Career progression in early years education is often underestimated, but Vikki Aarons’ journey tells a different story. What began as a passion for working with young children evolved into a leadership role and ultimately the ownership of her own successful Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery. In this interview with Grace Cole, Managing Director of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, Vikki Aarons reflects on her career journey, the opportunities the sector offers, and why early years education can be far more rewarding and ambitious than many people realise.
From Practitioner to Business Owner
The early years sector is often overlooked as a career with long-term progression. Yet for many professionals, it offers a pathway to leadership, entrepreneurship and even business ownership.
Vikki Aarons is one such example. After beginning her career as a nursery practitioner, she progressed to nursery manager before opening her own setting, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Eltham. Her journey demonstrates how experience, determination and the right support can transform a passion for childcare into a thriving business.
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Managing Director Grace Cole sat down with Vikki to discuss her career, the opportunities available within early years education, and why she believes the industry deserves greater recognition.
Grace Cole: Did you always know you wanted to work in early years education?
Vikki Aarons: I have always known I wanted to work with children and originally planned to become a teacher. During a placement in a nursery, I discovered how much I loved the early years environment. Supporting children through those crucial first stages of development and being part of such a close-knit team really resonated with me.
After qualifying, I worked in a nursery before gaining experience as a private nanny. Once I started my own family, I returned to nursery life and realised I’d found the career I was truly meant to be in.
Grace Cole: How did your career evolve with Monkey Puzzle?
Vikki Aarons: Before joining Monkey Puzzle, I had already progressed from nursery practitioner to nursery manager. In 2013, I joined the team to help launch Monkey Puzzle Bexleyheath.
Opening a brand-new nursery was an incredible learning experience. From recruiting and building a team to welcoming families and preparing for Ofsted inspections, I gained valuable operational and leadership experience. The support and guidance I received from Monkey Puzzle gave me the confidence and skills to take the next step in my career.
Grace Cole: What inspired you to become a nursery owner?
Vikki Aarons: My parents suggested investing in a franchise together, and because of my experience with Monkey Puzzle, it was the only brand we seriously considered.
Once we’d found the right location, we opened Monkey Puzzle Eltham in 2018. Today, we’ve built an amazing team and a thriving nursery that we’re incredibly proud of. I’d love to open a second nursery one day, but only if it’s the right opportunity and allows us to maintain the high standards we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Grace Cole: What would you say to someone considering a career in early years education?
Vikki Aarons: I would absolutely encourage them to go for it. It’s an incredibly rewarding profession where every day is different, and you have the privilege of helping shape children’s futures during some of the most important years of their lives.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there aren’t many opportunities to progress. That simply isn’t true. There are so many different career paths available. With experience, dedication and the right support, you can move into leadership positions or even, like I did, become a nursery owner.
It’s a career where you’re constantly learning, growing and making a genuine difference every single day.
Grace Cole: What still motivates you after all these years?
Vikki Aarons: Watching children grow from babies into confident pre-school graduates ready for primary school is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
I also value the relationships we build with our families and our team. Even as an owner, I make sure I’m regularly in the nursery because it’s important to know our children, parents and staff personally. That connection is at the heart of everything we do.
With demand for high-quality childcare continuing to grow, I genuinely believe there’s never been a better time to build a career in early years.
Reflecting on Vikki’s journey, Grace Cole, Managing Director of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, said: “Vikki’s journey is a brilliant reminder that the early years sector has so much more to offer than many people realise. From those first steps in a nursery to leading a thriving business, her story shows how ambition, commitment and a genuine passion for children can take you further than you might expect.”
“At Monkey Puzzle, we’re incredibly proud to see people create fulfilling futures within our network. When talented people are encouraged to develop, everyone benefits, from colleagues and children to the wider communities we serve.“
