Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries - Providing a secure, caring environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years

…..and a Happy new year to all of you. May this year be kind to you all and be one to remember for all the best of reasons.

New Staff
We are delighted to welcome some new staff to our growing team.

Jennifer Kernot
A huge welcome to Jennifer who has joined us this year. Jennifer is working in our Preschool room as Room Leader. She has just completed her Foundation degree in Early Years (equiv level 5). Over the last six years or so she has worked as a Deputy manager for three years and more recently worked as an assistant manager at Asquith in Tonbridge.

Stephanie Allen
We welcome Stephanie also to our Pre-school room. Stephanie has already made a great start with us and the children have grown attached already. Stephanie will be working towards her Level 3 later this year.

We also have a new chef, Chris, who started in December and is already part of the team. Chris is continuing with our healthy way of eating here at Monkey Puzzle, and in fact will be reviewing our menus in the very near future, so do look out for the next set of gastronomic delights!

Congratulations to Andrea Bryant (toddler room staff)
She is now the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, Nancy. We wish her well with the joys (and sleepless nights) of motherhood.

New Toddler room door
We are very excited to announce another arrival – the new door in the Toddler room! For those of you that haven’t seen it yet, it is another entrance into the Toddler room from the main play area. This will enable drop off and pick up to be more fluid for Toddlers providing parents and carers more opportunity to view the Toddler room and all the lovely displays that are created and thus far don’t very often get seen! There are many benefits to the new door such as allowing Toddlers to have ‘free flow’ into the garden during the day, and also easing the transition from the baby unit to the Toddler room.
A new Door entry system specifically for the toddler room will also be installed for use by Parents allowing secure access.
This work is part of the on-going assessments and improvements to how the nursery operates on a day-by-day basis. We are confident this new entrance will make the drop off and collection of children easier (and calmer!?!), allowing for better communication and interaction between Parent/Carer and Monkey Puzzle staff…..and make getting outside for some fresh air during the day a whole lot quicker!

More News
With the appointments of Jennifer and Stephanie in the Pre-school room it has enabled Debbie to spend some further quality time with Pre-school and Toddler children in smaller groups and on an individual basis. This time will be spent developing individual children in all areas of the EYFS and any additional educational needs children may require.

We are delighted that Monkey Puzzle, Cranbrook has recently, again been awarded the highest score for Food Hygiene, Level 5, by the Environmental Agency. This sits nicely with our Healthy Eating award gained during 2011.

Baby Unit
Over the Christmas period we have spruced up the baby unit, given it a lick of paint and moved the furniture around to increase the size of the Teenie room to accommodate the growing number of babies of teenie age. We have also created a lovely cosy area that is being used for stories, singing and quiet time with cuddles. This area is of course for the babies and teenies to use, and so far the children (and staff) are very pleased with the changes. Any feedback from parents is as always more than welcome.

Photographer – Capture Ltd
Many of you took advantage of the lovely photographs Sarah took of your children towards the end of last year – many of which we are sure made gorgeous presents for Grandparents.
As a result of the high number of Photos purchased, Monkey Puzzle has been given £120 towards new resources for the Nursery.
Vicky would like to offer you all the opportunity to suggest how and where you would like the money spent. Please let any member of staff know your thoughts and ideas and we will update you in the next Newsletter.

Resources
I know that you all have information slips sent home on the current topics within the nursery and the requests for any relevant resources that you may have. However, we are always after new resources, such as paper, spare wrapping paper, quality street sweet wrappings, material remnants, cushions no longer required, the list is endless as are the uses. Consider us as your recyclable friends (but no real rubbish please!).

Diary Dates
Next parents evening will be in May, date yet to be confirmed.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday is being joined with Whitsun Bank Holiday and so the nursery will be closed on the 4th & 5th June 2012.
We are also closed for the Easter bank holidays Friday 6th and 9th of April.

Reminder
Please could we remind you that Fees are payable on or before the 1st of the month (i.e. February fees are due on the 1st February). This includes cheques, cash and childcare vouchers. Extra sessions booked should be paid for in advance or on the day.

Please note our website will be updated with nursery information during any bad weather spells we may experience this year!
www.monkeypuzzledaynurseries.com/cranbrook.

Denise, Vicky and Graham

Our extensive menu’s have been devised by a nutritionist in-order to provide fresh balanced meals to all children at each meal or snack time.

Fresh water is available to the children at all times (no squash or juice) is served in the nursery.

At mid morning children enjoy a selection of various fruit from our snack bar where they learn to serve themselves (under supervision). This facility provides a welcome energy boost, while teaching the children independence and choice.

Lunch is always a balanced hot meal and copies of our 6 weekly menus are available at each nursery. We always use fresh organic/ free range or locally sourced produce in our meals.

Children are encouraged to sit together and use their knives and forks correctly. Lunch is always finished off with the children brushing their teeth.

Please see below for an up to date menu.

