We actively support all staff furthering their professional development. We currently have nursery apprentices who are working towards The Early Years Educator qualification.Monkey Puzzle Bromley prides itself on having a highly qualified nursery team. All our staff are qualified to a minimum NVQ Level 2 with the majority of staff holding either NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) or NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare.
Arlind Marku – The nursery is owned by local businessman Arlind Marku, who graduated from Middlesex University in 2007 with a BA Hons in Business Studies and Italian. Since graduating he has run a number of family businesses, always with the intention of returning back to his dream of owning a children’s day nursery. Arlind has always aspired “to own a nursery that is full of happiness and joy, creating an OUTSTANDING environment where children can thrive”. He grew up with very strong family values where children’s upbringing and education was always paramount. “I believe that a child’s successful journey starts from very early education so it was extremely important for me to choose sites which provide the best settings for children to have enjoyable, fun and OUTSTANDING learning experiences”. I enjoy using my business knowledge and passion for children to support our team and improve the opportunities for our children. I am a firm believer that children are our future and we must give them an understanding of how powerful, important, valuable and perfect they are.” I am now extremely excited to be embracing the challenge of opening our fourth nursery and creating another wonderful setting within the local community of Tunbridge Wells. Keeping children safe and happy alongside meeting and developing their needs will always be at the forefront of what we promote and value as a team. I am incredibly excited about this new venture and I hope you will join us as we grow into an influential part of your community. We aim to be an OUTSTANDING nursery, caring for local children and their families in the beautiful Tunbridge Wells area. 
Owner
Nick – Operations Manager “Our vision is to create wonderful spaces where children will be safe, cared for, loved and happy. Our children and families will always remain at the centre of what we do. We will provide a space where children and our team can learn, grow and develop with support, encouragement and positivity being the keys to ensuring a high-quality, OUTSTANDING provision.” Nick has previously worked for Asquith Nurseries where he began as a volunteer. He completed his Early Years qualification and worked towards becoming Manager of the company’s flagship nursery helping to achieve an OUTSTANDING Ofsted grade twice and being held over 9 years. Nick’s passion is focused upon supporting both the children’s and the team’s development and supporting to deliver the highest standards of childcare across all areas of the nursery. “I am highly motivated to continue to drive the highest standards across all aspects of the nurseries with the dedicated teams we have in place. One of the best parts of my role is always seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they laugh, learn and play, alongside some fantastic early years professionals. Nick is a huge sports fan, who especially enjoys football, tennis and cycling. He also loves watching films, reading, visiting the seaside and meeting up with friends over a good cup of coffee to help relax. 
Nick has been working within early years for over 12 years and has joined the company as our Operations Manager to provide further support to our senior leadership team. Nick has supported the setup of our recently opened new branches in Orpington which has been incredibly successful and now is overseeing the full refurbishment, recruitment and operations of our Tunbridge Wells nursery.
Stacy – Assistant Manager
Qualified with a CACHE level 3 in Childcare and Education. She also has 11 years’ experience in childcare with 2-3 year olds. Stacy has received MAKATON training from the lady who trained Mr Tumble (Justin Fletcher) and although working in childcare is challenging she finds it incredibly rewarding. Working with children has always been a passion of Stacy’s since she was 9 and has been the best career choice she could have made.
When asked why she wanted to work in childcare Stacy said “The reason I work with children is because they are our future generation and I take pride in knowing that I have made an impact on the most important years of their lives.”
Emma – Early Years Co-Ordinator
I am based at our Bromley branch but I also support our Orpington and Tunbridge Wells nurseries.
I have worked in Early years for over 10 years and I could not imagine doing anything else. I love being a part of watching the children develop and grow, supporting them to reach their personal milestones.
I have previously supported and led Ofsted inspections supporting nurseries to achieve Outstanding outcomes. I felt extremely proud that we had achieved the highest standards for our families and team.
I have had experience in a variety of different roles, I started my childcare journey, newly qualified as a bank member of staff. I was offered a full time position as a nursery nurse and not long after I became a Room Supervisor and began to develop my leadership skills.
