The secret to success in any great organisation is the people!
Our staff team have been carefully selected to provide exceptional care and education for the children at the nursery. Everyone brings a particular skill or energy to the team and everyone who joins us embarks on a voyage of discovery with the children, but also in their own personal and professional development. Our team ethic is very much that we can never stop learning from each other in order to achieve our shared vision, which is of course all about the children. We provide regular support, training and development opportunities for all team members to learn and grow to be the best that they can be.
The Monkey Puzzle Highbury franchise is owned and operated by a family business. Geoff & Wendy Kent, and their two sons Richard and Anthony.
Geoff Kent
Nursery Owner
My name is Geoff and I am the proud owner of Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Highbury. I have three sons of my own and have always been a dedicated Father, supporting their care and education to encourage them to be the best that they can be.
I have a particular interest and experience working with personal and professional development, something which underpins the quality of care we aspire to deliver as an inspirational and innovative team of childcare professionals.
In my previous role I was responsible for promoting diversity in the workplace and supporting working Mums with “back to work” advice on home/work balance and general wellbeing during parenting.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Vice President Sales, Coca Cola Enterprises
- Member of Diversity Council at Coca Cola Enterprises
- Pension Trustee
- Dedicated Father to three sons
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Wendy Kent
Nursery Owner
Baby Care Specialist
My name is Wendy. I am a dedicated mother of three sons and a qualified Nursery Nurse. I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and have extensive experience working in a special care baby unit at the maternity ward in Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
During my time as a new Mother I worked in a local Primary School as a Teaching Assistant, where I helped with creative tasks and early literacy skills with children of all ages.
I very much enjoy working with children and particularly appreciate the importance of a stable and nurturing environment for the positive development of babies to young children.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NNEB Qualified Nursery Nurse
- Special Care Baby Unit, Hemel Hempstead Hospital
- Teaching Assistant, Leverstock Green Primary School
- Mother to three sons
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Anthony Kent
Operations Manager
Qualified Early Years Teacher
My name is Anthony and I am from Hertfordshire. I enjoy working in multicultural London as it is a very vibrant city.
I am a qualified Early Years Teacher and love working with children, watching them learn and grow in the Nursery.
I particularly enjoy inspiring young children to take part in music, both as a key area of study and as a transitional tool to engage them in other areas of learning. I like to inspire creativity throughout education, encouraging self-expression and confidence in young children as an important part of their early development.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Early Years Teacher Status, Middlesex University
- MSc Advanced Music Production, Glamorgan University, Cardiff
- BA Hons Commercial Music, Bath Spa University, Bath
- Grade 8 Saxophone and Drum Kit, Grade 5 Music Theory
- Children’s Piano Teacher
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Richard Kent
Finance & ICT Manager
My name is Rik, I am the most recent member of the family to join the nursery team and am very excited to join in with the adventure!
I studied Accounting & Finance at Bristol University, where I met my lovely wife whilst singing in the choir. Since then I have worked as an Account Executive at Coca Cola where I was responsible for developing customer relationships and managing accounts.
In my spare time I enjoy dinner parties with friends, and caring for my two best friends, my bunnies, Barney and Bluebell. Like my little brother Anthony, I also have a keen interest in music and can play the saxophone.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 7 Years experience as an Account Executive, Coca Cola Enterprises
- Grade 8 Saxophone & Grade 5 Music Theory
- Big brother to two little Kent brothers
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Bunny (Intermediate)
Rachel Cannon 
Nursery Manager
My name is Rachel and I am delighted to be returning Monkey Puzzle Highbury as Nursery Manager.
I originally moved to London, from Galway, in the West of Ireland to further my career in Childcare. I have now spent 7 very successful years working with children and being a part of their learning and development makes me proud every day! I have previously worked in Highbury as Joy’s Deputy before moving to Angel in March 2017. Last June, our hard work and commitment was recognised and we received an Outstanding grading in our first inspection. As a nursery manager I work very closely with the individual team members, as their personal and professional development is very important to me.
In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with friends and socialising. My main hobby is Irish Dancing and I’m part of the Maguire O’ Shea School of Irish Dancing. Over the past couple of years we have travelled to many competitions in Brighton, Ireland and Milan.
I also play ‘Camogie’ which is a physical sport which originated from Ireland. I play for a team in East London and we play matches all over B
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
7 Years’ experience in Childcare, including 5 years management experience.
Advanced Safeguarding Certificate, Designated Safeguarding Officer
Currently studying a Foundation Degree in Early Years Leadership and Management
QQI Level 6 Qualification in Assisting Special Needs and Autism Awareness.