Mid afternoon snacks are again fresh and balanced and are designed to encourage all the children to try new foods together. In winter times soups are served with sandwiches and dips.

Our recent Ofsted report:

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Cranbrook

Three recent testimonials:

We had a good feeling about Monkey Puzzle the first time we visited and I cannot reiterate what an excellent choice we made for our daughter. I have been thrilled with the care my daughter is receiving and can honestly say that it has exceeded all my expectations; it is simply outstanding. C. is treated as an individual, it is clear that the staff has put in a lot of time and effort into getting to know her. She has developed immensely and always has a new nursery rhyme or skill to show me when I collect her.

The staff’s level of professionalism and observation is superior to the norm. Our daughter was diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip at a late age and this was initially detected by the manager of Monkey Puzzle who gently urged me to investigate further. Our consultant at Great Ormond Street hospital was very impressed that she was able to detect this and stated that we were lucky to have such a conscientious member of staff at the nursery. C. was in a Spica Cast for seven weeks and during this time I could not have wished for more support in helping her to try and lead a normal life both physically and emotionally. I was amazed at their flexibility and dedication to care.

The other children were also very loving and helpful towards C, a real testament to their teaching of good social skills. This is also evident in the way the children interact with each other and the staff. It was a very stressful time for the whole family and all the staff at Monkey Puzzle made it a much easier time for us. The staff gives the general impression of loving their jobs and especially the children and I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone wanting outstanding nursery care. It’s an excellent nursery to send your children, where you will know they are being well looked after.

A.M.

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After almost one year of research in Children Nurseries and trials at four different sites I finally come across Monkey Puzzle. The process of finding a Nursery was as important as buying your own home, you have to see some and know that is the right place as soon as you walk in!

I have two daughters and both attended Monkey Puzzle from the age of one and two. A year on, and the girls still see Monkey Puzzle as an exciting place to go to. Facilities and staff are of high standards, with children’s wellbeing and development at the forefront of agenda. And for me, I can go about doing my daily activities thinking that the girls are happy, and in a place where they are cared for in a very nurturing way’

LG

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The Monkey Puzzle Nursery is a truely exceptional place. Visually it is colourful, vibrant and well organised.

The food is varied and healthy and I always know J will eat well on nursery days. Infact he eats more than he does at home - which I am trying not to take personally!

The staff are attentive professional and caring and filled us with confidence from the minute we handed J over for the first time.

Both my husband and I could not wish for a better nursery and I would recommend Monkey Puzzle in a heartbeat.

AMac

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 find it invaluable to train our own staff, as this way we ensure continuity of care for children and familiarity for our parents. There are great career opportunities within our Nurseries and we always encourage internal applications first.

Career opportunities

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to providing great career opportunities for its entire staff. We are very keen to ensure the majority of staff participate in training at all levels. Whether you have had experience in child care previously or if you are joining us straight from school or another career, we will do all we can to support you in your training needs. We have a resident NVQ assessor who will assist all students with any elements of the Level 2, 3 or 4 courses.

Naturally not everybody wants to pursue a dedicated training course and we appreciate that some may just want to work with children. We will ensure that First Aid and Food Hygiene courses are regularly available to you.

Our policy is always to recruit and/or promote internally if at all possible. We want to offer diverse career opportunities to all staff that are seeking them. Whether it is your goal to become a Senior Nursery Nurse, a Nursery Manager, an Educational Co-ordinator or an Area Manager, wherever we can we will assist you in achieving that goal.

However as a rapidly expanding business we are always looking for quality staff for our existing Nurseries.

Current Vacancies:

Come and join our amazing Nursery.

We are now in our fourth full year and we aim to be the nursery of choice in the area. Our focus is on the development of each individual child, whilst offering a first class service to parents.

We are proud of our staff and there is a real “buzz” in the nursery - the teamwork and sense of fun is simply amazing. Like the children, all staff benefit from a great atmosphere, with first class facilities including; Dedicated areas for all age groups, gardens and play areas, parking, fully equipped kitchens, access to the farm shop, modern heating and air-conditioning.

All staff are supported in furthering their career and training courses are always available. Monkey Puzzle take care of children from 3 months to 5 years. This really is a fantastic place to progress your career.

Our growing reputation and ever increasing enquiries means we are always happy to hear from staff with a Level 3 qualification or above in Childcare, and in particular those with EYFS qualification / experience.

Please either email your CV to: graham@monkeypuzzledaynurseries.com or call us on 01580 713033.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Hartley Dyke Business Centre, Cranbrook TN17 3QG

All fees are payable in advance by direct debit.

Full time places are charged for only 50 weeks to account for Public and Bank holidays.

All prices include breakfast, lunch and a light tea where appropriate.

Our food is either Organic/ Free range/ or locally sourced and is freshly prepared and cooked on the premises.