A few years later I was given the opportunity to work as a third in charge in the nursery. This is where I gained more managerial skills and began the children and the teams across a range of ages. After a few years, I was a Deputy Manager where my passion for supporting children continued to flourish and I added the role of SENCO, supporting children with additional needs and further developing our inclusive practice.
I continue to support many children with additional needs, their families and our staff teams with children’s learning outcomes working closely with the Bromley Borough and relevant agencies.
As part of my role, I support with providing enabling environments and with the quality of teaching and learning.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and going on holiday to visit new places.
Steph – Room Leader
I have worked in childcare for the last 8 years and love all age groups but my favourite is always the babies. I am always keen to develop my skill, practice and knowledge so regularly seek to find new training opportunities. In my spare time I enjoy going swimming, going on days out with my family and sharing dinner dates with friends.
Lisa
I have over 7 years working in childcare and through these experiences I have gained so much knowledge and skills about children’s development and how I can best meet their needs as well as achieving my Level 2 childcare qualification. Supporting children is so rewarding, whether it be on a one to one basis or in small groups. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and planning days out with my friends.
Letizia – Explorer
I have been in childcare for two years and I have a level 2. I enjoy listening to the children’s first words, developing their understanding and curiosity. I chose childcare because I love to see the children’s reactions as they learn and grow. My achievements since starting is my confidence in my role, getting employee of the month and building strong relationships with the parents and key children. My hobbies include gardening, cooking and hiking with my family and friends.
Morgan- Explorer
Hi, my name is Morgan I have been working in childcare for 5 years now I am level 2. I chose to work with children to boost my confidence and learn new skills. I am proud to see the children achieve their milestones no matter how big or small they may be. Since working at Monkey puzzle I have gained social skills and developed my team working skills , knowledge and experience. I enjoy going out for dinner and shopping.
Qualifications:
- Level 2
- Paediatric First Aid
- Nationality: English
Daniella
I’ve been working in childcare for 3 years since I was 16 in both nurseries and voluntary work I have a level 3. I love everything about working with children, from teaching them life skills to some of the funny things they come out with. Choosing childcare for me was a passion as every day is different and you can always expect the unexcepted. My achievements since joining the nursery is my new role as acting room deputy, hoping to process to deputy permanently soon. Hobbies include coaching cricket to children aged 5-7 on a Sunday morning which I love and socializing and spending time with my family and friends.
Millie
I have worked in childcare for 2 and a half years now and I am at present unqualified but looking to process as I am doing my level 2 nursery nurse qualification. I like building special bonds with the children and parents.
I also enjoy helping the children reach their developmental milestones; I have always had a passion for working with children, supporting their induvial needs and watching them grow and become independent. My achievements since starting at the nursery are growing in confidence in my role, learning about EYFS and characteristics of effect learning, first aid trained and working towards my level 2 to become a qualified member of the team. Hobbies include spending time with family and friends and shopping !!
Steph
Kirby
I have 4 years experience of working with children in nurseries and in childminding settings. My favourite part about working with children is how rewarding it feels when they learn something new and being a special part of that. I have achieved my Paediatric first aid qualification and I am looking to further my skills and experience in completing a childcare qualification too through the company’s apprenticeship scheme.
Leah
I have 5 years of experience working with children and I have always enjoyed supporting them to achieve and love being a part of ensuring they are provided with the best possible care and learning environment.
Paige – Room Leader
I am level 3 qualified and have been working in the childcare sector for 9 years now. I enjoy my role because I love watching the children grow, learn and achieve their goals. I chose childcare as I love to learn and wanted to in turn use this training and knowledge to support the children in my care. Achievements since being at the setting are becoming the Room Leader and the role of Senco for Monkey Puzzle Bromley. Hobbies include swimming, spending time with family and friends, cinema watching films and reading books.
Qualifications
- Level 3 Childcare – Diploma and Certificate
- Level 2 Childcare Graded A
- Safeguarding Certificate
- First Aid
- Nationality – British
Paris -Deputy Room Leader
Being a part of shaping the next generation and supporting children to grow and blossom into their own unique personalities are wonderful things to see and be a vital part of. Each day is different and so is each child which makes it magical! I have worked across all age groups but have mainly been based with supporting 2 year olds. I am Paediatric First Aid trained and have achieved my Level 3 childcare qualification. I love watching films and documentaries as well as enjoy some good food!
