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Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

The Old Granary, Units 4 and 5 Church Farm, Astwick Nr Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4BH
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Ltd Logo
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick logo
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick, Hitchin
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick, Hitchin
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick, Hitchin

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick opened in September 2019, was fully refurbished and extended in October 2025, and is within a spacious barn which is located in beautiful countryside in the hamlet of Astwick, right next door to the historic church of St Guthlac. It is an area of both historic and natural beauty where regular outings are arranged so children can freely explore nature to aid their learning and...  

Funding & Fees

Age: 3 months - 5 years:
Full day: £99.00

Half day: £60.00

All nappies / wipes / meals and forest school etc included in paid fees. Funding accepted and a voluntary contribution for funded hours for means and consumables. Please see our website for more information.

Contact Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Natasha Moniz / Abi White / Zoe Currell (Director/Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 42

Total Places for Children

  • 145

Age Range

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
  • Tuesday 07:30-18:30
  • Wednesday 07:30-18:30
  • Thursday 07:30-18:30
  • Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • There is free parking on site for nursery drop off & pick up.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick Reviews (97)

9.7

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.684) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick has 97 reviews.

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Showing 97 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from B W (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son has been at Monkey Puzzle since he was 13 months old. All the girls are super welcoming and friendly and my son is always happy to go in. Even though he's not 2 yet he still gets to enjoy all the outside space because he is taken on daily walks. It's a lovely nursery and I would definitely recommend.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for taking the time to review us and for your feedback. It really means a lot to use It is great to hear how settled your son is and that the team are welcoming and he loves his time outside on the farm!

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Review from Bryony F (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have had such an amazing experience so far, the girls make my daughter feel so at ease that she is now happy to see them in the morning. Really great updates on the app. She has also started eating new things too which we're so pleased with as she is quite fussy! She naps very well there by the looks of it, with no problems so she is obviously content. Couldn't recommend more!

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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter started at Monkey Puzzle at the beginning of the year and she loves it! All the staff are amazing and so attentive. She loves how much time they spend outside, all the messy, the book corner and the extra curricular activities they do

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

This is so nice to hear! Thank you for reviewing us and I am so pleased to hear she is happy and settled so well with us. We do like to keep them busy and involved in lots of activities so great to hear she likes this and of course the beautiful farm. It's too nice not to explore with our little ones! I will be sure to share this with our team x

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Review from Alix B (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I have had two children attend here and both have loved it. My eldest left last summer after blossoming at the nursery from a year old to preschool and my youngest has just turned two. Both absolutely love it here and my eldest still tells me regularly he miss everyone and everything. The environment is so nurturing and the ethos for outside play is outstanding. The staff are extremely caring and individual child focused meaning their needs are met so well. Food is amazing and I put it down to the variety that both my children eat so well. The hours are great for shift workers like myself and the daily routine for the children really helps them develop a sense of a routine and really helps for stability. We started our journey here just as lock down hit and they were amazing through out and have just grown from strength to strength

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for taking the time to do this review - and being with us so long! it is always lovely to have siblings attend as families grow and we are so sad to see them leave but also very proud to have been part of their journey. We are lucky to have such an amazing and caring team, and I will be...  

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Review from Cabrice S (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

This is an exceptional nursery! From the setting to the highly communicative and warm staff, to the technology, to the safe guarding. This is a nursery that really stands out and we feel so blessed that our daughter attends Monkey Puzzle! it will be a key childhood memory for us as parents x

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for such a positive review! It is great to hear how happy you are with the nursery communication, safeguarding procedures and the team. I will be sure to share this with the team.

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Review from Danielle B (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our little boy has been at Monkey Puzzle since he was 9months old. He is now entering his final year before moving to school and we couldn't be more happy with the amazing care he receives at nursery. He loves all of the staff, who make the days interesting and especially going to forest school. We have been so impressed with the attention to detail and the quality of his day/weeks activities. The staff are friendly, kind and really get invested in his life. We couldn't recommend the nursery more.

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Review from B E (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son has attended for the past 3 years and my daughter is due to start next month. I've been so pleased with the level of care, varied activities and of course the friendly welcoming staff. The outdoor activities (walks and forest school) are a lovely addition and something my son always looks forward to. Overall a wonderful nursery and somewhere I'm happy to send my children.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for this review! it is great to hear you have a son with us for 3 years and another little one about to start too - we look forward to having her! I am sure it will help other parents to hear from such a long standing family that you are happy with the team, care and all the activities we provide. I will be sure to share with the team x

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Review from Katie E (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Astwick Monkey Puzzle is a lovely nursery. I currently have one child there who started at 9 months old and my first went there too a few years ago.
They do such lovely imaginative activities with them. Lots of messy play that I love as I don't need to do it at home. And having the space outside is just perfect!
All the staff are so kind, caring and genuine. My little girl is always so pleased to go to nursery!