Level 3 Certificate for the Children & Young Peoples Workforce
Level 2 in Understanding Autism
Claudia De Stefano
Deputy Manager
Qualified Language Teacher
I’m Claudia, from Naples in Italy, a place where the sun always shines. I moved to England last year in pursuit of a career in education.
I graduated in Foreign Languages at the University “L’Orientale” of Naples. I am a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) qualified teacher and Cambridge Speaking Examiner for young learners, I taught English to Italian children for 5 years.
I really trust in our children’s capabilities, and in the principle of positive reinforcement. All of us can learn more effectively when encouraged and supported with a smile. I’m a very kinaesthetic person, full of energy, always ready to run around and sing along with anyone who dares to follow me. My secret? Just some fairy dust!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Level 3 Childcare
- Degree in Foreign Languages, University of L’Orientale, Naples
- CELTA Certified Language Teacher (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults)
- 6 years experience teaching young children at the Helen Doron language school in Italy
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Italian (native)
Elvira Navarro
Third in Charge
Hi, I’m Elvira from Andalusia! I came to London years ago seeking opportunities and because I love to travel. I enjoy reading and travelling, I have lived and worked in Italy, but my favourite experience was in Istanbul, because of all the amazing history and architecture.
I’ve been working in education ever since I was young; I always knew it was my calling from how much I enjoyed playing with my little cousins and teaching them what I knew!
I came to join the Monkey Puzzle family after a recommendation from my friend who loved working at the Highbury branch. Being able to work in a setting full of joy and passion is a great pleasure; I’m very excited to be able to contribute and channel the energy into a first class early years education for all the lovely children!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Over 10 years’ experience in educational settings
- Experience as a Room Leader and Third in Charge
- Experience as a Cultural Inclusion Coordinator/Early Years Teacher.
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- English (Fluent)
- Italian (Fluent)
Elyne Missinne
Room Leader
Hi my name is Elyne and I’m from Belgium! I came to London because I love exploring and getting to know new places. I enjoy childcare because love being able to teach and learn through play! Watching all the little princes and princesses explore their own imaginations is both fascinating and a great opportunity for education! I look forward every day to being able to take my academic learning into the real world and put it into action! In my spare time I enjoy books, movies and cosy nights in.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- BSc in Ortho-pedagogy: Clinical Child, Family, and Education studies
- BSc in Applied Psychology
- 4 years Childcare Experience, 1 as a licensed care giver, 3 years as an Intern.
Languages:
- Dutch (native)
- English (fluent)
- French (intermediate)
- German (basic)
Jasmine Kwabi
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Jasmine! I’ve been working in and around North London Nurseries for many years now. It’s an amazing profession to be involved in, I like working with children because I like watching them grow and develop new skills. It’s great to know that I have helped them as it makes my job worthwhile.
I like helping children reach their own personal milestones and I look forward to interacting with children and creating new experiences for them to enjoy and learn from. I especially look forward to lots of messy play!
In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and Topgolf; I also like to socialise and finding new places to eat out.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-Cache Level 3 Diploma for children & young people’s work force
-Over 4 years’ experience in childcare
-Experience in a special needs school
-Paediatric First Aid Trained2
Languages:
-English (native)
Yasmine Eddy
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Yasmine, I’m a dedicated childcare professional from London and I’m very excited to be joining Monkey Puzzle Highbury. I’m experienced in working in a variety of environments with lots of different children. I also have worked one to one with a child who had epilepsy; I think it is really valuable to adapt to children’s needs to make sure everyone has a good, fair start in life.
I also have some training in basic Makaton and have spent several years working across multiple settings as part of my level 3 CACHE childcare qualification.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, going to the cinema and going out with my friends.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- CACHE level 3 in Childcare
- CACHE level 3 in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning (TA qualification)
- 5 Years’ Experience in Childcare
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- English (Native)
- Makaton (Basic)
Najah Madow
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Najah, from London and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the world of professional childcare and education! I’ve just finished my BA and am excited to begin a full time role looking after children.
I’ve been training and getting experience for a while now and I’m interested in being able to develop real bonds with children and to help them explore their world. My favourite subject is expressive arts and design, as whether it’s crafts or messy play, I find most children engage really well and learn a lot from these activities.
