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.
Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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). Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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.
Leanne Skelton
Nursery Manager
Hello, I am the nursery manager. I have worked in childcare for the last 19 years and have a vast experience in SENCO and safeguarding. I have been managing this nursery for the past 3 years. I am very proud of the family orientated, welcoming setting we have created. I also have 3 boys of my own. I am currently working towards my Level 5 in childcare and management.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Lisa Livsey
Regional Manager
Hello, I’m Lisa. I have 13 years’ experience in childcare. 2 years ago, I was promoted to regional manager, it is a job that I thoroughly enjoy. It is exciting to support each nursery to reach their full potential. I have recently returned from having my own little one and I am currently working towards my Level 5 in childcare and management.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Language: English & British Sign Language
Christine O’Brien
Deputy Manager
Hello, my name is Chrissie, I have worked in childcare for last 6 years and have never felt more at home at my job than I do here at Monkey Puzzle. I started as a Level 3 practitioner and worked my way to baby room lead and now I am the Deputy Manager. I am currently working towards my Level 5 in childcare and management.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 3 Child Care
- Level 3 Health and Social Care
- First Aid
- Safeguarding
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Paige Skelton
Pink Room Leader (Maternity Cover)
Hello, my name is Paige and I am Level 3 qualified. I have worked in childcare for 9 years and have worked with all ages. The best part of working in childcare is watching the children develop and grow and being a part of it.
Qualifications and Training:
- Level 2 food and hygiene
- Safeguarding
- Safe sleep for babies
- Paediatric First Aid trained
- Prevent Covid-19
Amy Shreeve
Manager of Pink Room – Maternity Leave
My name is Amy and I am a Room Leader in the Pink 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
Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Roxanne Allen
Orange Room Leader
Hi my name is Roxy and I am the room leader of orange room. I am level 3 qualified and have 8 years experience working in childcare. I have twins who keep me very busy and I love making memories, visiting parks, dancing to music and spending family with them.
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.
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Emilie Callan
Room Leader and Manager of Green Room
Hi, I’m Emilie and I am the room leader of babies. I have worked at Monkey Puzzle for 4 years and I have always working in the baby room as it is my favourite age. I love to watch them learn and grow.
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.
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English.
Vickie Payne
Nursery Practitioner (Maternity Leave)
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 have had experience working in all rooms within the Nursery, but baby room is always my favourite and the age I enjoy the most.
In my spare time I love to sing, go shopping and spend 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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Saskia Powell
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Saskia and I am level 3 qualified working in the toddler room. I have worked at Monkey Puzzle for around 4 years and I am now completing my level 5 in childcare and management. I am looking forward to progressing in my career and love to help the children learn and develop.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Emily Vincent
Nursery Practitioner
Hi my name is Emily Vincent. I first started at Monkey Puzzle as a student during my college placement and I decided that I really love the practical side of learning so I decided to apply for an apprenticeship here. I qualified in 2019 and I have loved working with all different age groups, watching them grown and develop. I currently work in Preschool which is my favourite age group, I really enjoy helping to get them ready for school. In my spare time I love to sing, spend time with family and friends and I also have a love for animals and have a strong passion for dog training.
Qualifications and Training
- Level 2 in Childcare and Education
- Paediatric first aid
- Safeguarding
- Level 2 food hygiene
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Abigail Baitup
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Abi and I am Level 3 qualified. I have expanded my knowledge over the last 5 years, and I am also SENCO trained. I really enjoy making a difference in young peoples lives and I bring a positive attitude to education.
Michelle Benton
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Shell and I’m a level qualified practitioner here at Monkey Puzzle. Working with children has always been my passion and I love spending my days doing messy play activities, singing songs and have fun! At home I enjoy movie nights with my 8 year old son and walking our 3 dogs.
Alysha Needham
Apprentice
Hello, my name is Alysha, I have recently started my apprenticeship at Monkey Puzzle and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have a bubbly personality and love learning about how children play and develop. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my family and friends. I’m so excited to progress my knowledge and qualify as a level 3 practitioner.
Qualifications/training –Safeguarding, Health and safety at work, Food and hygiene, safe sleep for babies, First Aid, Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19
Katie Samples
Level 3 apprentice
Hello, my name is Katie and I’m a level 3 apprentice. This is the first nursery I’ve worked in and I absolutely love it, its such a friendly and loving atmosphere to be in. I have always known that I wanted to work with children. I like spending time exploring in the garden with the children and singing lots of songs with them. In my spare time I like to sing, go for walks and spend time with family.
Georgia Day
Level 3 apprentice
Hi, my name is Georgia and I am a nursery apprentice here at Monkey Puzzle currently working towards my level 3. I am based in the baby room which is definitely my favourite room. I’ve always wanted to work with children and first started studying childcare in year 9. My favourite thing about working at Monkey Puzzle is building bonds with the babies and watching them learn and grow. It’s the best feeling helping them to achieve their next streps and be a part of their journey. I’m so grateful and excited to be come a qualified nursery practitioner as its all I’ve ever wanted to do. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I also have a horse and spend a lot of time at the stables.
Matthew Buonassisi – Maintenance/ Facilities Support
I am energetic and enthusiastic person who is honest and Trustworthy , I am good listener and enjoys working as team and always willing to help. My hobbies include being a professional referee in football, going to the gym and watching my favourite team (Liverpool) play.
Listed below is the following training I have:
Level 1 First Aid
Health and Safety Training / CDM
Fire Safety Training
Risk Assessment Training
Child Neglect Training
Stress at Work
Lone Working
Safe Guarding Training
Identifying Emotional Abuse Training. (please list these in bullet points with a bold title under his blurb saying “Qualifications and Training”)
Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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.
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Language: English
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
- Hand washing and Prevent COVID – 19.
Languages: English
Judith Hopes
Relief Staff
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.Career opportunities
Monkey Puzzle Irthlingborough
