The Wild Monkeys Team

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:

• Child Protection/Safeguarding
• Food Safety Level 2
• Prevent Duty training

Fifteen of our staff:

• are trained in Paediatric First Aid, and we plan to ensure that all staff are First Aid trained
• have completed a Level 2 Understanding Autism course

Childcare qualifications

• One Qualified Teacher
• One staff member with a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood
• Thirteen staff members are qualified at NVQ Level 3
• Two staff members working towards NVQ Level 2

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.

Staff with Dual Language:

• Ela Speaks fluent Romanian
• Elin Speaks fluent Norwegian

Wild Monkeys Leadership Team

We work between all three settings

Val

Owner

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 college) 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.​

I am also the 1st aid appointed person

Jenny

Area Manager & EYFS Lead
​
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 Food Safety Level 2, Child Protection training, Prevent training, and a full DBS. Val and I are also currently completely an NPQ in Early Years Leadership together.

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.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2016.
​

Forest Nursery Management Team

We look after the Forest Nursery

Donna

Deputy Manager

​Student Support
​
NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is Donna. I live in Peacehaven with my husband and two sons, who are both at school and University. I have a diploma which is the equivalent of a NVQ3 in pre school practice as well as my Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection levels 1 and 2, and Food Safety level 3, Prevent Training. I also have a full DBS check.

I was a nursery nurse for four years before deciding to become a childminder. I did that for five years until I decided to move to Peacehaven. Once I'd moved, I became a nanny for one of the families I'd previously minded for so was lucky enough to be able to watch them grow up.

I've known Val for over 15 years now as our children went to school together.  Having already known Val and her children so well, it was easy to get settled into the job. I love working at Wild Monkeys Childcare as I get to spend my time playing with the children, which has always been my favourite part of childcare.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2012.

Casey

Manager

​DSL

Fire Warden
​
NVQ Level 3

Hi my name is Casey, I live in Saltdean with my grandparents.

I have worked in the childcare sector for over 10 years, starting as an apprentice and completing my level 2 and 3. I have also completed my first aid and food and hygiene training.

I am an avid reader, enjoying escaping into a good book! And myself and my boyfriend love going on city breaks around different countries, seeing all different monuments and trying new foods.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2023.
​​

The Hedgehog Team (Baby)

We look after the youngest of our monkeys

Beneece

​Room Leader
​
NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is beneece and I have been working in childcare for almost 6 years and have worked with a variety of different ages from babies up until reception.

​I live at home with my parents and our dog Biggles and tortoise Tilly. I spend a lot of my free time with friends and family. I love to bake and read too! I Also love to travel to new places!

Before working at Wild Monkeys I always heard amazing things and have progressed so much since joining and love working with the team! 

Tanya

​Deputy Room Lead​
​
NVQ Level 3

 Hi, my name is Tanya. I am married to Steve and have two children, Brad and Katie. I enjoy spending time with the family and having days out.
 
My last job was as a care worker looking after the elderly in their homes. I loved this job very much but when Val gave me the opportunity to work with her I knew straight away what I wanted to do. In the six plus years that I have been here I have completed my NVQ3 in childcare and lots of other courses too.

I have Child Protection level 2, a full DBS check, Food Safety level 2, Prevent Training and Paediatric First Aid training. I have NVQ level 3 in childcare.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2013.
​

Rachel

Deputy Room Lead
​
Working towards NVQ3

Hi my name is Rachel and I live in Peacehaven with my partner & nearly 2 year old son.

I have worked with children since I was 16 and previously worked at a primary school doing after school childcare for ages 5 - 11. My son started Wild Monkeys in September 2023 and absolutely loved it.

I really wanted to progress with my career and become a nursery practitioner as I knew how amazing Wild Monkeys is! I'm excited to start my NVQ in childcare at Wild Monkeys and love spending time playing with all the children helping them learn new things everyday!

​I've been a Wild Monkey since 2024.

The Squirrel Team (Toddlers)

We look after the toddlers in our nursery

Tegan

Room Lead
​
​NVQ Level 3

Hi I’m Tegan I have been working in childcare for 2 years.I have worked with all ages from babies up to 11 years old.

I find childcare such a rewarding job supporting children’s development.I’m really enjoying my journey at wild monkeys so far.

​I have NVQ level 3 in childcare.

​I’ve been a wild monkey since 2023

Amber

Deputy Room Lead
​
NVQ Level 3

Hi my names Amber and I live with our preschool deputy, Nicky. I previously worked at Wild Monkey's for two years as baby room deputy but left to go explore the world! I travelled around New Zealand and Australia. Travelling was super fun and gave me a lot of new experiences that I am now ready to put back into nursery. 

Outside of nursery I enjoy cooking and crafting. I also like to get outdoors and explore new places. I am looking forward to travelling to more countries in the future!

Previously at Wild Monkey's, I completed my Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Early Years Educator. I am also first aid trained.

