling, the staff were
incredibly supportive and attentive to all our questions. My son quickly adapted to the warm, safe environment. In the baby room, his confidence soared, and his development flourished, thanks to feedback via the app and conversations at pick-up time, which helped us continue his progress at home. The staff are amazing, friendly, helpful, honest, and always cheerful. My son has bonded well with all the staff and holds them in high regard. I'd like to personally thank everyone at Monkey Puzzle for making my first experience with childcare/nursery assistance a smooth one!
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We always value any feedback that we receive. We hope that your son will continue to thrive and enjoy the transition to his new school in…read more
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Review from Cheyenne C (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery for a year and every single day she looks forward to going in. Being a full-time working mother is not easy, having to leave your child all day in a setting is not easy but knowing they enjoy their day every day is a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. I can’t
stress how amazing the team are at Monkey Puzzle, Muswell Hill. And how much easier they make this journey for me and my daughter. The care they give, the happiness they greet us with, activities the lot. My daughter has learned so much whilst attending. The staff are extremely friendly, understanding, very kind and I couldn’t have possibly chosen a better setting. Thank you Nursery Manager, Assistant Manager and all the others that help my daughter on a daily basis! Thank you for all the support you have given our family. I will highly recommend this nursery and wish I could give 100 stars.
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Feedback like this is genuinely appreciated by the whole team and gives everybody a real boost.
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Review from E K (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Good nursery, staff are friendly and kind. My daughter attended up until around a year ago and my son now attends, it’s important for me to know that when my kids are at nursery not only are they in a safe environment but they are being given good opportunities to learn and progress and every time I
look on the app my son is doing a new/interactive activity which gives me peace of mind. Also, every member of staff I have met since both my daughter and son attended has been polite, professional and always seems to have the kid's development as their main priority which is great. Both of my two that have attended have always come home happy and we never had a problem since day one.
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for taking time to write your review. We really appreciate it.
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Review from Priscilla M (Mother of Child) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since March 2023 and has grown so fond of it. He is always looking forward to attending.
Unfortunately he will be leaving at the end of the month and will miss it so much.
The staff have been so warm, observant loving and caring.
Thanks to all the wonderful
staff for making my son’s time spent at the nursery, so lovely and memorable.
The detailed daily feedback on the app is really great!
The play area is covered which makes it perfect for the rainy days.
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Review from Lucy M (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had such a great experience at Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill. All the staff and managers are so attentive and caring. They definitely go above and beyond and we were always made to feel so welcome. Our son really enjoyed his time there. He joined at age 3 and went straight into the preschool room. It
was the first time he'd been to nursery but he settled in almost immediately. The settling-in process was so well thought through. We were made to feel so at ease, which is really important. I loved receiving regular updates on his progress and general wellbeing throughout the day too. It was so reassuring to know how he was getting on. I would highly recommend Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill.
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a lovely review. We really appreciate it and it always boosts staff morale to hear how happy parents and carers are.
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Review from Rosie S (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with the level of care at Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill. Both my children have been so well looked after and have both taken to the nursery straight away. There is a real sense of family and a strong team bond, all staff show so much love to my children and I never worry about leaving them
for the day as I know they have the best time and are in very safe hands. My children love all the activities, trips and especially the food! I can't thank the team enough for seeing my eldest from baby room through to the end of preschool, he will miss you all so much. This is a fantastic nursery and we think all the staff are amazing, thank you for looking after my boys so well!
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Review from Martina C (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely Love the Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill team and we are not quite sure any other nursery would ever compare to their level of service, care and commitment. We joined just after the pandemic and we were obviously a bit anxious about putting our child in a new environment after having
experienced lockdown for so long. Within the space of a week, our fears vanished by seeing how much she was thriving and loving being there. All the staff - thank you for what you do with extraordinary love and care, and for giving us peace of mind every single day. We are so happy that our new little one will get to also experience that. The nursery manager - a true organisation king! We are not quite sure how he can make everything run so smoothly amidst the chaos! Thanks for being so helpful whenever we've needed anything over the years. Monkey Puzzle feels like family to us and we could not have asked more from a care provider! Thank you!
Reply from Paula Murphy, Business Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill
Thank you so much for your very kind words and for taking the time to provide this review. I know the nursery manager will be very moved by this, as will the whole team. It is working in partnership…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.901)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.901 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill is calculated as follows: ( (182 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.901
  2. 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (3)

Paula

Paula Murphy

Job Title: Director Joined: 2018

Paula is the owner of Monkey Puzzle Muswell Hill, which she opened in January 2018. Paula is also the owner of Monkey Puzzle East Finchley, which she opened in September 2011.


Paula has 3 children of her own and has worked in childcare for 13 years.

Ryan

Ryan Phillips

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Ryan is our Manager and holds a BA in teaching and learning & a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. Ryan holds paediatric first aid, first aid at work, fire warden and level 3 food hygiene certificates. Ryan is a lead safeguarding officer and oversees special educational needs, behaviour management, health & safety and equal opportunities across the nursery. Ryan has worked in many childcare settings with 17 years of childcare experience behind him. Most recently he worked as a deputy manager for 8 years before moving over from our East Finchley site in August 2018 to take on the role of Manager.

Liana

Liana Marenghi

Job Title: Assistant Manager Joined: 2018

Liana is our Assistant Manager and oversees Special Educational Needs, behaviour management and health & safety across the nursery. She has completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Service, Liana previously worked as deputy room leader for 4 years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill

What is the Age Range of Children that Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill accepts?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill Open?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill 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 Muswell Hill have capacity for?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill to the centre of London?

6.6 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 Muswell Hill to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Muswell Hill has an Enhanced Service - more info.