Our Head of Early Years works closely with the project team to design your nursery layout, ensuring it meets operational and developmental needs. This includes room layouts, garden design, resources, furniture and overall flow, creating an environment that supports high-quality early years provision.

All nurseries undergo annual internal audits to ensure standards are maintained. Additional audits are carried out where needed to provide further support and ensure continuous improvement.

We provide end-to-end recruitment support, with a strong focus on safer recruitment and safeguarding. This includes:

• Job advertising and candidate screening
• Interview support
• DBS checks, references and right-to-work verification
• Ongoing safeguarding and suitability checks

Our central recruitment team supports manager appointments, while your EYQM assists with ongoing staffing needs.

You will receive immediate support from the Early Years team. A Quality Manager will assist with preparation for the planning call and provide on-site support throughout the inspection process.

Our approach is that every day should reflect Ofsted standards. We build confidence within teams so they can clearly articulate their curriculum and practice. We also use our own internal scoring system, aligned with Ofsted expectations, to help nurseries consistently exceed required standards.

Ongoing support is provided through regular visits from your assigned EYQM. These visits are tailored to your nursery’s needs and may include compliance checks, coaching, mentoring and staff development. You’ll receive detailed feedback, action plans and access to wider team support where needed.

Key training focuses include:

• Safeguarding
• First Aid
• Early Years education and development

Our Early Years Quality Managers continuously update their knowledge through industry webinars, training and partnerships. This ensures that all training content reflects the latest legislation, best practice and sector developments.

Training is delivered in a variety of formats to suit different learning styles, including:

• Virtual sessions
• In-person training
• Workshops
• Conferences and network events

We offer a structured training journey for both franchisees and their teams, including:

• Mandatory training for all staff
• Funded training partnerships (including safeguarding, first aid and apprenticeships)
• Pre-opening EYFS and compliance training (SPI training)
• Access to an online learning platform for continuous development

All training is provided at no additional cost and is available throughout your time in the network.

Franchisees have access to a detailed online operations manual, covering all aspects of running a nursery, from safer recruitment and staff training to compliance, safeguarding and day-to-day operations.

We maintain high standards through a comprehensive suite of policies and procedures aligned with EYFS welfare requirements. Each nursery is supported by a dedicated Early Years Quality Manager (EYQM), who provides ongoing guidance, training and monitoring to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.

High-quality provision is led by a passionate and knowledgeable nursery manager, supported by a team of skilled educators. Together, they create an environment that prioritises children’s wellbeing, development and learning outcomes.

We provide an overarching curriculum framework aligned with EYFS requirements. However, each nursery has the flexibility to tailor their curriculum to meet the specific needs of their children, families and local community, ensuring a personalised approach to learning.

No, prior experience isn’t essential, but a genuine interest in early years is crucial. This is more than a business; it’s about shaping children’s futures. Families place immense trust in you, and we provide the training, tools and ongoing support to help you succeed with confidence.

We combine strong operational support with genuine autonomy. Franchisees are empowered to run their nursery with their own vision, while benefiting from the backing of an experienced central team. We also operate our own group of nurseries, meaning everything we implement is tested and refined in real settings before being rolled out across the network.

Monkey Puzzle follows a child-centred approach, underpinned by the EYFS framework, where children learn through play, exploration and meaningful experiences. We focus on creating safe, nurturing environments that encourage curiosity, confidence and independence, supporting every child’s individual development.

We have a full and comprehensive training schedule available which involves compulsory training such as First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, Safer Recruitment, Designated Safeguarding Lead etc. for you to complete before you open your nursery. We also offer a vast selection of optional courses from our Quarterly Training Brochure that you and your team can book on as and when you like. We also offer apprenticeships so if you do not have a full and relevant childcare qualification, we can arrange it for you.

Monkey Puzzle strongly recommend that all Franchisees undertake full and relevant training, which can include training that would enable the Franchisee to be fully qualified in childcare. Training will be provided as part of your franchise package for the length of your journey with Monkey Puzzle for you and your staff team.