Why Choose Monkey Puzzle

Why Choose Monkey Puzzle

Why Choose Monkey Puzzle2026-05-19T08:59:41+01:00
0+
years in franchising
0%
of our franchisees have 2 or more nurseries
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years in childcare
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nurseries

Opening a childcare franchise presents a compelling opportunity within one of the UK’s most resilient and consistently in-demand sectors. Despite its challenges, the childcare industry continues to demonstrate long-term stability and strong growth, making it an increasingly attractive investment for individuals, private equity firms, and funding institutions alike.

Monkey Puzzle stands at the forefront of the franchised nursery market as a recognised industry leader and one of the UK’s largest childcare providers. As pioneers of nursery franchising, we were the first to introduce a model that empowers individuals to build successful businesses while making a meaningful impact within their local communities. Today, we continue to uphold our founding family values, even as we scale nationally.

Since opening our first nursery in Hertfordshire in March 2002, founders Mark and Rebecca Crosby have led Monkey Puzzle on an exceptional growth journey. From a single setting, the brand has expanded to over 70+ nurseries across the UK, each delivering high-quality childcare and education.

With continued expansion plans and strong momentum, Monkey Puzzle offers an outstanding franchise opportunity. We are actively working with both new and existing franchisees to open additional nurseries nationwide. This sustained growth, combined with our commitment to excellence, ensures Monkey Puzzle remains the partner of choice for those looking to invest in a thriving, purpose-driven sector.

Industry-Leading Brand

As one of the UK’s largest and most established childcare providers, Monkey Puzzle is a recognised leader in nursery franchising, built on over 20+ years of proven success.

Purpose-Driven Business

More than just a commercial opportunity, Monkey Puzzle allows you to make a meaningful impact in your local community while building a rewarding and sustainable business.

Proven Franchise Model

Our model is tried, tested, and refined, giving you a clear pathway to launching and growing a successful nursery with the backing of an experienced support network.

Full End-to-End Support

From site finding and funding to marketing, operations, and Ofsted readiness, we provide hands-on support at every stage of your journey.

The 7 Step Journey to franchising with us

Owning a Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery means joining an established, trusted brand with over 30 years of experience in early years education. Our franchise model provides you with everything you need to create a profitable, rewarding business that makes a real difference in children’s lives.

From location selection to ongoing operational support, we’re with you at every step to ensure your nursery flourishes. You’ll benefit from our industry-leading expertise, comprehensive training, and a proven business framework that takes the guesswork out of running a nursery.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do we ensure that daily rates for the nursery are competitive in our area?2026-05-12T08:34:59+01:00

We will carry out competitor analysis throughout your journey. The first will be completed when you are carrying out due diligence when a property comes to our attention. This will allow us to see what typical rates local nurseries are offering, to assist with the cashflow and gives us some insight on demand in the local area. When we are nearing the end of the build phase, we will complete another competitor analysis to see if anything has changed and to help us to support you with setting fees ahead of the nursery open. All inclusive, opening times and size etc. are all factors to consider when setting fees.

What support will Monkey Puzzle offer to a Franchisee?2026-05-01T10:35:28+01:00

Monkey Puzzle has a dedicated Support Team at Head Office that will help support the Franchisee every step of the journey, from finding your perfect property, to design, marketing, training, Early Years support to financial projections for the next 5 years. The support does not stop there, with much more between and continually throughout your journey.

How does Government Funding work?2026-05-12T09:34:30+01:00

Every child is entitled to a Universal 15 hours of funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. Furthermore, eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to school age may be able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week. 15 and 30 hours are term time only (38 weeks of the year). As you will be open all year round, you’re allowed to stretch those hours over 51 weeks. Funded hours are given to parents at zero cost, with non-funded hours being charged accordingly. There may also be a voluntary consumable fee that you can charge parents who opt-in.

With the help of our support team, you’ll build a funding model and, as the business owner, you’ll work with your Local Authority to submit monthly or termly claims, reflecting the children and hours that you’re giving across invoices.

What does FTE (Full Time Equivalents) stand for?2026-05-12T09:34:41+01:00

The abbreviation FTE stands for ‘Full Time Equivalents’. This term is used in reference to occupancy within the nursery i.e., 1 FTE = 1 child attending 5 full days per week. An FTE can also be made up by 2 or more children attending a nursery setting i.e., 1 child attending 3 full days (0.6 FTE) and another child attending 2 full days (0.4 FTE).

Who and why do we need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check?2026-04-22T10:03:20+01:00

All Franchisees that are linked to the business will have to undertake an enhanced DBS which will be completed at the start of the onboarding process. The nominated person may have to undergo an Ofsted approved enhanced DBS check, when applying for their Ofsted registration. For safeguarding reasons, we ask all Franchisees to complete a DBS and suitability declaration at the point of onboarding. The Franchisee then must sign up for the update service to ensure on going checks are completed, in line with our franchisee safer recruitment policy.

What about equipment and supplies?2022-06-06T13:29:55+01:00

We will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary of equipment along with a list of suppliers with whom you will receive exclusive discounted rates.

What is the Management Service Fee (MSF) percentage?2022-06-06T13:28:58+01:00

The service fee is 8% (Exclusive of VAT) of turnover (sales) and is paid on a monthly basis by direct debit.

Will I need to have childcare experience or qualifications?2026-05-12T09:50:55+01:00
No, neither is necessary. However, you will need to appoint a nursery manager with the relevant qualifications, and we can help you with this very important task. Your role as the franchisee is to run the business, and while prior experience isn’t required, a successful business with Monkey Puzzle starts at ground level, with you being visible and involved in the day-to-day running of the nursery.
How much is the franchise fee?2022-06-06T13:27:47+01:00

The initial franchise fee is £40,000 + VAT

Will I have a protected territory?2022-06-06T13:27:03+01:00

Absolutely – You will have exclusivity to a specific area