Families and staff at Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington are celebrating after nursery assistant Geraldine Brandan was named Newcomer of the Year at the national Nursery Management Today (NMT) Nursery Awards.
Geraldine, who lives locally, only joined the Stoke Newington team in July 2024 – but her warmth, creativity and calm presence have already made a big impression on children, parents and colleagues alike.
Originally from Argentina, Geraldine moved into early years after a career in hospitality. “A lot of my family worked in education, so it was always in the back of my mind,” she said. “From my very first day at Monkey Puzzle I loved being around the children – I just didn’t expect to feel so at home so quickly.”
The awards ceremony took place on Saturday 8th November, with Geraldine attending alongside team members from the Stoke Newington nursery.
“I was really nervous as they went through the categories,” Geraldine added. “When they said my name, I couldn’t believe it – I was completely overwhelmed and so proud. It means so much to know the team and our families believe in me this much!”
Nursery owner, Cayden Herbert expressed her delight at Geraldine’s achievement, she said, “I am so proud of Geraldine for winning this award! Her incredible hard work and unwavering passion amaze us every week, not just in what she does for the children, but for everyone around her. There is truly no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Stoke Newington’s deputy manager Samuel says the award reflects the atmosphere families find at the nursery, he added, “Geraldine brings so much warmth to the nursery,” he said. “She’s always with the children, playing and encouraging them. Her willingness to learn lifts the whole team every day.”
Geraldine now has her sights set on continuing to grow within the Stoke Newington nursery, “I want to take everything step by step, keep learning and eventually become a room leader here.
“What I love most is being part of this community – getting to know the children and their families and seeing the difference we can make every day. I’ve felt so supported from the moment I arrived, and that sense of belonging has helped me grow so much.”
The nursery, based on Stoke Newington High Street, serves families across the local area. For more information about the services they provide, please visit https://monkeypuzzlestokenewington.co.uk/