Babies (3 months - 2 Years)

Full day - £49

Session - £27

Toddlers (2 - 3 Years)

Full day - £47

Session - £27

Pre School (3 - 5 years)

Full day - £45

Session - £27

All children at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are encouraged to learn through play. Our Curriculum covers all the key areas of learning and is designed to meet the needs of the children at each individual Nursery.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries has a dedicated Educational Co-ordinator to help each Pre School leader devise their curriculum plans and records according to the needs of the children attending. Long, Medium and short term plans are all displayed in each of the rooms along with details of all our topics which will be covered in the coming months.

We keep detailed records on the development of all children attending Nursery and these are available to be viewed and discussed at any time by parents. We always encourage parents to add details of their child’s experiences and progress from outside nursery to help keep these development records accurate.

Parent’s evenings are held at least once a year and are an opportunity for parent’s to discuss their child’s progress on a formal one to one basis.

Once in the Pre School department all children are entitled to a contribution to their fees from the Government. This is part of the Government initiative to provide all 3 and 4 year olds with free nursery sessions. Please speak to your Monkey Puzzle Manager for further details and amounts.

The Nursery is divided into four main age groups:

Babies

Non mobile babies benefit from a large, bright, open plan day room, well equipped with the latest in sensory equipment and toys to stimulate the babies during their formative months. As babies spend a lot of time sleeping at this early age, we provide a dedicated sleep room with the temperature constantly monitored to ensure the babies are comfortable at all times. There are never more than three babies to any one member of staff in this room. Your baby is assigned their own key worker who will keep you informed of your baby’s developments through the day.

Teenies

When the time is right and your baby becomes mobile (usually around 12 months to 2 years), our large open plan room makes the transition into the The Teenies room an easy one. Here they will enjoy activities and games structured around their changing interests. The Teenies room is very well appointed with outstanding levels of equipment, the room follows the ‘birth to three matters’ framework and encourages learning through play. There are various dedicated areas in the Teenies room offering different activities, including a ‘Story Corner’ where Teenies can listen to group stories, a sand and water play area, a construction area to develop coordination and a messy play area for painting and generally getting messy! As with babies the Teenies also benefit from a staffing ratio of one member of staff looking after no more than three children.

Toddlers

As in the Teenies room, The ‘Toddler’ room also benefits from a number of dedicated areas. There are creative areas, a reading corner, circle time and a home corner area.

As this is the time when the majority of children start ‘potty training’, the toddlers room has access to brightly decorated childrens’ toilets, encouraging independence. The Toddlers have access to an outside play area with an impact absorbing surface and lots of outside equipment designed to encourage coordination and balance.

Pre School

Pre School children follow the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ preparing them for their eventual move to school. This is a more structured routine, with children working in groups and becoming accustomed to paying attention for longer periods of time while undertaking monthly topics, based on the six areas of learning: Physical development, personal, social and emotional development, communication, language and literacy, creative development, knowledge and understanding of the world and problem solving, reasoning and numeracy. The Pre School room is fully equipped with child focused IT systems, designed to familiarise the children with the essential IT skills before moving on to school. Pre School also have their own easily accessible, brightly decorated childrens’ toilets and the outside play area, designed to stimulate creative activities.

Monkey Puzzle is open from 7.30am - 6.00pm, however our core opening hours are 8.00am - 6.00 pm and parents or guardians are welcome to drop off or collect between these times whenever they like. Parents wishing to take advantage of the extended opening hours can do so on request.

Our fees are inclusive of Breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks and drinks.

Branded quality nappies, wipes (and creams if required) are also supplied - although parents are welcome to supply their own brands if preferred.

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery
Bramley House
Hartley Dyke Business Centre
Hartley Road
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 3QG

Tel: 01580 713033
Email: denise@monkeypuzzledaynurseries.com

Map:

Babies, Teenies, Toddlers and Pre School all benefit from their own large, dedicated, well equipped areas as the nursery offers over 2,700 square feet of accommodation across 2 floors. The nursery can only be accessed via an intercom entry system enhancing the safety and security of the building. There is ample parking within the large drop off and collection area away from public roads.

We are pleased to have the pleasure of working with Kirsty King from Groundforce on the design of the garden. The large outside play areas are well equipped and stimulating, designed to burn off energy and encourage role play. There are separate play areas designed specifically for pre-school and toddlers, as well as a lawned area for babies to enjoy the fresh air. The areas benefit from having the latest soft impact surface to ensure peace of mind should tumbles occur, and the garden also has an ‘indoor/outdoor’ area for extra activities.

• FULL DAY CARE FROM 3 MONTHS TO PRE-SCHOOL AGE
• FULLY EXPERIENCED, MOTIVATED AND QUALIFIED STAFF
• AIR CONDITIONED
• SECURE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT
• GARDENS AND PLAY AREAS PROFFESIONALLY DESIGNED
• ORGANIC/ LOCAL PRODUCED FOOD
• PLAY AREAS WITH SAFETY SURFACING
• LARGE PARKING AREA

A Monkey Puzzle Franchise owned and operated under license by Junior Childcare Ltd.