​I am really excited to carry on my journey at Wild Monkey's as toddler room deputy!

Lisa

Deputy Room Lead
​
​Working towards her NVQ Level 3​

Hi, my name is Lisa, I live in Peacehaven with my husband Darren and my two children, Jake and Scarlett.

I’ve always loved working with children and volunteered at a primary school when mine were smaller. I’ve also worked within a Drama school, after school clubs and as a play worker.

In my free time I love spending time with my family and our dog Ralph or on the sidelines of a football pitch watching my children play.

I’m absolutely loving working at wild monkeys and was really excited about starting here. I’m so grateful to Val for giving me this opportunity and feel very lucky to work alongside such a great team.

​I've been at wild Monkeys since 2023

The Foxes Team

We look after the oldest in our setting up until they leave for big school

Channon

Preschool Lead

​NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is Channon, I live in Peacehaven with my partner and our two children Alfie and Olivia. When I left school I didn’t know what I wanted do but since having children I’ve realised that I would love to work in childcare.

I started volunteering at Wild Monkeys to gain some experience, I knew I loved it straight away and was lucky enough to be offered a permanent role.

I became qualified by doing my NVQ3 alongside my role at Wild Monkeys. I also have a full DBS, Paediatric First Aid, Prevent, Child Protection and many more.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2018.​

Nicky

Deputy Room Lead

Food Co-ordinator

NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is Nicky. I live in Newhaven with my son.  

After working with Val at Wild Monkeys Childcare for over eleven years, I have completed my NVQ3 in Childcare and Development. I love working here to help make it a home from home environment for all the children.

I have Child Protection training levels 1 and 2, Food Safety level 2, Paediatric First Aid training, Prevent Duty and a full DBS check. 

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2013.
​

Amy J

Deputy Room Lead
​
​Working Towards NVQ Level 3

Hi my name is Amy. I live in Peacehaven with my partner, our 4 children and our dog, Luna!

​I have always enjoyed working with children. My youngest was at Wild Monkeys, so when he went to school and a position became available, I jumped at the chance to work at this amazing nursery with Val and her team.

I am loving every moment!

​I've been a Wild Monkey since 2022​

The Rest Of Our Team

Kim

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is Kim. Since I was little I have wanted to work with children, and I aspire to be a teacher. I started working with children after leaving school, where I gained NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Childcare. I gained experience working in local nurseries.

I have training in the use of EYFS, Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety level 2, Phonics, Maths for children, Prevent Duty Training, Fire Safety Training, and Child Protection level 2. I also have a full DBS check and I have been cleared by Ofsted to work with children. I also have Fire Marshall training.

I love being part of the Wild Monkeys team.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2015.

Marilyn

SENCO

NVQ Level 3

Hello, my name is Marilyn. I live in Telscombe Cliffs, and I have a son and three grandchildren.

I have worked in childcare for over 27 years. I was a childminder and sessional worker. Then for nine and a half years I have worked in a children’s centre. About 7 years ago I was lucky enough to get a position at Wild Monkeys covering maternity leave and have been here ever since!

I love working with Val and her team. I have a NVQ3 in childcare and I have completed training in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Safe Food Handling, EYFS, NVQ 2 in Autism and Child Protection. 

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2016.
​

Rachelle

Forest School Lead

Makaton Lead

NVQ Level 3

​Hello, I'm Rachelle. I live in Woodingdean and have known Val for many years as I did my Work Experience with her when I was at school! I've grown up with Kathryn (Val’s niece) and it's wonderful to be able to work with friends in such a supportive and fun space, doing something I enjoy.

I am a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader after gaining my NVQ Level 3 in childcare at Wild Monkeys. I am now studying for my Bachelors Degree in Early ChildcareI loved being part of the Wild Monkeys team back in Year 10 for Work experience, and I still love it now :-) I have Child Behaviour Training, Pediatric First Aid, Level 2 in Food Safety, Prevent duty training, Child Protection training.

In 2018 I volunteered to become the Makaton Lead for Wild Monkeys Childcare. I feel that signing will really help the children to communicate which will in turn support their learning. You can find out more about how we have implemented this by clicking here.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2016.

The Rest Of Our Team

Sam

Support & Behaviour Lead

Hello, my name is Sam. I am married to Steve and have a special needs daughter. I have lived in Peacehaven for over 39 years. We have a house rabbit called Pluto.

My previous job was running a local family jewellery business. Since closing, I have decided to have a complete career change.

Being a parent of a special needs daughter, I believe that my experience will be an advantage with working alongside the children, helping them develop and learn. I am very grateful to Val for giving me this opportunity to be a part of Wild Monkeys - exciting times ahead!

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walks along the beach, gardening, and a little upcycling.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2019..

Yumi

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

Hey, my name is Yumi and I live in Saltdean with my dog, who's name is Hux!

