The vast majority of our 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 our staff are trained in First Aid & food Hygiene.
Michelle Mobey Co-Owner and Principal
Michelle is a Qualified Teacher holding a Bachelor of Education (Hons), Qualified teaching status as well as a Master of Arts Degree specialising in Early Years Education. She has been working in education and childcare for over 15 years, as well as bringing up her two children, who have attend/ attended their settings.
When asked why she wanted to work with children, Michelle replied ” I have always wanted to be work with children. I love their energy, honesty and their total love of everything fun and exciting. I really enjoy sharing new ideas and experiences with them. My hope is that I can create a fun, exciting and caring learning environment. I have a lot of patience, enthusiasm, creativity and enjoy helping children (and adults) to discover new things. I want to create an environment that is exciting and fun for the children and my staff. As long as children are given, love, support and encouragement they will succeed. Job satisfaction was the most important factor in choosing a career, and working with children, I believe, is the ultimate choice.”
Since moving to the UK, from South Africa in 2007, Michelle has worked for the National Autistic Society as a teacher creating highly motivating, sensory, dynamic and visually based lessons. After having her first child she branched out into Childminding and received an Outstanding from Ofsted. Michelle has experience of working with children who have multiple barriers to their learning with a vast array of needs and abilities. She hopes to pass on this knowledge to her staff and will use her previous experience as a sound base for coaching and staff development.
Michelle is a good people manager, believing that open honesty, clarity and consideration go a long way in inspiring the best from people. She has a strong work ethos and is highly adaptable, motivated and incredibly enthusiastic.
Simon Mobey Co-Owner, Maintenance and Facilities Manager
Simon is one of our owners, and is responsible for all things building, site and maintenance. He is a qualified electrician holding 17th Edition city & Guilds, CDM Construction 
Design Manager, British Safety Council Level 2 ‘Risk Assessment, Fire Warden, LGWSETA trade Test-Electrician (SA), National N3 Certificate (SA).
Simon has the amazing task of creating and building special requests for our team as well as building, upgrading and our fantastic Nursery. He works tirelessly in repairing, building and generally making our Amazing Nursery even more awesome.
In 2015 Michelle and Simon opened their first Nursery, Monkey Puzzle Irthlingborough. Michelle managed this until late 2016. In 2017 Michelle & Simon opened their second beautiful setting Monkey Puzzle Kettering. Following on from the success of these two amazing settings in, July 2018 Michelle and Simon took over ownership of Monkey Puzzle Bedford.
Lisa Livsey
Nursery Manager
Lisa is our Designated Safeguarding Officer. Lisa is qualified to CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education, as well as Level 2 Team Leading. Lisa is also our qualified emergency first responder. She has Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 food Hygiene and Lisa is fluent in British sign language. Lisa is a great mentor to all our staff, while ensuring the best possible care for all children who attend our Nursery. She loves working with children of all ages as well as assisting and enhancing their development and sharing many precious milestones.
In my spare time I enjoy socialising, eating out and spending time with family and friends.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 3 In Children’s care, Learning and Development
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading
- Emergency First Response
- Paediatric First Aid
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2
- Health and Safety at work
- Safer Recruitment in Education
- Safe Sleeping for Babies reducing the risk of SIDS
- Schema Training
- Medication Administration Training
- Behaviour Management
- Female Genital Mutilation, Recognising and Preventing FGM
- Prevent Training
- Early Child Development
- Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect
- Child and Adult Sexual Exploitation
- Early Help Assessment/ Lead Professional/ Information sharing.
- E-Safety Guidance for Practitioners Working with Children
- Safeguarding Children from Abuse by Sexual Exploitation
- EYFS Training
- Medication Administration Training
Language: English & British Sign Language
Leanne Skelton
Deputy Manager
Leanne Skelton – Hi, I’m Leanne and the Deputy manager here at Monkey Puzzle. I have a CACHE diploma in Child care and Education and over 15 years’ experience working with children. I also have 3 children of my own. I believe there’s nothing more rewarding than watching children grow and develop from when they first start with us until they graduate. I’m very proud to work in our friendly, family orientated nursery.
