Munchkins Nursery And Pre School

Homemade shakers and a garden for climbing and balancing give the May 2021 picture of Munchkins Nursery And Pre School its character. At its May 2021 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective.

The nursery has capacity for 41 children at 30 Somerset Road, Basildon, SS15 6PE. Children attending in May 2021 were aged 0 to 5; that age range describes the setting at that time.

In May 2021, the early years foundation stage took practical form through language, sensory exploration and independence: children described sounds from their homemade shakers, investigated sensory bags and served their own food. These examples connect learning with things children can handle and do themselves.

Younger children explored textures and sounds, while staff introduced descriptive vocabulary during play, including words about bubble shapes. Music also helped younger children recognise routines such as snack time. Communication ran through ordinary activities.

The garden offered opportunities to run, climb and balance. A trampoline supported practice in sharing and taking turns, while play dough and shape-cutting linked activities with festivals and celebrations. These May 2021 experiences brought movement, coordination and social practice into the day.

In May 2021, staff helped children identify feelings and talk about them; children sought comfort from adults when upset. Makaton training and visual aids supported communication, giving staff additional tools alongside spoken language.

Toilet training involved cooperation with parents and steps tailored to each child. Handwashing formed part of children's routines. Staff also shared information about learning and the next steps they were working towards, helping parents continue that work at home.

Preparation for school included practising cooperation and managing everyday tasks. In May 2021, older children put on their coats and hats before outdoor play; children also served themselves at snacks and lunch, giving them opportunities to practise independence.

The address is 30 Somerset Road, Basildon, SS15 6PE. In May 2021, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year. These are dated opening hours.

At that time, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This describes its participation in May 2021.

• Teaching methods. The May 2021 inspection asked staff to deepen their understanding of how to support learning. Its planning systems still needed fuller embedding so that activities built on children's existing knowledge and skills.
• Your child's routine. The May 2021 arrangements combined year-round opening with funded early education. At a visit, how would the current age groups, attendance arrangements and funding terms fit your child's routine?

Munchkins suits parents who value practical exploration, communication and growing independence. The May 2021 examples are tangible: children experimented with sound, managed small personal tasks and practised sharing through physical play. The Good judgement belongs to that inspection; the teaching-methods improvement point belongs alongside it when weighing the nursery.