I have 10 years of experience in childcare and have worked in various nurseries. I have training in the use of EYFS, Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety level 2, Prevent Duty Training and Child Protection level 2. I also have a full DBS check and I have been cleared by Ofsted to work with children. 

I am really looking forward to working at Wild Monkeys. The setting seems so beautiful and kind.

​I've been a Wild Monkey since 2024.
​

Elin

Nursery Practitioner 

NVQ Level 3

​Hi my name is Elin, I live in Peacehaven with my husband, 2 of my 4 children and our cat Jasper. My eldest 2 children are adults now.

​Many moons ago I worked as a childminder, that is where I first met Val. We ended up doing our NVQ 3's together with the same provider shortly after we both became pregnant. I stopped childminding around this time. I then went to work at the leisure centre where another lady and myself ran a parent & toddler group and a creche. I also worked as children's gymnastics coach.

Unfortunately this all stopped because of Covid and we were not able to start up again, but every cloud has a silver lining and now I have been given the opportunity to work at Wild Monkeys Childcare.

​I find working with the under 5's very rewarding.

The Rest Of Our Team

Hayley

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

Hi, my name is Hayley. I've been working with children since I left school in 2000. I live in Peacehaven with my daughter.

I have a NVQ level 2 & 3 in Childcare which I'm enjoying putting to good use at Wild Monkeys Childcare. I've worked at four nurseries in the past so it is a nice change working in such a different setting. Over the 6 years I have been here, all of the team have been very supportive. It is like having a second family! 

I have EYFS training. I also have Child Protection level 1, and a full DBS check.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2013.
​

Ela

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

​Hello, my name is Elena, but children like calling me Ela. I live in Peacehaven with my husband Leo and our two sons Teo and David.

I have been working with children for more than 9 years now. However, I feel that working with children in their early years suits me very well, as I have a very calm nature and a lot of patience when listening to what children have to communicate.

I have a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce and my passion for exploring the children's world has led me to complete a Level 4 Child Psychology course. I started my career in childcare as a group supervisor at a Children's Centre, then as a nursery practitioner as well as being a nanny which I absolutely loved.

I met Val at the beginning of my career, when struggling with my Level 3 childcare course and I have always been so grateful for her support and encouragement. Now I am very thankful, as she gave me the opportunity to work within her lovely setting.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2018.

Carol

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

​Hi my name is Carol. I live in Peacehaven with my husband Mark, the squirrels and my next door neighbours cats who likes to pop and say hello!
I know Val as she looked after my now adult child when she was just a baby some 19 years ago! I have worked with her as a practitioner on and off since 2015.

I have my NVQ level 3 in childcare but I specialise in working with children with additional needs. I have a varity of training in SEN and mental health.

I love working at wild monkeys helping improve the lives of our young people.
I have been working at Wild Monkeys since 2015.

The Rest Of Our Team

Barney

Nursery Practitioner

Working towards NVQ 3

My name is Barney and I live in Peacehaven with my family, my 2 dogs and 2 Cats.

I went to Primary School at Meridian Community Primary School where I met Toby (Val’s Son) and Lewis (Donna’s Son). I went to Secondary School and College at Seaford Head, where I Studied Maths, Physics and Computer Science.

The reason I want to work I child care is because my mum was a teachers and that has influenced and inspired me to want a career in child care. 

Outside of Wild Monkeys I love going to the Gym, Cooking and travelling. My goal is to visit as many countries as possible.

​I have been at Wild Monkeys since 2024

Marianne

Nursery Practitioner

Working Towards NVQ 3

Hi, my name is Marianne, I live in Seaford and I have been working in childcare for over 7 years. 

For the last 4 years I have been working closely with preschoolers and helping them prepare for their journey to big school. I have a huge passion for working with children and find it so rewarding knowing I have helped shape young minds. I have training in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Prevent and Food Safety Level 2 and will soon be beginning my training for an NVQ Level 3 in childcare!

I've been a Wild Monkeys in 2022.
​

Bella

Nursery Practitioner

NVQ Level 3

Hi my name is Bella. I live in Peacehaven with my parents and my dog, Micky! I have recently finished college and gained my NVQ level 3 which I’m very pleased about. Whilst doing my NVQ, Wild Monkey kindly accepted me as a student for my work placement. I did this for 6 months towards the end of my course and got on so well, that Val offered me a position once I’d finish.


I’ve grown up looking after family members children and have always enjoyed it so I’m so excited to be beginning my childcare career at such an Outstanding nursery like Wild Monkeys.​

The Rest Of Our Team

Deni

Nursery Apprentice

Working towards NVQ 2

Hi, my name is Deni, I live in newhaven with my family, I have a dog and three cats who I love spending time with.

I grew up helping out in nursery’s from a young age so knew it was something that I would enjoy.

Outside of Wild Monkeys I love to read and enjoy visiting other countries as well as spending time with my family. I am looking forward to doing my NVQ qualification and am currently working towards my level 2.

I've been a Wild Monkey since 2024.