Qualifications and Training
- CACHE diploma in Child Care and Education
- Level 3 in Health and Social Care
- Emergency First Response
- Pediatric First Aid
- Designated Safeguarding lead
- Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2
- Health and safety at work
- Safer Recruitment
- Safe Sleeping for babies
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
Christine O’Brien
Room Leader and Manager of our Green Room
Hi, I’m Chrissy and I am a qualified level 3 practitioner. I have previously been promoted to Room senior and am very keen to input my enthusiasm and ideas into the room. I worked previously in another setting for 2 years where I gained my qualification. I have experience working with all age groups. I love to put into practice all the things I’ve learnt along the way and have fun with the children, seeing them learn and grow, developing their own little characters.
I have a big family which keeps me busy in my spare time but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 3 Child Care
- Level 3 Health and Social Care
- First Aid
- Safeguarding
Languages: English
Amy Shreeve
Room Leader and Manager of Orange Room
My name is Amy and I am a Room Leader in the Orange room at Monkey Puzzle day nursery, Irthlingborough.
I have worked in childcare for the last 2 years of which the last years I have been a room leader and then recently stepped down so I can further my knowledge and development, working with other age groups.
When I first starting working at monkey puzzle I worked in the pink room with the toddlers and I loved every minute there were such a joy to look after. I then got promoted and worked in the orange room with the 18 months to 2 and half year olds as a room leader. I really enjoyed being a senior as I felt I development so much as a person as was able to gain a lot more knowledge. I am now working in the preschool, and its my first time ever to work with this age group and I am really enjoying the experience.
In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with my family. I also really enjoy going to the gym, and going shopping.
Qualifications and Training
• Designated Safeguarding Officer
• Level 2 Food Hygiene
• Paediatric first aid certificate
Languages: English
Jodie Richardson
Room Leader and Manager of Pink Room
Hi, I’m Jodie and I am qualified to CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education. I also have my Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 food Hygiene and is qualified in as a Designated Safeguarding Officer. I am a bubbly, exciting member of staff with lots of inspirational ideas to get the children involved and engaged with their learning. During my time in childcare Jodie has gained experience from working with babies to year 5’s through volunteering. I also have also previously worked with the 2 year old age group and has just completed a course’ working with two year olds’. Jodie loves working with children and loves seeing them grow.
Qualifications and Training
- CACHE diploma in Child Care and Education
- Emergency First Response
- Pediatric First Aid
- Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2
- Health and safety at work
- Safe Sleeping for babies
- FGM
- Prevent Duty
Sita Kakkad
Room Leader of Blue Room
My name is Sita and I work in preschool. I studied BA Education Studies at University and have a strong passion for working with children to help them learn and grow.
Qualifications and Training
- First Aid Training
- BA Education Studies
- Safeguarding
- Preschool Readiness Training.
Vickie Payne
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Vickie, I have been working in childcare for over 2 years and I have enjoyed it a lot! I started at Monkey Puzzle as a student from college but loved it so much I then started my apprenticeship at the nursery which helped me to gain my Level 3 qualification. I previously worked in our baby Room for most of the two years and have really enjoyed watching the children learn and grow as the move up into the older rooms. I am now based in pink room and am keen to enhance my knowledge and experience of a different age group.
In my spare time I love to sing, go shopping and spending time with my family.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 3 diploma in children’s learning and development
- Paediatric first aid
- Level 2 in food and hygiene
- Basic safeguarding
Languages: English
Lisa Lacobucci
Nursery Practitioner
When I first started at Monkey puzzle, I was doing my level 3 childcare apprenticeship and now, two years later and I am now a confident qualified member of staff who loves doing my job.
I am a friendly and caring person who really enjoys working with children and interacting with children and parents alike. Since joining Monkey Puzzle two years ago, I have loved every minute of it, meeting new children and their parents too.