Jamie
I have been in the childcare sector for 3 years now, I am level 3 qualified and I enjoy working with the children because I love seeing the children achieve and learn new skills through our teaching. I chose childcare as I was recommend about Monkey Puzzle Bromley from a family member and I was really interested in this role and opportunity. Achievements since being at the setting is completing my level 2 and 3 in early years, and being the Room Leader/manager of the Inventors room. Hobbies are fishing, UFC, football and watching horror movies.
Qualifications:
- Level 2 Qualified Early Years
- First Aid,
- Safeguarding
- Nationality: British
Chloe
I have been in the childcare sector for 6 years which includes studying at college and I hold a level 3 in childcare. I enjoy watching children grow, developing and supporting their achievements for their next steps. I have always loved working with children and animals they are both my passion since a young age. Completed a First Aid course to support me within my role and will continue to upskill my knowledge. In my spare time I like to spend time with my son and family.
Natalie
Hi, I’m Natalie, I am based in the Discoverers room as an apprentice, I am very enthusiastic and enjoy helping the children develop and grow. I enjoy seeing the children learn and play with help and independently giving them the best start in their childhood and life
Qualifications:
- Currently working towards a Level 2 Childcare qualification.
- Safeguarding
- Nationality: British
Millie R
I have been in childcare for 4 months now so I’m still new to the childcare sector and I am learning as I go along with the support of the team. What I enjoy about the job is seeing the children learn, grow and seeing the children smile throughout the day achieving their goals, that’s why I chose a position in childcare. Achievements are starting my level 2 to up skill my training and learning. And completing Paediatric first aid. Hobbies include keeping fit at the gym and spending time with my family and friends.
Bell – Nursery Nurse
I have 4 years of childcare experience supporting children to learn and develop and have also completed my Level 3 childcare qualification as well as my Paediatric First Aid training to ensure that can keep children safe at all times. I especially enjoy working alongside parents to support the children’s interests and using these within some wonderful activities which are a reflection of my creativity. Most of all I feel that I can make a difference in children’s lives. In my spare time I love listening to music, enjoy long walks and spending time with my family.
Georgie – Room Leader
I have been supporting children’s learning and development in nurseries since I left Sixth form about 6 years ago. My favourite aspect of working with children is watching them grow and develop from the time they join the pre school team to supporting their next big adventure through our wonderful school transition programme of activities. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym most evenings and love nothing more than spending time with family and friends.
Lauren – Deputy Room Leader
I have achieved my Level 4 in Childcare and have over 10 years experience of childcare and have worked with all age groups. I enjoy watching the children grow up and reach some wonderful milestones as well as helping the children get ready for their next big adventure at school. I enjoy going to the gym, baking and cooking as well as going to the cinema and taking long walks in the countryside, with a special interest in participating in tough outdoor challenges!
Manjula – Inventors
I have a level 3 in childcare, I’ve worked in the industry for 27 years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge from working in different settings. I chose childcare as it was a passion and I enjoy making strong bonds and relationships with the children and parents. Achievements for me is sharing my knowledge and experience to help support the team. My hobbies include cooking, watching movies spending time with family and friends and working in my garden.
Qualifications:
- NNEB
- BTEC 1st Diploma
- Nationality: British
Charlotte
Nursery Practitioner
I have worked with children and young people for 10 years in and around London. I love every experience I have had working with younger children and I am excited to have lots more at Monkey Puzzle!
Katie
Apprentice
As someone who has grown up around lots of young children I knew that childcare would be my ideal career path. I find it so fulfilling watching them grow up knowing I have been a part of it and I have been able to support the children’s development. My hobbies include reading, baking and painting.
Darsika
Apprentice
I enjoy helping and supporting children’s learning and development and have previous experience of supporting children with additional needs as well which has helped me to understand how to meet individual requirements and support their skills. Working with children has always been my passion and being part of a child’s development has always been my dream! It always brings happiness as I witness them learning and developing their knowledge. I have achieved a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and in my spare time I enjoy drawing, watching films and reading.
