Hannah Ward
Operations & Training Manager
SENCO Trained

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Hannah has worked at Monkey Puzzle as part of the Senior Management Team since 2011, and managed Monkey Puzzle, Ridgmont road from 2015 – 2019.

The role of Operations and Training Manager is exciting and diverse with Hannah  creating and maintain a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice throughout both nursery settings.

She studied Childcare and Education at Hertford regional college, Ware and gained her Diploma, Level 3 in 2007. Hannah went onto successfully complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Children & Young Peoples Workforce (Early Years) in 2016.

Hannah loves being  part of children’s early years and has a strong interest in observing children’s growth and development, finding ways to support and encourage this.

In her spare time socializing with friends and family, cooking and shopping is important and more recently being mum to her beautiful daughter!

Megan Homfray
Nursery Manager
SENCO

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Since the early age of 14 I have had a vast amount of experience involving working with children. I have been a tutor of both Maths and English for the past 7 years. I have also been a children’s entertainer and a babysitter for various families.

At Monkey Puzzle I have been lucky enough to work with all age groups from 3 months to 5 years and my personal development has evolved allowing me to progress both professionally and personally.

Growing up in a large family helped my determination to work with children grow and develop.

I am proud to have completed my childcare qualification, level 3 whilst I’ve been working at Monkey Puzzle and I have also gained my Level 5.

During my gap year I volunteered in Cameroon working in both the hospitals and schools carrying out a variety of tasks, this was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

Kiran Shan
Deputy Nursery Manager
Designated Safeguarding Officer

I have been working at Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont road for the last 5 years, starting as a Senior Nursery Nurse and progressing up to the management team. I enjoy working with all age groups as I love discovering each child’s individual personalities and watching them grow and develop.

Moving  to Monkey Puzzle, Orient Close to be the Nursery Deputy Manager makes me both proud and exciting.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, going out to eat and socializing with my friends and family.

Celia North
Third In Charge

Senior Nursery Nurse
Level 3 and Level 5
Paediatric First Aid

My interest in childcare began at Summer Camps. Having spent my holidays on these for many years as a child, I was a leader for the first time aged 15.

I started working in nurseries from the age of 18 after finishing my A levels. I have worked in different rooms with different ages but I feel that Pre-school is where I have settled. I love this age as there are so many things to do with the children as they are understanding more and becoming aware of the world around them.

I am naturally creative, and enjoy art activities the most as I find it is a way of learning a lot about the children.

In my spare time, I like to be in the company of my pets; two rabbits, a dog and a fish! I enjoy going to concerts, walking, visiting friends and curling up on the sofa with a new film or a good book.

I am proud to have completed  my Level 5 qualification.

Mumtahina Rahman
Senior Nursery Nurse
Level 6

Since completing my work placement in a nursery during my 2nd year of University as a Student Researcher, it became very evident to me that I want to provide children with the best quality care and experience.

Having just completed my BA in Early Childhood Education, I truly believe that there is more to a child than what meets the eye. This has therefore influenced me to peruse the role as an early years practitioner in order to support children in their holistic development and also allow them to have the independence to become their own person.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and am a passionate baker.

Mykaylah Turrell
Pink Monkeys Room Leader

I am qualified level 2 practitioner. I find it lots of fun when planning activities using the outside area and messy play.

In my own time I spend lots of time with my brother and sister and enjoy holidays to Cyprus.

I enjoy going out and experiencing new things.

I am currently studying towards my Level 3 Childcare qualification.

Gemma Else
Nursery Nurse

I have been a hairdresser for many years but decided to take a step back when I had my daughter, who is now at school!

After watching her grow I knew I wanted to work with children as a career change. Watching them grow and develop is such a reward and I am happy
to be able to contribute to that.

I am so pleased to be part of the Monkey Puzzle Team.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and family and spending quality time with my daughter, we love having fun days out together.

I am proud to say that I recently gained my Level 3 childcare qualification.

Sally Brown
Nursery Nurse
Level 2

I became interested in working with children when I was 9 years old when my niece was born, and I spent a lot of my teenage years looking after her. I then became a mother myself and spent the next 18 years raising my 4 lovely children.

Now that my children are growing up, I am ready to begin my dream career and work with children of nursery age. I have recently been working as a breakfast club and after school club supervisor with children aged 4-11 years, but am really looking forward to beginning my journey in a nursery. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching movies.

Simon Harrison
Nursery Cook

I have spent many years in the catering industry, starting from the very bottom and building my way up to head chef/kitchen manager. In those years I have widen my skills and knowledge in various catering environments. I love working with fresh food and understand the importance of nutritional and healthy foods whilst taking into account allergens and religion. I believe it is a wonderful environment working in a nursery setting, offering the opportunity to cook fresh food for the children.
I am a father of three young children and I enjoy cooking them healthy fun meals at home and try to get them involved as much as I can so they can learn the importance of healthy foods and how they benefit us.

In my spare time at home I love being with my family, going on adventurous walks and rock hunting with them. We love being outdoors and being active. If I can fit it in during summer, I also like to go fishing!

Sally Smith
Kitchen Pot Washer

I am enjoying being part of the Monkey Puzzle Team and supporting the Nursery Chef in her daily role.

I have been working in school settings in various different roles, including in the kitchen. I am a Mum to my lovely daughter who is now at secondary school and we enjoy spending lots of time together doing things such as shopping, bowling and eating out in pudding restaurants!

Jessica Coote
Currently On Maternity Leave
Senior Nursery Nurse
QTS

I would consider myself as an effective role-model with an understanding nature; a helpful and friendly person who is reliable and trustworthy. My past experiences involve supporting babies from 6 months old to children aged 11 years in a variety of settings in the UK and worldwide. I originally started my career in childcare and education as a teaching assistant at key stage 2 and then went on to gain my BA (Hons) in Primary Education and attained Qualified Teacher Status. Being able to ensure babies and children feel safe and their needs are met, while giving exceptional care is of prime importance to me. I am looking forward to combining my previous experience with the Monkey Puzzle ethos to provide great care to the best of my ability.