There is also a very good app which they put lots of photos of them on each day and really good updates about how they are getting on.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

How lovely to hear your little one is so pleased to come to nursery! We strive to ensure every one of our children enjoy their time with us and feel settled and secure, as well as ensuring parents have lots of communication and updates as it is also scary for us adults to leave our children, which...  

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Review from Christine R (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

From 11 months old until now almost 3 years, we have had an amazing experience with Monkey Puzzle Astwick. A beautiful and safe setting with high quality standards and staff who always go above and beyond for the children. Always super helpful, informative and happy to give guidance and support, the bond they have with the children is so special too. So happy we made the choice of this nursery.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

We really appreciate you taking time to provide us feedback - and it is great he has been with us since a baby, and that you feel we have high standards and a great team. The nursery is super proud of our team that do go above and beyond and make the setting amazing for our little ones so I will be sure to share your review with them! Thank you.

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Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2025 Submitted via Website
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My daughter started when she was 1 years old. We feel so sad to be saying goodbye to Monkey Puzzle Astwick. It is an excellent nursery, extremely well managed, great communication with kind, caring and inspiring staff. My daughter has some health needs. The nursery has been supportive and listened and followed my requests to change her diet (multiple times) but which has helped her eczema. The nursery use an app to communicate messages, share photographs, provide updates on meals etc. I have been so impressed with the activities they offer each day, the staff are creative and thoughtful and they organise themed days and celebrations. Each day they go for walks and into the forest to learn about nature. The staff recently organise organised a graduation for the children. They celebrated each child's qualities and skills and it's a memory I won't forget. A huge Thank you to all the staff, I have always felt that my daughter is in an environment where she is well cared for.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We are also so sad when our families move on but so proud of them ready for their next adventure. It is great to hear we were able to help with her health condition and it improved, and that she gained great experiences from the activities and our...  

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Review from Annabel F (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter has only been at Monkey Puzzle Nursery for around a month, but we've already been so impressed. She's just turned one and, understandably, was a little unsettled during her first few sessions. However, the updates, photos, and thoughtful feedback from the staff and her key workers have really reassured us that she's being cared for with genuine attention and kindness. The nursery app is brilliant - easy to use, full of helpful details, and perfect for sharing with grandparents so they can enjoy the daily updates too.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for taking the time to review us and it is great to hear all the positives you like about us. We try hard to work in partnership with parents and as a mum myself, know that getting the photo's and updates can really help when your little one is unsettled to see they are happy with us, and...  

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Review from S N (Father of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We heard lots of good things about Monkey Puzzle (Astwick), and we are very glad our daughter got a spot this year. She loves going to nursery and has such a good time there. All the practitioners are very friendly and caring. The activities, food, and setting are all excellent.

Thank you for all your hard work!

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

We really appreciate you taking the time to review us - it helps other parents that are looking for a nursery to hear real feedback from parents that know us. I am so pleased to hear she is so happy with us, and that your impressed with what we offer our children, twe are lucky to have such a dedicated team to help our little ones thrive. Thank you so much for such a great review.

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Review from Sophie H (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter has been with Monkey Puzzle Astwick since she was 7 months old. She loves the nursery, has grown so much in confidence and the staff are wonderful. She has made a great little group of friends and is so ready for primary school.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

A huge thank you for reviewing us, and it is lovely to hear such positive feedback and that we have helped your daughter all the way through and ready for her next adventure at school. its wonderful to hear she loves coming and I will be sure to share this with the team.

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Review from Monica D (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son has been attending Monkey Puzzle since he was 1 year old, and as he prepares to move on to prep nursery this September, I wanted to share how incredibly positive our experience has been.
The staff across all rooms have always been friendly, caring and genuinely accommodating to our son's needs and development. We've seen him grow into a more confident and independent little boy.
The nursery app is great- we get real time updates throughout the day on what he's eaten and how long he's napped.
I've especially love receiving photos of him on walks and during messy - giving us a glimpse into his happy days at nursery.

We'll always look back on his time here with so much fondness. Thank you to the whole team at Monkey Puzzle!

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

It is so lovely to hear your feedback on your son's years with us and the positive impact the nursery team have had getting him ready to go onto his next adventure. It's always one of the most rewarding parts of our role to see a baby progress through the years with us and the pride we also have...  