In my free time I like to bake and I also love travelling. I hope to one day travel and teach in another country!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-BA in Early Childhood Studies
-Level 3 in Health and Social Care
-Currently Training in Paediatric First Aid
-Experience in Pre-Schools and as a Teaching Assistant
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Arabic (Advanced)
Chloe Miles
Nursery Assistant
Hi my name is Chloe, I’ve lived and worked in London all my life and I’ve always worked with children since I left school.
I enjoy working with children because of how loving and eager to learn they are, I especially enjoy getting creative and messy play activities. I look forward to seeing all my little friends grow with us!
In my spare time, I enjoy writing, drawing and swimming. I will also be on a childcare course in September to further my skills and understanding.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- 5 years’ experience as a nanny
- Teaching Assistant Experience in a Special Needs School
- Level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- English (Native)
Kate Welna
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Kate from Poland! I’ve been living and working in childcare in England for nearly 4 years now and I’ve loved every minute of it. I started my journey in Reading, but I’m very excited to be coming to London and joining Monkey Puzzle!
I love exploring all the different cultures of the world, which is something I very much look forward to doing as part of educating the children. I find working and playing with children energises me greatly, so being able to make a career of it is wonderful!
In my spare time, I love to travel and read about other cultures, I also like to keep a diary of the places I’ve been to. When I’m not travelling, I enjoy going for walks and finding new restaurants with my friends.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- 3 ½ years’ experience in nurseries/pre-schools
- Level 2 in Children and Young Peoples’ Workforce
- Paediatric First Aid Trainer
Languages:
- Polish (Native)
- English (Fluent)
- German (Basic)
- French (Basic)
Andrea Califano
Nursery Practitioner
I’m Andrea, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I have wanted to be a teacher and work with children ever since I was a child myself. I have worked in different childcare settings back in Argentina for almost 10 years, and one of the things I love the most about this work is the fact that every day is guaranteed to bring new adventures and experiences, and I get the chance to share and enjoy every milestone the children achieve, while learning alongside them.
Now, after relocating to the wonderful and multicultural London, I’m beyond happy to have the opportunity to join the Monkey Puzzle family, and I look forward to continue learning and developing my career.
On my free time, I like to cook, watch movies, travel, and go out for walks, discovering new “hidden spots” in this beautiful city that never ceases to amaze me.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-10 years’ experience in Early Years
-Level 5 IN Early Years Education
-Paediatric First Aid
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Spanish (native)
- Italian (intermediate)
Tatiana Bueno
Nursery Assistant
I am Tatiana and I come from Colombia. I moved to London 3 years ago to learn English and start a career in childcare.
I love reading and travelling and working with children. What I like best is to see them learning through play in a natural way.
I hope to learn and further my knowledge during my placement here.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Level 2 in Childcare (In progress)
– Nanny experience.
– First aid trained.
– FGM, Channel & Prevent Duty training completed
– Food Hygiene Certificate
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Spanish (Native)
Michela Orofino
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Michela from Pompeii! I’m here fulfilling my lifelong dream of spending some time living in the UK! I have lots of experience teaching and learning in other languages and I’m very excited to bring my passion for languages to Monkey Puzzle.
I particularly enjoy teaching children through games, songs and physical activities, as these are fun and effective ways to help children learn. I want the children to be happy and excited to come and see us every morning!
In my spare time, I love dancing, swimming, painting and playing musical instruments. I also love outdoor activities and exploration.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-3 Years’ Experience in Teaching
-Masters’ Degree in Translation Studies
-Bachelor’s Degree in English and Japanese Studies
– Paediatric First Aid trained
Languages:
-Italian (Native)
-English (Fluent)
-Spanish (Intermediate)
-French (Intermediate)
– Japanese (Basic)
Andreia Fernandes Melo
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Andreia. I was born in Lisbon, Portugal. I had lived in London for 7 years before I lived in Brazil for 4 and half years. I recently came back to London to be closer to my family whom I recharged my energies from!
I have always been surrounded by children as I have a big family. I am married and I have my own little boy, who is 6 years old, who I enjoy spending all of my free time with.
I have enjoyed many different areas of childcare including being a teacher in Brazil for 4 and half years, and also being a SENCO for a setting for two and half years. I enjoy having the opportunity to see and teach the uniqueness of each child, to laugh on a daily basis, and to be a source for someone’s success.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 5 Years Experience in Childcare
- NVQ3 Certificate in Childcare
- CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
- Level 5 Management in Early Years- Completing
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Portuguese (Native)
Toni Krahn
Room Leader
Hi, I’m Tony from London and I have always been passionate about working with children. I think that every child is an amazing individual who can bring joy to anyone’s day with their excitement and smiley faces. I feel it’s important to allow children to express themselves and their interests.