Qualifications and Training
- Qualified paediatric first aider
- Level 2 food hygiene certificate
- Safeguarding
- SIDS
- Supervision and appraisals in early years settings
- Safeguarding children from abuse by sexual exploitation, child poverty
- Safeguarding children from FGM.
Languages: English
Saskia Powell
Nursery Practitioner
Hi my name is Saskia I started at Monkey Puzzle 6 Months ago as a student. I have now finished my course and was delighted to be offered a job as a level 3 Early years Practitioner. I am excited to continue to watch the children learn and be part of their development.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 3 diploma in childcare
- Paedriactic first aid
- Level 2 food and hygiene
- 2 years experience in childcare setting as a student
- Fgm certificate
- SIDS certificate
- Prevent duty certificate
- Safeguarding certificate
- Health and safety certificate
Languages: English
Hannah Gould
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Hannah Gould and I am a nursery practitioner based in the Toddler Room here at Monkey Puzzle Irthlingborough. I have worked in childcare for the last 10 years. I can definitely say that every day is different and enjoyable in many different ways. The children make each day fun. I have experience of working with all ages for varying amounts of time both at Monkey Puzzle and at my previous nursery although I started looking after children aged one. I have currently been based in the Toddler Room for the last couple of months.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, swimming, reading and listening to music.
Qualifications and Training
- 10 years experience in childcare
- Early Years Teacher Status
- Early Years Professional Status
- Childhood Studies degree (BA Hons)
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate
- Safeguarding Training
- Food Hygiene
- Sing and Sign
Languages: English
Amanda Phipps
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Amanda and I am a nursery nurse here at Monkey Puzzle day nursery, Irthlingborough. I have worked in childcare for the last 8 years of which the last 2 years I have been a full time carer for my niece. I have experience working with all ages in my previous nursery settings and am looking forward to being back in a nursery environment.
In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with my family. I also enjoy listening to music and going out with my niece.
Qualifications and Training
- 8 years’ experience in childcare
- Level 3 certificate in Children & Young Peoples Workforce
- Level 5 diploma in management
Languages: English
Shannon Tarry
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Shannon and I am a Nursery Practitioner qualified to level 3 and I am based in the baby room. I never knew what i wanted to do for a career with childcare along with many other ideas in my head, but shortly after birth if my twin sisters in 2015 I knew that childcare was the career for me, it was rewarding to see them grow and be a positive influence in their lives and I decided to become an apprentice at Monkey Puzzle to get my qualification.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my family friends and spend time with my baby sisters. I also like to listen to music and keep active.
Qualifications and Training
- Emergency first response
- Paediatric first aid
- Food safety and hygiene level 2
- Health and safety at work
- Safe sleeping for babies and reducing the risk of SIDS • Female genital mutilation, preventing and recognising FGM • Prevent training • Safeguarding training • Behaviour management
Languages: English
Lauren Upton
Nursery Practitioner
Hello, I am Lauren and I am based in the green room. I am a level 2 qualified nursery practitioner and now working towards achieving my level 3 qualification. I completed my level 2 at college in 2014 where I had done placements in a childcare setting. I have a lot of younger siblings/family members so I have always been around younger children and I have always loved helping them and watching them grow.
Qualifications andTraining:
- Level 2 in childcare and education
Languages: English
Judit Alonso
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Judit. I have a level 6 in childcare and more than 6 years of experiences working with children. I came from Spain 3 years ago and I have spent all of that time working with children of different ages. Education is my passion, I can’t imagine working in other types of jobs. I have so much fun playing with children and I love it when they show their imagination.
Everybody is very welcoming here and I am very happy to join the Monkey Puzzle Team!
During my free time I like to travel and see different places around the world, I love to go to Spain and spend time with my family and friends. I also like to read different types of books and watch movies.
Qualifications and Training:
- Level 6 childcare
- EYFS Teacher Status
- Pediatric First Aid
Languages: Spanish and English
Emily Vincent
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Emily Vincent I am a level 2 Nursery Practitioner, I first started off at monkey puzzle as a student through my college placement and decided that I really loved the practical side of learning, so I decided to apply for an apprenticeship here at monkey puzzle day nursery Irthlingborough and I am grateful to be working here as I have learnt so much already.
