Early Years Insights

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, every decision we make is guided by one priority: the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care.

This spring, we’re taking a fresh approach to how childcare is communicated with our ‘Children as Creators’ campaign.

In industries where recruitment and retention are persistent challenges, putting the right systems in place can be the difference between growth and stagnation. In this article we explore it further with our Gabriella Baker from our Recruitment Team.

Our Lightwater nursery was proudly named a finalist at the prestigious Education Property Awards in the Early Years Project of the Year category – a national recognition that places it among the very best education-led developments in the UK.

Deciding whether to transition your child from a nursery to a local school preschool is a choice many parents face as their little ones approach school age.

Monkey Puzzle's Head of Early Years and Operations, discusses the importance of preschool and how staying in nursery until school will benefit your child.

Research shows that parents are receiving conflicting advice about when to start weaning their child, leaving many feeling confused about what to do.

Explore effective strategies to help children discover and enjoy new foods, tastes, and textures. Our blog offers practical tips, activities, and expert advice.

Encouraging children to partake in sports is key for their emotional and physical development. Find out how to host your own 'Mini Olympics' this summer.

Potty training is an important skill for your children to learn. The process can be challenging as every child is different.

Outdoor play has a significant role in Early Years development, creating lasting experiences that allow children to learn about the world around them

With the government introducing new funding for Early Years children, what are you entitled to?

Nursery and preschool environments are just as important as the adults around them for supporting the learning and development of our children.

Early Years (EY) education is pivotal in shaping a child's foundational years, laying the groundwork for cognitive, social, and emotional development

Becoming a new mum is exciting but also comes with feels of doubt and worry. Here are our top tips for expectant mums to help make those first few months a little bit easier.

Choosing a nursery for your child's development and needs is an important decision. Here are our top 5 things to look for when looking for a nursery or preschool.

Room Leaders play an important role in the day to day running of a nursery. The role is both challenging and rewarding and has a lasting impact on the children and the staff in their room.

Not only is choosing a nursery for your child a daunting experience, but knowing when to apply and register can be confusing. Here are some Monkey Puzzle top tips for when to apply for a space.

Becoming a nursery manager is a rewarding career that involves overseeing the care provided at childcare facilities. Nursery managers ensure a safe and nurturing environment for young learners.

A nursery open day or guided tour is a great way to find out more about where your little one will be taken care of. Here are 8 important questions to ask to make sure the nursery is right for you.

If you're considering a career where each day is filled with laughter and the satisfaction of making a difference, working in a nursery could perfect for you. Here are 7 reasons why nursery workers love their roles.

Thinking of beginning a career in early years and childcare? There are lots of routes to get started and many don't need lots of qualifications to get your first role.

Working in a nursery is an exciting and joyful career to have. Working with children impacts their lives forever and our staff love nurturing young minds.

The prospect of leaving your child at nursery for the first time can be daunting. Here are some tips on starting a nursery to help settle in as quickly as possible.

It's important to feel prepared for your child's first day at nursery and preschool. Here's a list of what you should have ready for their big day.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children are prepared for their educational journey with a foundation rooted in curiosity, play and discovery.

Nursery practitioners play a vital role in early years care, shaping a child's experiences and setting the stage for future growth and development.

Deciding when to enrol your child in a nursery is a significant consideration for parents. The age at which children should start nursery can vary based on individual circumstances, developmental readiness and family preferences.

Choosing the right childcare is an important decision for all parents with both nurseries and childminders having differences and benefits that may suit your family's needs.

Nursery Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start your nursery career, gaining first hand experience of working in a nursery as you progress through your qualifications.

Extracurricular activities are at the heart of Monkey Puzzle learning and play a key role in Early Years development.

Preparing a child for their transition to school is a vital step to ensure they have the skills needed to reach their full potential.

A career is nursery care and education is rewarding, personally fulfilling and helps to grow and develop future generations.

A greener Christmas makes sure that we don't create waste and have a greater impact on the planet than we need to.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the world around and have children learn how the seasons change our environment.

Changing careers to Early Years education is a rewarding and fulfilling move that can help you shape future generations.

Autumn is the perfect time for early years children to get in their wellies and explore how nature changes in the seasons.

Even living in a city, there are plenty of outside spaces you can explore to learn about nature and the world around us.

A day in the working life of a nursery practitioner is full of fun and excitment with no two days ever being the same.

Now that you have a family of your own, decision-making that can feel daunting and unnerving, at times, however, choosing the right nursery does not need to be one of them!

The goal of every Monkey Puzzle Nursery is to ensure we fully prepare our children for their future adventures in school.

Passionate about education and having a positive impact on people's lives? An Early Years career may be the perfect choice for you.

Every child is unique. Adapting activities and environments to individual needs is essential to create success for every child.

Building successful partnerships between our nurseries and parents and carers is crucial for Early Years development.

Mental health and well-being is just as important for children as it is for the adults who care for them to support their needs.

Settling into a new nursery can be a daunting experience but having steps in place can ensure a smooth transition to nursery life.

The environment around a child as they learn can be considered their third teacher, alongside their parents and practitioners.

Nutrition plays a key part in Early Years development and understanding healthy habits lays the foundations for a healthy life.

Monkey Puzzle is a special kind of nursery, with a drive to create excellent childcare with a lasting impact for generations to come.

It is a fantastic sector for long term career paths. A practitioner’s milestones can be vast, gaining a level 2, 3, 4 or as high as you want to go. Becoming a room leader, third in charge, Deputy Manager and Nursery Manager within the nursery.

Healthy food is more than just the fruit and vegetables they eat. Understanding healthy eating is key to a healthy life.