This week, Monkey Puzzle has had the opportunity to have a discussion with Maria. Maria is the owner of Monkey Puzzle Cheshunt and her nursery has grown from strength to strength. We talked with her about her route into franchising and why franchising is an excellent opportunity for women looking to start their own business.

How did you get into childcare?

After my A-Levels, I wanted to take a gap year before going to university, however I also needed the money from a job, so I took on a role as a nursery assistant at a local nursery. The manager saw potential in me and asked if I would be interested in doing my NVQ, so I thought why not. Within 2 years, I had completed my NVQ2 and NVQ3. I stayed there for another year but decided I wanted something more, so I went for an interview at another nursery for a Nursery Nurse role but was offered the Room Leader role. I stayed there for a few years before deciding to get a job in a school to see what it was like. I was there for 6 years until I was offered the opportunity to become the manager of a new Monkey Puzzle setting opening.

What made you choose Monkey Puzzle?

I have been a part of the Monkey Puzzle family for approximately 12 years. I worked as a manager at two different Monkey Puzzle settings. I could see the direction the company was going and wanted to be a part of it, so when the opportunity arose to become a franchisee, it was a no-brainer for me.

What is rewarding about owning a Day Nursery?

Seeing the progress of the children, staff and setting has been the best reward. I think, working my way up from Nursery Assistant to a franchisee has been a big learning curve that has helped me truly understand what staff require/want from their job, what the parents/carers expect from us and the direction the nursery is going in is amazing.

What support do you receive to run your nursery?

The support we had in recent years has been amazing. We have great support from our EYQM and most recently, finance support and recruitment.

How do you progress your team? Do you have any examples?

We do a lot of peer-on-peer training as training overall is a big part of progression. We support staff where we feel we need to; we currently have staff completing their Level 3. I try to lead by example and have just completed my Level 5.

What makes franchising a great option for women?

The main reason for me choosing a franchise is the flexible working hours! Being a mum is my most important job and having three children, at different stages of their education, had to be my priority, and so being part of a franchise offers me a great work-life balance that was needed in my life. 

What advice would you give to another woman looking at starting a franchise?

Do it! It may seem like a very daunting experience but taking a leap into an established franchise is worth the risk as the system and support is already there!