When I go to work each day, I look forward to seeing each child and encouraging them to try new things and not to be afraid. Children are always learning and its important that we adults are good role models to them.
In my spare time I enjoy doing lots of different activities especially arts and craft activities and going on outings with my 22 months old niece. I also very much enjoy horse riding and animals!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 3½ years experience in childcare
- Cache Level 2 Diploma in Childcare
- Training for my level 3
Languages:
- English (native)
Kayleigh Barrett
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Kayleigh! I am the second eldest in a big family (I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters), so I have been teaching and playing with children all my life! I’m a very happy and caring person and I look forward to sharing this with the children every day.
I like to challenge myself in work and at home, like participating in a run for life for breast cancer. I also love to socialise and be with my friends and stay active by going to the gym.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
- 3 Years’ Experience in Childcare
- Experience in Customer Service
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- French (Beginner)
- English (Native)
Monica Iglesias Rodriguez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Monica and I come from Barcelona, Spain. I studied my degree in Early Years Education, I have real passion for children. I came to England in pursuing a professional career and to learn English.
I decided to work with children because I feel inspired by their way to see the little things. I am a very creative person and I think arts is a very important way to learn and express our feeling and thoughts.
In my spare time I like spending time with my friends or family. I also love books, cooking and sometimes I go for a run, but I wouldn’t call myself a ‘runner’, maybe one day!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Early Childhood Education Degree
- Qualified Teacher status
- Experience in Early Years setting in Spain
- Enrolled in First Aid training
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- Catalan (Native)
- English (advanced)
Zara Queralt Martinez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m a Zara and I come from Valencia, Spain. I studied my degree in Early Years Education and had lots of experience in Spain and abroad as well, like Brussels, Ireland and UK thanks to the Erasmus program. I’m also a qualified Primary School teacher, but my heart lies with younger children. Once I finished my studies I started working as a teacher in Spain and realized that I wanted to know more about the UK education system. So, I recently moved to London in pursuing my career and improve my English as well.
In my spare time I like doing sports like yoga, roller skating, volleyball and walking in the nature, with music being the soundtrack of all these activities.
I love playing with children and be a positive role model for them. I love to embed values like tolerance, respect and empathy during the play. I am very passionate and I believe that giving the children the freedom of expressing their feelings will help them managing them. My main goal is to take care of the children, especially their emotions, feelings, to support them in growing and developing.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 3 Years Early Years’ experience in nurseries and Primary schools in the UK, Ireland and Spain
- Qualified Early Years Teacher
- Qualified Primary School Teacher
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- Catalan (Advanced)
- English (Fluent)
Luana Lamberti
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Luana, from Italy. I spent most of my life living in a small town in the south of Italy, before going to Milan to study. I After returning to my hometown, I decided I needed to move elsewhere to grow. After falling in love with London I knew that would be the best place for me.
I have always preferred working with children, because it draws on your creativity and resourcefulness. I always worked with children and I think that the best way to help them learn, is to stay with them in an empathetic relationship, as well as playing and trying new things with them. This is what I’m looking forward to doing at work.
In my spare time I mostly enjoy Reading and listening to music. I love walking and getting lost so I can find my way back home.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-Trained Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist
-Experience in a range of childcare roles
-Experience Tutoring Disadvantaged Children
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-Italian (native)
-English Fluent
Nikeata
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Nikeata! I’m a proud working mother with experience working in a variety of care providers. I’ve worked in Huddersfield, studied in Northampton and now I’m settling in London to continue working.
I love being able to work in places that make a real difference in peoples’ lives and a nursery is one of the most rewarding places where you can be a part of that! Children are so honest, bold, funny and caring, it’s a pleasure to be around all their little personalities and to help keep them healthy and active with good nutritious food.
In my spare time, I enjoy planning parties, nights in with my friends and play dates with my son, his friends and their families.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-BA (Hons) in Social and Community Development.
-Experience as a Nursery Nurse.
-Experience in Hospitality.
-Experience as a Support Worker.
Languages:
-English (Native)
-German (Basic)
Sarah Gilmour
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Sarah Gilmour and I’ve come to the UK from Ireland to start my own exciting childcare career! I’ve worked and trained my way to this point and I’m very happy to be joining an outstanding nursery to continue my personal development.