Salima
I have worked in childcare since the age of 17 and I am level 3 qualified. I love making a difference to the children’s lives and watching them become confident and learn as they grow. Achievements since I started is first becoming the Deputy Room Leader then processing to Room Leader which in turn has seen my confidence and knowledge grow. Hobbies include eating !!! (Chocolate ), going for long walks, learning about history and travelling the world. Watching movies and listening to Bollywood songs.
Qualifications:
NVQ Level 2 Childcare
NVQ Level 3 Childcare
First Aid
Food Hygiene
Nationality: British
Lauren
I am level 3 qualified and have worked in the childcare sector for 14 years, giving the children the opportunities to learn and grow is really important to me. I chose childcare as it was a passion and I loved supporting children with Sen and watching them flourish with our care and support. Achievements at the nursery is that I have build great bonds with my key children and support the children with Sen within my role. My hobbies include making nappies cakes for baby showers and socializing with friends and family.
Qualifications:
BTEC National Diploma in Early Years
CACHE Level 3 in Childcare and Education
First Aid
Nationality: British
Tia
I have been in childcare for nearly 2 years now and I am unqualified at present but looking to progress. I enjoy reading stories and having that interaction with the children and watching them grow by learning new skills. Chose childcare because I love working with the children to build their confidence and knowledge. Achievements for the nursery are starting my level 3 course, growing in confidence being more outgoing and putting my ideas into practice. Hobbies include shopping I would say I’m a shopaholic !!! and I love going to the cinema and amusement parks.
Qualifications:
Level 2 and 3 Health and Social Care.
Nationality: Black British
Egzona
Hi, my name is Egzona, I love to make the world a better place. I am a Nursery Nurse in the Investigators room and I love encouraging children to develop in all seven areas of their development and ensuring children are enjoying their time in nursery and exploring new things every day.
Qualifications:
Level 2 Childcare
Currently working towards Level 3
First Aid
Food Hygiene
Nationality: Albanian / British
Aalia – Nursery Practitioner
I have completed a childcare qualification at College so feel really pleased to be able to gain further skills and experience at the nursery. I have previously completed a part of my placement for the Early Years course at the nursery so I was delighted to be able to return to become an additional keyperson for the children and families. In my spare time I like listening to music and drawing.
Ellie
Hi my name is Ellie. I have recently began my journey working in childcare because it has always been a passion of mine to watch and support children learn and grow. Since working at Monkey Puzzle I have built on my confidence, better social skills and more creativity when setting up activities. I am a nursery assistant along side working with children I am a student studying psychology at university. I enjoy spending time at beach and spending time with friends.
Laura
I have been doing childcare for 8 months now and I have really enjoyed my time at the nursery. I am unqualified but I am building on my knowledge and experience every day. Have build strong bonds with the children and we learn and teach each other, every day, something new and even learn about each other’s personality. I chose childcare because I genuinely love children and look after them as if they were my own. Achievement is I am now a key person which I really enjoy building strong attachments. In my spare time I love to read, do yoga and listen to music, dance and go hiking with family and friends.
Michelle
I have worked in childcare for 2 years and at present I am unqualified but looking to process in my career. I love setting up exciting activities and seeing the children grow and blossom into confident leaners ready for school. Chose childcare as I love working with children and watching them develop and meet their milestones. Achievements at the setting is growing my knowledge and experience. My hobbies include cooking Caribbean food, going to the pictures, reading and travelling.
Niki – Chef
I have had extensive experience within the catering world and love the joys nursery life brings! I love it when the children ask me to cook certain dishes and when the children all come and tell me how “yummy” the meals are. I have really enjoyed having the flexibility to adapt our menus to the seasons as well as I have introduced a Foods from Around the World day each week. This has helped for the children to experience a wider range of foods which has certainly gone down well! In my spare time I enjoy walking and swimming as well as socialising with friends and going to the cinema.
Sue – Catering Assistant
I have been working in nurseries for over 10 years and before this I used to run my own mother and toddler group which was always well attended and enjoyed by both children and parents. The children always bring a smile to my face! I will run the kitchen in Niki’s absence and I always enjoy learning new skills and recipes. In my spare time I enjoy running on a regular basis and I am a member of Cambridge Harriers Athletics Club, competing on a regular basis. I am also a keen gardener and get lots of enjoyment from growing vegetables and herbs to cook and eat.
