Here, Rebecca Crosby, Founder of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, shares the news from their conference, talking us through the events of the day and providing information about their keynote speaker Ben Kingston-Hughes.
Our annual conference took place on 14th November at the De Vere Beaumont Estate, nestled in the historic heart of Old Windsor. As well as offering a variety of presentations led by our head office team, franchisees had the chance to meet with our external suppliers in between breaks. These included ‘Mo’ and ‘Famly’, two collaborative platforms for the network, and furniture providers ‘Millhouse’, who held a special competition for our franchisees to win one of their ‘buddy benches’.
The day opened with exciting new updates on the continued growth of our network – including a host of brand-new nurseries, data showing existing settings going from strength to strength and fresh initiatives from head office – setting the stage for a day of connection and collaboration. A key highlight of the conference was the introduction of Mo, an online platform designed to help team members easily share their achievements, fostering a more connected and appreciative Monkey Puzzle community.
The afternoon featured a series of engaging talks, including a session led by the Early Years Quality Team. The talks focused on two key areas: the audit process, looking at what our franchisees and staff should expect from an audit and areas in which they can develop, including for EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) children. The second session offered valuable insights into preparing for Ofsted, with a particular focus on the newly introduced support provided by head office to help franchisees navigate the required documentation and procedures for a successful inspection.
Wrapping up the day was keynote speaker, Ben Kingston-Hughes, an international speaker, author and multi-award-winning trainer who has worked with vulnerable children across the UK for over 35 years. His unique combination of humour, neuroscience and practical real-life insights has made his training invaluable to anyone working with children.
Ben’s session explored the vital role of play in both child development and as a therapeutic tool, highlighting its powerful impact on children’s self-esteem, confidence and mental health. He also delved into the neuroscience behind imaginative play, emphasising its significance as one of the most crucial developmental processes for any child.
The conference concluded with a delightful three-course meal and an internal awards ceremony, celebrating the incredible contributions of the network over the past year. Held in a beautiful chapel on the estate, the evening was filled with energy and showcased the hard work and spirit that make our community such a special one to be part of with a disco, arcade games and a saxophonist on hand for some live entertainment.
Reflecting on the energy, collaboration and inspirational nature of the day, I am excited to see how the ideas from this year’s conference, especially those from Ben’s session, will shape the continued growth and success of our network in 2025 and beyond.
