The vast majority of our nursery 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. All of nursery our staff are trained in First Aid.
Cherry Newnham, Nursery Owner
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 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 Chester, and decided the only way forward was to start a nursery business that offers the opportunity to be actively involved in his day to day care, and an exciting change of career whilst using my existing skills gained throughout my employment.
I hold a 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 son. 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.
Sue Newnham, Nursery Owner
I have three daughters, Cherry, Holly and Peaches, and three grandsons, Chester, Theo and Albie. I am a retired ICT and Maths teacher.
As I grew up I realised that I wanted to work with children, so in my early 20’s, having worked in a bank for a number of years, I flew out to Canada to become a nanny to three children. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and I am still in contact with the lovely family for whom I worked.
Once I had my own children I became actively involved in running the local ‘Mums and Tots’ Group, and have loved being a parent-helper at my daughters’ various nurseries, preschools and infant schools. Whilst my two older daughters were growing up I took a degree course at the University of Leeds where I was awarded a BSc (Hons) in Information Systems and, having acquired the necessary IT skills as a Systems Analyst, I went back to university to study for a PGCE. I then went on to teach ICT and Mathematics in a grammar school until Peaches was born.
I love working with children and thoroughly enjoy being involved in helping the babies, toddlers and preschoolers develop their skills, talents and personalities.
Eloise Little, Nursery Manager (Co-Manager)
Hello, my name is Eloise and I have been working with children for over 13 years. I have mainly worked in nurseries, starting as a Nursery Nurse in 2000 and working my way up to Deputy Manager in 2005. During that time, I was Room Leader of the baby room and then pre-school.
In 2006 I took a break from nursery life to be a nanny for a lovely family who I am still in touch with. We relocated to Devon and I became Manager of a nursery before having my own children in 2011 and 2013. Since then, I have been raising our wonderful children and we moved back to this area in 2017 and have been lucky enough to find and work within this lovely nursery.
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.
Kate Salisbury, Business Administrator
Hello, I’m Kate, and I now support the management team with admin and marketing, having spent two enjoyable years working in Hedgehogs Room as a Nursery Assistant. I have a huge administration background and I am enjoying the role and the challenge.
My passion for childcare is still strong, and in July 2019 I started my Level 3 NVQ in childcare. I am really enjoying the apprenticeship and will be completing the course by October 2020, so watch this space!
I have also completed a Mental Health First Aid Course which gave me lots of ideas to take back to work to share with colleagues and the management team, to help us all notice any signs of someone that may need some help. Whether this is to help each other or a parent/carer.
I also have a daughter who started school in September 2018. Prior to this she had two and a half very happy years here at Monkey Puzzle in toddlers and then preschool.
Charmaine Ferreira, Hedgehogs Room Leader
I started working at Monkey Puzzle in January 2018 as a Nursery Assistant in Hedgehogs Room. In October 2019 I was promoted to Room Leader.
I’m originally from South Africa, where I obtained my Hotel Management degree after school. I then began studying a Bachelors Degree in Education with the University of South Africa, (which I am still currently completing in the UK). My choice of career change was due to the arrival of my beautiful baby sister, who is 13 years younger then me. Watching her grow, and teaching her new things, made my heart happy and I knew that teaching was the career for me.
As my favourite hobby was swimming, I decided to combine this with my passion to teach, so I became a qualified swimming teacher ,teaching all ages from babies to adults.
In January 2018 I emigrated to the UK where I started this amazing job at Monkey Puzzle. As well as studying my Teaching Degree I am studying my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education.
I love working with babies, watching them grow and helping them develop through playing and having fun. Every day is a good day when working with incredible babies and young children.
Amber Holborough, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Hedgehogs Room
Hello, my name is Amber and I am Level 3 qualified. I have looked after children for the last 12 years, having looked after family and friends’ children.
I have been a volunteer leader of Rainbows and have completed my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I also manage a 5 a-side football team, and used to coach at a trampoline centre in Basingstoke and at a secondary school.
I have a pet dog called Missy who I rescued from a rescue centre.
Carlie James, Nursery Practitioner, Hedgehogs Room
Hello, my name is Carlie!
I started my career at Monkey Puzzle in April 2018. I have completed my NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development with Monkey Puzzle, and am now undertaking my Level 3 NVQ qualification. I spent the first 1.5 years with Monkey Puzzle working in Squirrels Room, and in November 2019 I moved to Hedgehogs Room to expand my knowledge and skills.
I love how rewarding my job is, and I believe in creating the happiest and most inspiring atmosphere for children to thrive and, most importantly, have fun! Outside work, I love spending time at home cooking with my boyfriend, seeing family, and taking care of my 2 mischievous cats.
Chloe Bedford, Squirrels Room Leader
Bio coming soon.
Fen Thomas, Nursery Practitioner, Squirrels Room
Full bio coming shortly
Alison Gould, Senior Nursery Practitioner and SENCO, Owls Room
Having worked in a variety of childcare environments for over 20 years, including hospitals, day nurseries and preschools, I have always been passionate about child development and particularly ‘learning through play’.
I have had some wonderful and fulfilling experiences with children over my working career, many who I have met later as teenagers and even adults.
I have a husband called Andrew and two grown up sons – Robert and Thomas, and a cat called ‘Murphy’. I enjoy theatre, cinema, travelling and leisurely walking – particularly now that I’ve joined the National Trust.
Ellen-Marie Finney, Senior Nursery Practitioner, Owls Room
Hello, my name is Ellen, and I have been working in childcare since 2014. I have a Level 3 qualification in childcare, and I currently work in Owls Room as a nursery practitioner.
In my spare time I enjoy riding, and looking after my beautiful horse Harry, who is my pride and joy.
Beth Morley, Nursery Practitioner, Owls Room
Hello, my name is Beth. I joined Monkey Puzzle in November 2016 as an apprentice and have recently completed my Level 3 qualification.
I have many nieces and nephews and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow and develop over the years. This is what sparked my interest in childcare.
My interests are baking and going out on long dog walks.
Sue Rust, Nursery Housekeeper & Cook
Hi, my name is Sue, and I am cook and housekeeper at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney. I have lived in nearby Hook for 25 years with my husband, and we have two grown up sons.
We owned and ran a successful guest house in the village for ten years until it was sold in 2014. The building was converted into a nursery and I was the cook there for five years, so I have a wealth of experience in catering for children, including all allergies, intolerances, weaning and preferences. I gain a huge amount of satisfaction in cooking food that children enjoy (and the adults!) and also organising Cookery Club so the children can have a go themselves.
I have been at Monkey Puzzle since September 2019 and love looking after everyone behind the scenes, allowing the staff to concentrate on the children.
When I’m not at work I like to socialise with my family, take long walks, attend Pilates classes and holiday in Spain or, more recently, in Australia where my eldest son is living.
Henry Wise
Bank Nursery Assistant
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 nursery staff participate in training at all levels. Our policy is always to recruit and/or promote internally if at all possible.
We want to offer diverse career opportunities to all staff that are seeking them. Whether it is your goal to become a Senior Nursery Practitioner or a Nursery Manager, we will assist you in achieving that goal.
We are a rapidly expanding business and are always looking for quality nursery staff.
See our Current Vacancies below:
Full/Part Time Level 3 Practitioner
Level 3 with a minimum of 1 year of experience. Hours negotiable.
Flexible Hours Bank Staff
Level 3 with a minimum of 1 year of experience.
If you think you have what it takes, please send your CV to cherry@monkeypuzzlehartleywintney.co.uk or get in touch here
