Richard Kent
Finance & ICT Manager

My name is Rik, I am the eldest Kent brother, and very much enjoy working as part of the family nursery team

I studied Accounting & Finance at Bristol University, where I met my lovely wife whilst singing in the choir. Since then I have worked as an Account Executive at Coca Cola where I was responsible for developing customer relationships and managing accounts.

In my spare time I enjoy dinner parties with friends, and spending quality time with my two sons Edward and James, as well as their bunnies Barney and Bluebell. Like my little brother Anthony, I also have a keen interest in music and enjoy playing the saxophone.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• 7 Years experience as an Account Executive, Coca Cola Enterprises
• Grade 8 Saxophone & Grade 5 Music Theory
• Proud Dad to Edward and James

Languages:

• English (fluent)
• Bunny (Intermediate)

Katie Holmes
Nursery Manager

Hi I’m Katie, I have been part of the Monkey Puzzle Highbury family for the last 3 years and I’m so excited to join Monkey Puzzle Angel. Prior to joining MPH I worked for 2 years in New Jersey, USA as an au pair looking after children aged 3-7. Last year I was awarded a Distinction in my Masters Degree in Early Years Education at University College London (UCL), The Institute of Education. I have also had experience in a preschool in Sweden with children aged 2-5, as part of my undergraduate degree at TheUniversity of Warwick. Whilst in Sweden I had
the opportunity to experience the importance of outdoor learning and forest schools. I’ve also had lots of experience in the U.K. particularly in reception class in a private school nursery.

I love spending time with a wide circle of friends including those that I have made internationally. With them I enjoy trying different styles of restaurants and going to the cinema. I
enjoy walking and playing with my two Golden Retrievers at home in the North of England and also exercising at the gym.

Helping young people to develop has to be the most rewarding thing in life. Children under the age of 6 have such open minds and a willingness to learn which makes them fun to be with. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a child understand a new concept or idea.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• – MA (Distinction) in Early Years Education, University College London (UCL) The Institute of Education

• – BA (Hons) Childhood, Education and Society, The University of Warwick

• – Au Pair, Preschool and Baby experience

• – Experience in Montessori and forest Schools

• – Designated Safeguarding Officer

– Paediatric First Aid Trained

Languages:

• English (fluent)

Rachel Cannon
Operations Manager

My name is Rachel and my experience with working with Monkey Puzzle started when I joined Monkey Puzzle Highbury as Joy’s deputy. I then moved to Monkey Puzzle Angel where I opened the new site and got outstanding on first Ofsted Inspection.

I originally moved to London, from Galway, in the West of Ireland to further my career in Childcare. I have now spent 9 very successful years working with children and being a part of t heir learning and development makes me proud every day! As a nursery manager I work very closely with the individual team members, as their personal and professional development is very important to me.

In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with friends and socialising. My main hobby is Irish Dancing and I’m part of the Maguire O’Shea School of Irish Dancing. Over the past couple of years we have travelled to many competitions in Brighton, Ireland and Milan. I also play ‘Camogie’ which is a physical sport which originated from Ireland.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• 9 Years experience in Childcare including 7 years management experience
• Advanced Safeguarding Certificate, Designaated Safeguarding Officer
• Studying BA degree in Early Years leadership and management
• QQI Level 6 Qualification in Assisting Special Needs and Autism Awareness
• Level 2 in Understanding Autism
• Level 3 Certificate for Children and Young Peoples Workforce

Languages:

• English (Native)

Abbie Carter
Nursery Practitioner

Hi I’m Abbie. I have 2 years’ experience working in childcare. I have recently moved from South London to North London.

I enjoy arts and crafts and being creative and I LOVE a DIY project!!  I have just begun learning tennis in my spare time.

I love working with children as it’s a chance for us as practitioners to watch them grow and develop from what they have experienced whilst at nursery.

I am looking forward to watching all the children flourish at MPA!

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• 2 years’ experience early years
• Level 3 in Early Learning and Childcare
• Food Hygiene
• Basic safeguarding
• First Aid

Languages:

• English (Native)

Teresa Agostinho
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Teresa. I lived and worked in Portugal until 1995 when I moved to England to work as a live in Nanny. I enjoy jogging, reading, quizzes and listening to music. In my spare time I enjoy doing chores and taking care of my house. I love resting and talking to friends and family. I first took an interest in childcare after I started looking after my neighbour’s children. I look forward to getting involved in the activities with the children and making them smile!

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• 26 years’ experience early years
• Level 3 in Early Learning and Childcare
• Level 2 in Early Learning and Childcare
• Food Hygiene
• Basic safeguarding

Languages:

• English
• Portuguese (native)
• Spanish (basic)

Lola Evans
Nursery Assistant 

I have always lived in London and I feel working with children is fantastic because of the progression that you can enable. Helping children to learn while playing is an incredibly positive and uplifting experience. As a hobby I enjoy cooking, swimming, and walking, I also like gardening and fashion. I like working with children because they brighten your day up and make me smile. I find it fascinating how they all have different character traits. I like helping children to learn. I believe playing, exploring and being creative is the best way to teach young children.

Qualifications, Skills &Experience:

• Basic safeguarding training
• Customer service experience
• Looking to develop her knowledge and experience in childcare
• Food hygiene

Languages:

• English (Native)

Rebecca Dominguez
Nursery Practitioner

Hi I’m Rebecca and I was born in Venezuela but have lots of family who live still in Spain.

Before moving to London 9 months ago I was living and working in Madrid. I love the culture the food and of course the weather! Despite loving my country I decided I wanted to progress my career and work with other cultures and learn about different education systems. I hope to one day use what I learn in the UK to develop the Spanish educational system.

In my spare time I love to play sport especially dance and ice skating. I also really enjoy spending time with the people I love as I am a very social person. When I do have time to relax I love to read and disconnect with the world. I love to work with children because I really like to see how children absorb everything around them. I look forward to contributing towards the children’s learning at MPA.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• Early Years Education Degree
• Basic safeguarding
• Food hygiene
• 4 years’ experience in childcare

Languages:

• Spanish – Native
• English – Intermediate

Harry Bell
Nursery Assistant

Hi my name is Harry! I have lived in Australia for all my life before moving to London a year ago, I have had experience working in different sectors. In all of my experience I have enjoyed being creative and the element of team work. I made the decision to gain more life experiences.

In my spare time I enjoy singing, jazz piano and song writing. I also have a passion for readying, playing chess and keeping fit by running.

I love being creative and having fun mixed with learning. I love the fact that I can make an impact on children’s development. I look forward to seeing the children grow and develop.

Qualifications, Skills &Experience:

– Diploma of Jazz Performance

– Basic Safeguarding training.

– Certificate of Education

– Food Hygiene

– Basic Child protection

Languages:
– English