All 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 have a very high qualified staff ratio which far exceeds that of OFSTED requirements. All of our staff are trained in First Aid.
Monkey Puzzle Golders Green is owned and operated by Sana and Oliver Foss-Smith – a couple with two nursery age children and a personal experience based understanding of what busy families need from a provider who they put so much trust in during some of the most formative years of a child’s life.
Sana and Oliver’s children have both attended another Monkey Puzzle setting from a young age so they have first hand experience of the quality associated with the brand, the ethos behind it and the sanctity of the trust between a childcare provider and a parent.
SANA FOSS-SMITH
My name is Sana and I am first and foremost the proud mother of two beautiful children aged 4 and 2. Working in a nursery setting is something I became very passionate about after my kids started their own daycare journeys when I went back to work. Being involved in their experiences at nursery made me realise how much I enjoyed this atmosphere and how together with the right team of qualified professionals, I could use my diverse Public Relations/Communications experience to create an outstanding space where every single child matters and is equipped with the key developmental skills they need to take on the world.
I have worked in Communications across the multinational, charitable and local government sectors for over 15 years both in the UK and abroad. I have also trained with Ofsted, our regulatory body, been a School Governor and a Board Member for my local childrens play centres. I am extremely community spirited and have always been involved in charitable work which is an ethos we promote in the nursery as well.
The one thing I promise all parents who entrust us with their children is that I will personally be involved in creating a home away from home for their families so that they can rest assured that their little ones are getting the best of care, cuddles and comfort.
OLIVER FOSS-SMITH
After a long and successful career as a Quantity Surveyor, delivering a number of high profile projects such as Wembley Stadium and several of London’s Olympic venues, I followed my passion and became a Primary School Teacher six years ago.
The skills acquired during the two distinct phases of my career have been extremely valuable in the development of Monkey Puzzle Golders Green. I have personally project managed the fit-out of our nursery- from hand picking quality materials to the design of a well thought out layout completed by quality workmanship. I have made every endeavour to ensure that the requirements of an outstanding early years childcare facility are achieved, applying my in-depth knowledge and experience across both sectors to get the environment perfect for the early years development of children.
OLA FAJIMOLU
Ola is our much loved and very experienced Nursery Manager, famous for her passion for children, organisation skills and dry sense of humour! She is the mother of three teenage girls and three cats – so knows a thing or two about managing people!
Ola has worked with children for over 27 years. She speaks English and Yoruba and her first degree was in Performing Arts (children theatre) after which she worked through the industry and completed her Level 6 in Childcare.
If you are a first time parent or someone who thinks their child is ready to start developing their social skills, confidence or school readiness – please call to have a casual no obligation chat with Ola any time! She would love to help.
TAMANA DOULATZAI
Tamana is our Deputy Manager and manages the quality of teaching at the setting with the Director with a fine tooth comb! Tamana is Afghanistan speaks English and Pashto. She has two brothers and two younger sisters and they all live just a stones throw away from the Nursery! Tamana is a keen baker and loves decorating cakes and trying new recipes. Her trajectory from Apprentice to Deputy Manager with a Level 3 childcare qualification in just a few years provides testament to the fact that she is as dedicated, professional and caring as they come!
GABRIELA ABRAHAM
Gabriela is our resident Early Years Teacher with Qualified Teacher Status. Since Gabriela started working with us, local schools have commended the starting points of our graduating children as they start reception which is a matter of great pride for us.
Gabi speaks Romanian, English, French and Hungarian and is one of those people who never sits still. She enjoys playing tennis, swimming, travelling, listening to music and dancing. She has pet dog called Bella and she works extremely hard to get the best out of every child while making sure they get all those early years experiences they need to give them the best start in life!
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. Monkey Puzzle Golders Green is a rapidly expanding business and we are often looking for quality staff. See our Current Vacancies below:
Level 2 Nursery Practitioners with at least 2 years in a nursery setting
Level 3 Nursery Practitioners with at least 5 years experience in a nursery setting
Unqualified staff/volunteers and student placements (subject to availability)
If you are looking to work temporarily in the childcare sector, give us a call to discuss the options as we could always do with some extra help as long as you have all the necessary checks in place.
See the job descriptions here and send your CV with a covering note to manager@monkeypuzzlegoldersgreen.co.uk