I very much enjoy going to new places and going for a walk. I also enjoy cooking, socialising and horse riding. The thing I love about children is their unique perspectives and the way their imaginations. Education is about building on that and exploring it through play and that’s what I intend to do here!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and Education
-3 Years’ Experience as a Nanny
-Montessori Experience
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-English (Native)
Panagiota Chatzistougianni
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I am Panagiota, however, everyone knows me as Giota. I have been living all my life in Greece, and recently decided to expand my horizons and explore the world, and London is the best place for it!
I am passionate about education; I love to see the children grow and discover the world around them. I would like to become ‘that teacher’ everyone remembers when they grow up.
In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, I also like paddle and taking walks with my friends. I am accredited tennis coach, so don’t be surprise if you see me teaching some racket skills to the children.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Graduated in Early Childhood Education
– Nanny experience
– 5 years experience teaching in a Preschool Room in Greece
– Tennis coach
Languages:
– English (fluent)
– Greek (native)
Dina Osman
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Dina. I am originally from Yemen and moved to England when I was 8 months old. The last few years I have been busy studying and developing my knowledge in education.
I studied Health & Social Care Level 2 and 3 and just recently finished my degree in Early Childhood studies. It was during my time studying health and social care that I found my love an passion for working with children.
In my spare time I like to go swimming with my sisters, reading and spending time with my family and friends. I also like to travel, last summer I went to Cairo & Istanbul.
I have always enjoyed spending time with my younger cousins. That has influenced me to start studying about childhood and working with them. I am looking forward to bonding with staff and children, making great memories. To be a part of children’s development and progression is my main goal.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– 5 Years in Childcare
-BA in Early childhood studies
-Level 3 in Health & Social Care
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Arabic (Fluent)
Andrea Cardenas Guerrero
Early Years Teacher and Pre School Room Leader
Hi, I’m Andrea from Spain! I grew up in a town called Granada (not to be confused with Grenada) and I came here to find new challenges and experiences in the profession that is my passion.
I’ve dedicated a good deal of my life and time to learning with children, because as they learn and develop, I learn how best they do that. My experience in childcare ranges from au pairing, to reception teaching and of course Nursery nursing!
My favourite thing is to watch children play in the garden and story time, but I also enjoy playing the ukulele, the guitar and the flute!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Degree in Educational Sciences, specialising in Elementary Education awarded by the University of Almeria, Spain. (2006/2009)
- 5 years Nursery Experience, 8 years childcare experience total
- Multitalented Musician
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- English (Advanced)
- French (Basic)
Katie Holmes
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Katie, I have worked for 2 years in New Jersey, USA looking after children aged 3-7. I have also had experience in Sweden in a preschool with children aged 2-5. I’ve had lots of experience in the U.K. particularly in reception class in a private school nursery.
I love spending time with a wide circle of friends including those that I have made internationally. With them I enjoy eating out and trying different styles of restaurants and going to the cinema. I enjoy walking and playing with my two dogs at home and also exercising when I have time at the gym.
Helping young people to develop has to be the most rewarding thing in life. Children under 6 have such open minds and a willingness to learn which makes them fun to be with. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a child understand a new concept or idea.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- BA (Hons) Childhood, Education and Society
- Currently studying MA in Early Years Education
- Au Pair and Preschool experience
- Experience in a Montessori School
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- English (Native)
Daniela Di Zenzo
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Daniela. I have lived most of my life in Italy, nearby Salerno. There, I had an internship in a rehabilitation center with people with developmental delays and Down Syndrome. Since I was a child I dreamt to move to London for different reasons, especially after reading “The little Dorrit” by Dickens. My favourite hobby is make-up. I also love walking, (it helps me think), reading and writing. I love the children, because with their spontaneous and innocent way to see the life, they always make me feel better, and turn a grey day into a colourful one.
I like teaching them through activities that can help them not only building their capability, but also their good behaviour.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-3 Years of Experience in Child care as nanny
-Master Degree in Professional Education (University of Salerno)
-Pediatric First Aider
-Special needs experience
Languages:
-English (fluent)
-Italian (native)
-Arabic (basic)
Olivia Barry
Inventors Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Olivia from London! I’m a truly Londoner, I have spent all my life in England and just decided my next adventure, Childcare!
I love holidays and going away, I have been so lucky to be able to go to amazing places, such as, Turkey, Cyprus and Tenerife.
