After more than a decade in further education, Gaitri Sharma’s career took a turn when motherhood inspired her to seek something more meaningful. What began as a search for flexibility soon became a passion for early years education and a successful business investment.

Now, as the proud owner of Monkey Puzzle Stafford and Monkey Puzzle Solihull, Gaitri has turned that passion into two thriving nurseries built on warmth, trust and quality.

“My background is in travel and tourism,” explained Gaitri. “I spent 12 years lecturing in further education and loved every minute of it – seeing young people grow in confidence was really rewarding.”

Gaitri’s hard work led her to become an Assistant Director, overseeing travel and tourism, sport, public services and early years education. “It was a role I was really proud of, but after my third child was born, I realised how much I was missing being at home. The job just wasn’t flexible enough, and I wanted my family to come first.

“I moved into part-time lecturing for a time, but when my fourth child arrived, I wanted something a little more fulfilling – something still connected to education but that gave me the freedom to build a business of my own.”

“The best thing about being a Monkey Puzzle franchisee – it’s the network, the expertise and the fact that you get to run your own business, but you’re never on your own! Monkey Puzzle is an incredible brand, and they really support you on your journey as a franchisee. Their record in early years education really does speak for itself.”

That spark soon became a mission. “I’d always dreamed of running my own business,” said Gaitri. “But I was also well aware it’d be a huge responsibility. Things like compliance, policies and procedures can be daunting when you’re doing it alone.”

Gaitri began exploring nursery franchises and reached out to a few different groups, but Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries stood out. “There was just something about the brand that felt right. I could see Monkey Puzzle struck the perfect balance between independence and support.”

For over 20 years, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries has been the market leader for nursery franchises. With over 70 locations nationwide, their model ensures they deliver an early years education experience of the highest quality, providing children with opportunities to learn, develop and grow within a safe, secure and caring environment.

“My husband Amit needed a little more convincing, however, he previously had a difficult experience with a franchise before and was understandably a little cautious. But when we met Grace, who was the Head of Franchising at the time, and is now Monkey Puzzle’s Managing Director, he changed his mind. Her honesty and practical knowledge really helped put us at ease – I knew I’d found the right team to help me make this dream a reality!”

That spark soon became a mission. “I’d always dreamed of running my own business,” said Gaitri. “But I was also well aware it’d be a huge responsibility. Things like compliance, policies and procedures can be daunting when you’re doing it alone.”

Gaitri began exploring nursery franchises and reached out to a few different groups, but Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries stood out. “There was just something about the brand that felt right. I could see Monkey Puzzle struck the perfect balance between independence and support.”

For over 20 years, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries has been the market leader for nursery franchises. With over 70 locations nationwide, their model ensures they deliver an early years education experience of the highest quality, providing children with opportunities to learn, develop and grow within a safe, secure and caring environment.

“My husband Amit needed a little more convincing, however, he previously had a difficult experience with a franchise before and was understandably a little cautious. But when we met Grace, who was the Head of Franchising at the time, and is now Monkey Puzzle’s Managing Director, he changed his mind. Her honesty and practical knowledge really helped put us at ease – I knew I’d found the right team to help me make this dream a reality!”

By the time Gaitri opened her second setting in early 2023, she had plenty of experience under her belt. “Everything I’d learned from opening Stafford made such a difference. I knew what to expect and felt far more confident going into it.

However, this time, the property was already an existing nursery, with the then owners looking to sell. “Monkey Puzzle approached me with the possibility of expanding with a second setting in Solihull – I felt ready!

“Their support was amazing. They were crucial in the whole process – especially when it came down to the financial side of things.” Beyond Gaitri opening a second setting, it was the support of Monkey Puzzle and the wider network that continued to matter most. “The annual events they run are really inspiring, and I’ve taken away so much. I love the closeness of everyone in the network too – there’s always someone at the end of the phone – it’s such a relief when you’re running your own business.

These days, Gaitri divides her time between her two nurseries. “Stafford has 14 amazing staff members, and we’re sitting at around 60% occupancy. Solihull’s a little smaller, with 12 staff and about 50% occupancy. Both settings are growing steadily, and I’m really proud of the quality of care and education we deliver every day.”

Her short-term focus is all about maintaining those high standards while continuing to build. “We want to push occupancy to full capacity,” added Gaitri, “but without ever compromising on what makes our nurseries special! Recruitment is also a sector-wide challenge, so it’s a goal to stay on top of that too.”

Looking ahead, Gaitri is happy to keep things balanced – for now. “I’m a pretty hands-on franchisee – I love getting involved! It means I get to really know our staff, families and, of course, all our children, while still having the time with my own.”

That said, Gaitri isn’t ruling out expansion forever. “With Barbara, my Group Operations Manager, taking more control, the possibility of opening a third nursery would definitely be on the agenda. And with the backing of Monkey Puzzle, I know it’d be another exciting adventure!”