I have worked at monkey puzzle since November 2016 am now working towards my Level 3 Qualification, I have enjoyed experiencing and working with children of all different ages and I can honestly say that I really am enjoying my job here at monkey puzzle.
I have really enjoyed experiencing working with all of the different ages as I started off in the baby room where I made very good relationships with the children I am now enjoying bonding and creating new relationships with my key children in preschool, I have really enjoyed watching and helping all the children to grow as individuals and I have also loved helping my key children in preschool further their independence as they get ready for school.
In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends and spending time with my family, I also absolutely adore animals and would also one day like to work with animals to as I have a strong passion for dog training. Before I started to work at monkey puzzle I absolutely loved babysitting on the weekends for many family friends so this is why I have always wanted to work in childcare.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 2 in Childcare and Education
- Paediatric first aid
- Safeguarding
- Level 2 food hygiene
Languages: English
Rachael Hendry
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Rachael and I work in the orange room at monkey puzzle Irthlingborough. I have recently completed my level 2 qualification in child care. In doing this I have gained lots of hands on experience. I have had experience with working with preschool and now enjoy working with the children in the orange room.
In my spare time I enjoying spending time with my family and friends. I am also a guide leader which has enabled me to have more experience with older children.
Qualifications and Training
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Childcare Level 2
- Level 2 food Hygiene
- Safeguarding
Languages: English
Katie Swann
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Katie Swann and I am based in Green Room and recently completed my level 2. I went to college and completed my level 1 childcare and 2 other courses. After I finished college I decided to apply for an apprenticeship at Monkey Puzzle because I wanted to learn through my work, Monkey Puzzle has allowed me to do this and pursue the career that I have always wanted and that I enjoy very much. Before I started working here I really struggled with my confidence but it has gotten a lot better since working. Now I have finished my level 2 I’m hoping to go on and complete my level 3 at Monkey Puzzle.
Qualifications and Training
- First aid qualified
- Childcare Level 2
- Food hygiene
- Fgm
- Prevent duty
- Safeguarding
Languages: English
Rose Hodge
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Rose and I love my role within the nursery as it allows me to continue in a career that I love, supporting each room and member of staff and most importantly allows me to engage with all of the children .I have worked with children since I was 14 years old .Having my own teenagers who are 14 and 16 means I have plenty of experience at home behind me as well as professionally. I hope that I can continue to support the setting as we continue to settle in new children and get to know them and their families. I love to watch them grow and learn as they move through the nursery in preparation for school in my mind there is nothing as wonderful as being privileged to be part of a young child’s life and development .
Qualifications and Training
- Level2/3 in childcare and education
- Paediatric first aid
- Level 2 food and hygiene
- Designated safeguarding officer training
- Recognising and preventing FGM
- Health and Safety
- Prevent duty training
- Safeguarding training
Language: English
Thomas L’Anson
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Thomas and I am an apprentice training for my level 3 certificate. I am based primarily in the Preschool room at Monkey puzzle day nursery, Irthlingborough.
I am new to childcare as this is my first time in a childcare setting, which I strive to develop my skills and allow my knowledge to grow in childcare. By doing this I am to complete my level 3 apprenticeship and be a qualified nursery practitioner.
I have previous experience through odd babysitting jobs.
I tend to baby sit my younger cousins whose ages vary through from infancy to teenagers, which I thoroughly enjoy and which made me consider childcare. I love being able to work with Preschool and help them develop and learn new things everyday and prepare them for school in the future!
