Our Qualifications
Here at Wild Monkeys, we have a dedicated team of trained and qualified nursery practitioners, including a qualified teacher, a manager with a DipHE in Early Childhood, and more.
Our staff are highly qualified. All of our staff have:
Childcare qualifications
Other training completed by our staff includes:
All of our staff are fully DBS checked.
Our staff are highly qualified. All of our staff have:
- Child Protection/Safeguarding
- Food Safety Level 2
- Prevent Duty training
Childcare qualifications
- One Qualified Teacher
- One staff member with a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood
- Many staff with NVQ3
Other training completed by our staff includes:
- Level 2 Equality & Diversity
- Balanceability training
- Behaviour Management
- Level 4 Child Psychology
- Oral Health
- Accident Prevention
- Various EYFS and Child Development courses
- Child Development 0-5 years
All of our staff are fully DBS checked.
Our Team
Val - Owner
2 Year Old Lead/Data Protection Lead, DIPHE Early Childhood
2 Year Old Lead/Data Protection Lead, DIPHE Early Childhood
My name is Valerie Wild and I live in Peacehaven with my partner. My sons Toby (who is at Sussex University) and Leo (who is at secondary school) and my daughter Heather (who is at collage) live here too. I also have two cats called Gusgus and Jaqjaq (yes, named after the mice out of Cinderella!) I began as a childminder in 2005 which evolved to become Wild Monkeys Childcare in 2014. Now we have opened our Beach and Nature nurseries I tend to spend my days going between all three, offering support and guidance.
I have over 20 years experience looking after children of all ages and needs. In October 2019 I graduated from the Open University with a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood. I also have many courses which you can see the certificates for in the setting. I was also recently a Mentor Champion for ESCC where I gained a Level 3 in Language & Literacy which means i have the extended knowledge to provide additional support for children communications and language. Jenny and I are also currently completely and NPQ in Early Years Leadership together. |
Jenny - Senior Manager & EYFS Lead
Qualified Teacher
Qualified Teacher
Hello, my name is Jenny and I have been a primary school teacher for nearly 20 years. I worked in Reception for 6 years so I have a good knowledge of what the children will experience as they make the transition to school. As a qualified teacher, I bring my experience and knowledge to Wild Monkeys to support the learning and development of the children. I have Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety Level 2, Child Protection training, Prevent training, and a full DBS.
I have known Val for a very long time, because I’m her big sister! I live with my husband and three children. I really enjoy working alongside my sister. |
Becky - Manager
NVQ Level 3/ Area Safeguarding Lead
NVQ Level 3/ Area Safeguarding Lead
My name is Becky. I live in Peacehaven with my daughter, who attended Wild Monkeys up until she started school.
I was a parent at the nursery when I spoke with Val about wanting to start a career in childcare. She saw the potential in me and offered me a role here. Over the years, thanks to Val, I have completed my NVQ level 3 in childcare, along with other required courses to gain all the knowledge and qualifications I need to be a fully qualified nursery practitioner. I recently became the Manager after being a Room Leader and Deputy Manager for 4 years. I've been a Wild Monkey since 2016. |
Emily - Deputy Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
NVQ Level 3
NVQ Level 3
Hi, I'm Emily.
I am the Deputy Manager at Wild Monkeys Nature Nursery. I am also the Safeguarding Lead. I've worked in childcare for more than 17 years, and have worked as deputy for 3 years. I live in Peacehaven with my family. I have 2 children who go to local schools. I have always enjoyed working with children and so gained my level 3 qualification and started working in nurseries. I have been with Wild Monkeys since 2022 |
Laura - Practitioner
NVQ Level 3
NVQ Level 3
Hello my name is Laura. I have lived in Telscombe Cliffs for the few years. I have a little one who goes to our Beach setting who will soon be going to school. I joined Wild Monkeys after seeing an opening and loved the ethos of the nursery. I have been qualified for over 10 years, working in different nursery settings, gaining lots of knowledge and experience.
I have been with Wild Monkeys since 2022 |
Emily - Practitioner
Working towards NVQ Level 3
Working towards NVQ Level 3
Hi my name is Emily!
I live in Saltdean with my fiancé and two young children, the youngest of which attends Wild Monkeys! I love spending time outdoors with my family in my spare time. I am extremely excited to be joining the Nature Nursery Team at Wild Monkeys! I have a passion for working with children, and can’t wait to further my career in childcare |
Rox - Practitioner / SENCO Lead
NVQ Level 3
NVQ Level 3
Hello, my name is Rox. I live in Newhaven and have four children aged between 23 and five. I also have a soppy staffi called Stan.
Many years ago after leaving school, I went to college to study childcare as it was always the industry I wanted to work in. Due to starting my family early, I had to put my dreams on hold to raise my family. Now my last child has gone to school, it is time to get back to my dream and there is no better feeling than being part of a child's early years, supporting their development and watching their little characters grow. I have a level 2 in childcare and I am working towards my level 3. I have completed my Early Years SENCO training, EYFS Child Protection training, Infection Prevention and Control, Level 2 Food Hygiene and Level 2 Safe Guarding and Prevent. |
Sarah - Practitioner
Hello my name is Sarah, I have lived in Peacehaven for many years. I have 5 children who have kept me very busy for years. I started working at Wild Monkeys when there was a job opening and wanted to get back into working with children after a career break.
I’m looking to achieve my level 3 whilst here. The best part of the job is seeing the children flourish and grow and help them on their journey to going to big school. I have been with Wild Monkeys since 2024 |