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Review from Louise P (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We started our son at Monkey Puzzle at 3 months old and it was one of the best decisions we've made. Every single practitioner is lovely, and really caring. You can tell how much he enjoys his time and how much he has thrived since he started. The girls all do a lovely job of updating the app - and also when I pick him up. The nursery is really well managed, communication is great - the education and fun they have there is amazing. I cannot fault them.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for providing such a great review. It is lovely to hear how happy you have been with the team and that they have helped your little one settle so well. We know communication and building strong relationships with families is so important, so it means a lot for parent to review they also feel this is working well. Thank you so much for your feedback and I will share this with the team!

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Review from Joanne G (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My youngest has just started the nursery and is able to go on trips to the park and have picnics there. My eldest is also now in their pre-school and is going on walks and doing forest school. There, he is able to climb trees and be free.

When the children are inside, so much thought is put into the children's activities. Every day. The staff genuinely care about the children and are clearly passionate about childcare. We maintain it's one of the best decisions we made to send them there.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

This is so nice to hear and we genuinely really do appreciate you taking the time to feedback and review the nursery. It's lovely that you see the dedication of the staff and team and it's having such a positive impact on your children and our families, I will be sure to pass this onto the team and thank you.

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Review from R B (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A lovely nursery with friendly and caring staff. Currently our child is in the toddler room and we have found he has especially thrived in this room so far. He has such happy days in this room with lots of outside activities in the fields and outdoor spaces. The nursery do focus weeks on your child where they give you a little report on development and your child's interests which is nice, and you always get a weekly update with pictures on how they've got on and what they've enjoyed that week. You have daily photos too. They are good with the app and updating it with what's been happening that day. Prices have just gone up due to the 30 hours funding and taxes going up which is hard with finances, but seeing how happy my child is here I wouldn't now shop around for a more affordable rate.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for such a detailed review. It is great to hear your experience with the nursery and team so far and to hear despite the price increase, you want to keep your little one with us. Price increases are always hard and unfortunately nurseries have been put in a tough position with funding not...  

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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We've enrolled our son in Monkey Puzzle nursery when he was just 8 months old and so far has been a great experience. He enjoys his days at nursery, smilling everytime to the carers and jumping to their lap when we leave him in the morning. They keep you updated with daily reviews and pictures which for a new mum gives you so much peace of mind. Most importantly we feel that he is safe and being well looked after. I would not hesitate to recomend Monkey Puzzle.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

it is so helpful to hear your feedback and what we are doing well at. We understand how hard it is to leave your child in a strangers care so work really hard and keeping you up to date as to what they are up to and making bonds with families and little ones,, so it is great to hear that you feel...  

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Review from Jess M (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My eldest goes to this preschool/nursery and it was the best decision we made. We have never questioned anything.
The people, care, encouragement, facilities and the location is perfect. We have always felt so confident in our choice to send our daughter there and excited for our youngest to start soon.

They are just fantastic!

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you so much for your lovely review - it s great to have parents feedback and I will be sure to share with the. staff team.

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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick is a great nursery. My little one loves going there and enjoys their time there each day. The staff are friendly, caring, attentive and enthusiastic, which are great qualities to have, especially looking after such young children. The activities which are done daily are all aimed at helping the child to develop and explore and I have seen a great improvement in the development of my child, which is heartwarming to see.

Great location too.

Reply from Natasha Moniz, Nursery Owner at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is great to hear that your little one loves attending and is developing well with us. We really appreciate your feedback, and will feedback to the team as it is great for them to know what they are doing well and how parents feel about their activities and input with the children.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Natasha Moniz Job Title: Nursery Director Joined: 2019
Natasha Moniz
- NVQ Level 4 – Childcare & Education
- Safeguarding Officer
- First Aid Officer
- Paediatric First Aid

- Food Hygiene

I have over 20 years’ experience in childcare, first starting as a nursery nurse, then as a deputy manager and finally as a manager working for two of the largest nursery groups in the UK. I have also worked in the NHS with babies and their mothers who were suffering from severe mental health conditions.

I have always loved working with children, as no two days are the same, and children have a way of making you smile so much. It is a privilege to teach a child something new and watch them grow and develop until they are ready for school.

I love working at Monkey Puzzle Astwick as it's always been a dream of mine to own my own nursery, and I still can’t quite believe it’s finally happened! It’s no longer a job – it’s a passion, and I have absolutely loved putting my heart and soul into making my nursery such a beautiful place (even if I do say so myself). I also love the location on Church Farm; it’s such an amazing environment for the children and my staff team.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my own three boys and my husband, going on family days out or movie nights at home on the sofa. I also enjoy spending time with friends and travelling.

An interesting fact about me…

I used to work as a PA for Charles Worthington (celebrity hairdresser) and also trained in fashion and make-up at the London College of Fashion before realising that my passion was caring for children.

Frequently Asked Questions about Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick

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

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

What Days & Hours is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick Open?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

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

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick has capacity for a total of 145 Children.

How far is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Astwick to the centre of Hitchin?

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