In my spare time I like to relax, visit family and friends and spend time with my family.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 2 food hygiene certificate
- Paediatric first aid certificate
- Recognising and preventing FGM
- Health and safety at work
- Understanding pathways to extremism and the prevent programme
Languages: English
Emilie Callan
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Emilie and I am in green room and help out here at Monkey Puzzle day nursery, Irlingborough. I have done some experience before with children for a college course at a school and worked with the youngest ages in the building and decided that the joy it did bring to me that I would pursue a career in such. I thouorulghy enjoy my job as I love to watch the children progress and see what they learn from one another and me personally. The bonds that you gain with the children are what makes the job so amazing as the trust and strength you build together help them to progress in their younger years. You feel a sense of achievement when you see them progressing, it’s amazing!!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Qualifications and Training
- Grade B in English
- Level 2 Public Services
- Level 2 Customer Service
- Level 3 childcare – Pending as in progress.
Languages: English.
Lucy Shearing
Nursery Apprentice
Hi, my name is Lucy, I’ve just started working at Monkey Puzzle to work towards my Level 3 qualification. I am based in the Green Room and I am absolutely loving it. I have always wanted to work with children and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to do so. I have plenty of experience working with children as I have my own daughter who is 5 and 3 nephews which age range from infant right up to teens! I am looking forward to learning more about the children and their personalities and also watch them grow and develop.
Tina Blackett
Our amazing Nursery Cook.
My name is Tina Blackett and I am the cook at Monkey Puzzle day nursery, Irthlingborough and have been for the past 18 months. I have been a cook for over 17 years, with previous care providers. I enjoy all aspects of baking and feel very rewarded by the children when they tell me if they have enjoyed a certain meal I have cooked them.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog and spending quality time with my family, I like to go on foreign holidays and enjoy the cinema.
Qualifications and Training
- I have my level 2 food hygiene qualification and also completed a level
- 3 allergen management course.
- I have my paediatric First aid and basic safeguarding.
Languages: English.
Lydia Kettaoui
Lunch & Relief Cover Staff
My name is Lydia Kettaoui. I am lunch and relief cover here at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Irthlingborough. I have worked in childcare for over 10years, I took 12 years away to be full time mum to my two boys. I have experience with all age group in day nursery and as live in nanny settings.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family. Love cooking, hand crafts, reading and traveling.
Qualifications and Training
- 10years experience in childcare
- NVQ level 2
- Paediatric first Aid
- Level 2 food hygiene
Language: English
Lisa Billing
Lunch & Relief Staff
Katie Harrington-Burke
Lunch & Relief Staff
Hello Im Katie, I am based in our Jungle Jammer’s room
I have worked with children for many years, I am a qualified Horse riding instructor and used to teach children.
I have also worked in care and have spent many years bringing up my own 2 children.
For the last 13 years I have worked in a school preparing and serving meals.
I am a happy and enthusiastic person and enjoy encouraging children to learn and develop.
I am an animal lover and in my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs and horse riding.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 2 safeguarding children
- Level 2 safeguarding Adults
- BHS stage 1,2 in Ride Road safety
- BHS Preliminary Training
- NVQ 1,2,3 In Catering Hospitality & Management
- Level 3 Food Hygiene
Languages: English
Fergus Murray
Facilities Support
Hi, I’m Fergus, I have 5 years’ experience working with children. I am Level 3 (EYE) Qualified. I love working with children cause they are all characters and each day is full of smiles! I took a bit of time away working with children to explore other interests of mine. I really missed working in the childcare industry and when this opportunity arose I was very excited to take this on. I am very lucky to be in the position I am where I can be a support around the nursery and within the rooms as well. In my spare time I enjoy playing rugby for Long Buckby. Don’t be afraid to say hello if you see me around the nursery .
Judith Hopes
Housekeeping
Samantha Horne
Housekeeping
Cheryl Cornwell
Housekeeping
Career opportunities
Monkey Puzzle is committed to providing great career opportunities for its entire staff. We are very keen to ensure that our team of staff participate in training at all levels. Our policy is always to recruit and/or promote internally if at all possible.
Please see our Current Vacancies below:
No current vacancies
If you think you have what it takes and would like to be a part of our exciting team, please send your CV to manager@monkeypuzzleirthlingborough.co.uk and we will hold your details on file until something becomes available.
