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)
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.
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. 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
I started my career at Monkey Puzzle in April 2018. I have completed my NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, and my NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator with Monkey Puzzle. I spent the first 1.5 years 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.
Rebekah Cole, Nursery Practitioner, Hedgehogs Room (maternity leave)
Since I was young I have always had a passion for working with children. I joined the Monkey Puzzle team in August 2020 and really enjoying working in Hedgehogs Room. I have a Level 3 early years qualification and many years of experience working with children, from nannying, working in nurseries, volunteering as a cub scout leader and at my local church children’s groups. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my niece and nephew.
Charleigh Steel, Nursery Apprentice, Hedgehogs Room
I joined Monkey Puzzle in June 2020 as an Apprentice, and I am currently studying the Level 3 Early Years Educator course. I spent my first few months working in Owls Room, before moving to Hedgehogs to broaden my experience. I absolutely love working with our littlest children and really hope to be based permanently with the babies when I qualify.
I hold a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, which gave me my first insight into how important early childhood development is. I love being able to get involved and help the children to learn through play.
When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my many nieces and nephews.
Kinga Gawron, Nursery Apprentice, Hedgehogs Room
I joined the Monkey Puzzle team in January 2021 as an Apprentice, and I am currently studying the Level 3 Early Years Educator course.
I have previously studied Psychology and Health and Social Care in college. From the age of 11, I have been a young carer for my little sister, when she was only 8 months old. It was a great experience to watch her grow and reach her milestones. I also help look after my nephew who is 3. These opportunities to care for my sister and nephew, and my experiences with them, inspired me to join the nursery and pursue a career in early years, and I enjoy every moment of it.
Chloe Bedford, Squirrels Room Leader
I first became interested in working in early years as my grandmother was a childminder, and I am the eldest of 8 children. I found that I was fascinated by the way 2-7 year olds learn, and I was intrigued to find out more. I wanted to broaden my knowledge of childcare, so studied my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. Once complete, I joined a playgroup where I could professionally develop and begin my role as key worker, putting my skills and learning into my day to day practice. I then completed my Level 6 BA (Hons) Childcare and Education. I joined Monkey Puzzle in November 2019 and continue to develop new skills, broadening my early years knowledge and growing as a team leader.
Amy Buss, Nursery Practitioner, Squirrels Room
I knew I wanted to work in early years from a young age, as my mother is a music teacher and I always enjoyed supporting her teaching the younger children. Throughout my school years, I attended and volunteered at my local youth centre.
In 2017 I started an apprenticeship at a small nursery where I completed my NVQ Levels 2 and 3 Early Years Educator qualifications. Once qualified, I decided to further my knowledge and experience, moving to Hampshire and joining the Monkey Puzzle team in March 2020.
My interests and hobbies include horse riding and caring for my pony. I also enjoy exploring new places with my partner and puppies.
Henry Wise, Nursery Practitioner, Squirrels Room
After studying Health and Social Care at college, I joined the Monkey Puzzle team as bank staff in 2017. I enjoyed the flexibility of being able to work across the rooms with the different age groups and getting to know all of the children. I then decided to undertake my Level 3 Early Years Educator course at college, continuing to work at Monkey Puzzle in my spare time and using my work experience there to reinforce my learning at college, and as an opportunity to use my new skills and learning with the children. After completing my qualification in August 2020, I was given the opportunity to join the Squirrels Team on a permanent, full-time basis. I am really enjoying working closely with my key children and team, and extending my practice in the nursery.
Tierney Gough, Nursery Practitioner, Squirrels Room
Full bio coming shortly
Luke Bowden, Nursery Apprentice, Squirrels Room
I joined Monkey Puzzle in August 2020 as an Apprentice, currently studying for my Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification. As an apprentice, I will be spending time in all of the playrooms, giving me the opportunity to experience working with all of the age groups. I spent my first few months in Owls Room, helping to prepare the children for their transition into school, and am currently based in Squirrels Room. I am fascinated by child development and feel lucky to be able to help children to learn and grow.
My hobbies and interests include art and music. I studied A-Level Music and enjoy playing bass, piano and guitar. I also do lots of drawing and painting and love sharing this with the children.
Fen Thomas, Owls Room Leader
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.
Beth Morley, Nursery Practitioner, Owls Room
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.
Emily Hendy, Nursery Practitioner, Owls Room
Bio coming soon
Jessica Humphreys, Nursery Apprentice, Owls Room
I decided to embark upon a career in childcare as I enjoy playing with children and seeing how their incredible imaginations work! I have lots of nieces and nephews who I enjoy looking after and helping to grow. I am very artistic – I often paint, specialising in watercolour painting, and enjoy drawing. I also love singing and play piano.
I joined Monkey Puzzle in December 2019 and will shortly complete my Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, having spent part of my apprenticeship in Squirrels Room, and currently enjoying working in Owls Room.
Debra Coates, Nursery Housekeeper and Cook
Bio coming soon
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
