About Us
Muddy Monkies is a secluded forest school nursery and holiday club set in 1.5 acres of woodland on the Downwood Vineyard private estate. Muddy Monkies is an Ofsted registered provision following the Forest School ethos for children aged 18 months to 11 years old. We believe that children build up confidence, self-esteem, become resilient and improve their social skills through play. We concentrate highly on the characteristics of effective learning by observing children closely in our outdoor provision.
Who We Are
We love what we do and it shows. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small and we dedicate our utmost energy to everything we do.
Our Ethos
Every child is unique. That’s why we customise every one of our plans to fit your needs exactly. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your requests and prepare a customised path for your child.
Meet the experts behind our company...
We see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what we do every day.
Gemma Collis
Managing Director
Hello, my name is Gemma Collis and I live locally to Muddy Monkies.
I have been married to my husband Alex for 11 years and have two children aged 16 and 12.
I have worked in childcare for the past 8 years working in Nurseries and a Forest School.
I have previously been a deputy manager within a nursery in which I gained much experience.
I am very passionate about the Forest School ethos and the progress in which children develop.
My qualifications are:
- Level 5 Foundation degree of arts in early years practice
- Level 5 Diploma for the senior practitioner role
- Level 4 Advanced Practitioner with Early Years
- Level 3 Diploma for the children and young peoples workforce
- Level 3 Forest School Leader
- Level 3 Safeguarding
- Forest school outdoor first aid
- Certificate in therapeutic skills for outdoor leaders
- Food hygiene
... and many more
Daniela Mark
Managing Director
Hello, my name is Daniela and I live locally to Muddy Monkies and I have three grown up children.
I have been in the childcare industry for 19 years on and off.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family either kayaking, hiking or camping.
Growing up in Germany has given me so many outdoor opportunities and therefore children's outdoor learning is my priority in life.
My qualifications are:
- Level 4 Advanced Practitioner with Early Years
- Level 3 Diploma for the children and young peoples workforce
- Level 3 Forest school leader
- Level 3 safeguarding
- Food hygiene
- Forest school outdoor first aid
- Paediatric first aid
- Certificate in woodcraft for wellbeing
... and many more
Testimonials
"My 4 year old and 8 year old went here 1 day a week during the summer holiday and both absolutely loved it, they had fun, made new friends and tried different activities! They are lovely and very professional and I felt really comfortable leaving my kids in there care. They keep asking when they can go again."
Gemma V
"What an amazing team! The manager and her staff have created a wonderful learning environment that is fantastic. It is an environment that has been well considered and the timetable for the day is nicely thought out. When the children sit around the fireplace they learn to turn take and to listen to others and understand how people keep warm and how we heat food using the natural resources of our world. At the end of the day a child would put out the fire while supervised, so there is excellent health and safety.
It was also very nice to see the different age ranges together.
It was very exciting to see the new learning shed that has been created and the books and phonics that are inside the room.
Overall, the children and staff were very happy, eager to learn new things, had great teamwork and I never heard anyone say they were bored. I admire how the staff are always working towards the next project and I would always recommend Muddy Monkies Forest School."
Emma B
"This is bar far the best preschool in the Blandford area. My youngest child went here, who is autistic. The staff were incredible with him, they did the mountain of paperwork to get his EHCP before he even started primary school. All whilst developing his learning, social skills and self esteem. Cannot praise them enough! He's going into year 1 in September and he still talks about all the staff and how much he loved Muddy Monkies."
Karen R
You can see all our reviews on our pages at:
Daynurseries.co.uk
Nicelocal.co.uk
Useful Information
Name of Company:
Muddy Monkies Limited
Registered Office:
St Mary's House, Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP2 8PU
Company Number:
Contact Address:
Downwood Vineyard, Wimborne Road, Blandford Forum. DT119HN
Regulatory Authority:
Ofsted
Registration Number:
2556170
Registration Date:
8th October 2019
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