I love riding my bike with my friends while enjoying the fresh air. Another hobby that I love is drawing, I am very creative, and you will be able to see it in the room.
I love working with children, it makes me feel very happy seeing them grow and learn with funny and interesting activities.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– NVQ Level2 in Childcare
– Apprenticeship experience as Nursery nurse.
– Creative and passionate about learning.
Languages:
-English Native
Markella Ilia
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Markella and I come from Greece. I studied and worked in Greece as a teacher and I completed my Masters at the New York University, in New York, focusing on Educational Games.
Working in England is an opportunity for me to better understand the educational system in the country and make a difference for all the other systems out there.
In my spare time I love reading books and feel close to nature. The reason why I love working in Early Years is because I believe children is our future and maybe our only chance of making the world better. This is what I am trying to do: help children discover their skills, improve their imagination, and reach the best of themselves.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– 4 Years in Childcare
– MA in Educational Games
– BA Early Years Education, National & Kapodistrian University, Athens
– Social Educator
– Supporting special needs experience
Languages:
– Greek (Native)
– English (Fluent)
– French (Advanced)
– Spanish (Basic)
Colomba Ginesta Vazquez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Colomba and I am passionate about education and the Arts!
I was born in Brazil, but my heritage is Chilean. After moving to Hong Kong and learning English, I moved to Shanghai where I learned Mandarin. And now here I am in London! I will be running around every room getting lots of experience for my master’s degree in early childhood education.
As a passionate advocate of the Arts and Rugby, don’t be surprised if you find me covered in mud with the children.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor of arts in childhood studies
- Masters in Early childhood education
- Expert traveller
- Rugby Player
Languages:
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Native)
- Mandarin (Beginner)
Solene Montoisy
Student
Hi I’m Solene! I am from Belgium and I have been in London for 3 years, I was supposed to be here for just 3 months, but I love the city so here I come!
I have been working in hospitality since I was 18, and now I want to change to childcare, children are my passion and I love seeing them grow and learn with amazing activities.
I am a very music person; with this I mean that music is my life! I am all the time listening to music but my most favorite hobby is playing the ukulele! I also like photography and in my spare time I try to travel and take photos of everything!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Currently studying Level 3 in Childcare
- Passionate about children
- Basic Child protection trained
Languages:
- French (Native)
- English (Fluent)
Plange Kwatei
Nursery Chef
My name is Plange and I am the Nursery Chef. I am from Kumasi in Ghana and moved to England around 11 years ago. I can speak my native language of Twi, but can also speak French and English.
I have been cooking professionally for 9 years and have worked in a range of kitchens, from Nursing Care Homes to Children’s Nurseries. I really enjoy making fresh meals and snacks for the children and giving them the energy they need to thrive in the Nursery. I actively support our Eating Healthy theme by teaching the children about different foods, providing fun cooking activities at our children’s cooking counter to support their learning. My signature dish is an African dish of Spicy Roasted Chicken with Joloff Rice.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 2 Hospitality and Professional Cookery
- NVQ Level 2 Food Safety
- 10 Years Experience as Professional Chef
- 3 Years Experience in Childcare Settings
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Twi (native)
- French (intermediate)
Ramla Ali
Kitchen Assistant
Hi my name is Ramla! I came to London because I love this huge city, for all it’s wonderful historical places and diverse cuisine! All of the different cultures and foods is a great source of inspiration for quality home cooking.
In my spare time, I enjoy being creative, with cooking and baking, and also making henna artwork for my friends and family.
I find working in a nursery kitchen quite interesting and enjoyable. Aside from the all the things I’d normally be doing in a kitchen, I enjoy getting visits from the children at the kitchen counter. Teaching them about healthy foods and seeing how they can be taught to enjoy eating healthily is a wonderfully positive experience!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- Level 2 in food hygiene
- Experience working for a professional cleaning service
- Over 13 years of experience cooking for a hungry family!
Languages:
- Somalian (native)
- English (fluent)
Joining our Team?
We are currently inviting applications for qualified staff to join our team.
In keeping with our overall offering, we are looking for the very best candidates to join us. Are you creative and enthusiastic, with a genuine passion for enhancing children’s learning? Our salaries & benefits will reflect our aspirations.
In addition, team members will enjoy professional training support and personal development, to enable them to provide the best possible care for our children.
Please contact Anthony Kent on 0207 354 7390.
anthony@monkeypuzzlehighbury.co.uk
