I opened the Monkey House in 1996, having previously spent many years as a Nanny. I completed my BA Honours Degree in Education and Training Studies (Early Years) in 2014 and in July 2015 successfully completed my Early Years Initial Teacher Training (Qualified Teacher Status). Having an interest in special needs has led me to complete various courses including Makaton which we use within the setting. I am also studying to become a Play Therapist and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Practitioner.
I assisted Nickie in the opening of the Monkey House Nursery School. I am a qualified teacher and have also completed a Pre-school Playgroup Association Foundation course. Previously to assisting Nickie when my own children were of preschool age I managed my own preschool. Although I am officially retired I still come into the nursery school one day a week to help out in any way that I can.
I became a full-time member of staff in November 2011. I have a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education.
Having started volunteering at the Monkey House in the Autumn of 2014, I became a member of staff in January 2015. Nickie encouraged me to gain an Early Years qualification and having started with the level 3 I went on to complete my Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education. Over the last few years I have taken on the role of Deputy Head and support Nickie in the day to day management of The Monkey House.
I joined The Monkey House in October 2017 as a placement student whilst completing my BA in Early Childhood Studies with the University of Portsmouth. I have now completed my degree and have joined the team full time.
We currently also have Kerry and Simone who come into nursery school on a regular basis. Although they are not full time they are very valuable members of the team and add to the skills sets of the full time staff.