Opening hours
Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm
Munchkins Nursery and Pre School in Colchester
Ofsted: Good
(Mar 2023)
Number of places
54 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2023
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
Munchkins Nursery is a family-run establishment founded by sisters Jo and Liz, who share a profound dedication to early years education. With seven children between them, they have developed a nurturing environment across multiple locations in Essex, where children are encouraged to be curious, happy, and adventurous.
The nursery prides itself on a curriculum that instills empathy, kindness, and respect for both others and the natural world, utilising natural resources to foster physical engagement and exploration. Their philosophy extends to supporting the entire family through the nursery journey, ensuring everyone feels understood and at home.
Munchkins Nursery also champions the use of Makaton to enhance communication and self-expression in children and provides resources for parents to actively participate in their child’s early education. They welcome prospective parents to visit their settings to experience their approach firsthand and are always seeking passionate individuals to join their team.
Our ethos
Munchkins Nursery's philosophy is centred on fostering curiosity, happiness, and adventurousness in a nurturing environment. They aim to instil empathy, kindness, and respect for others and the natural world, using natural resources for exploration. The nursery also emphasises enhancing communication and self-expression through Makaton and supporting the entire family's journey.
What it's like
Children are eager and excited to learn, exploring an exciting and calm, home-from-home environment. They form close attachments to their key persons and enjoy sensory experiences. The curriculum is planned around children's interests with a strong focus on communication and well-being.
Family-runEmpathy and kindness-focused curriculumMakaton friendlyNatural resources for playMultiple Essex locations
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2021
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Munchkins Nursery and Pre School
Last inspected 30 March 2023 · Lynn Hartigan
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are eager and excited to learn, exploring an exciting and calm, home-from-home environment. They form close attachments to their key persons and enjoy sensory experiences. The curriculum is planned around children's interests with a strong focus on communication and well-being.
Inspector highlights
- The manager is enthusiastic and passionate, providing children with the best possible learning opportunities, and staff feel valued.
- The nursery is fully inclusive, and all children, including those with additional support needs or EAL, make good progress. The introduction of Makaton sign language positively affects children's communication.
- Children's mathematical development is progressing well, with the nursery rich in numbers, shapes, and mathematical opportunities.
- A broad curriculum is planned for all areas of learning, indoors and outdoors, with a precise focus on supporting each child's needs.
- Children's behaviour is good overall, making friendships and understanding what is acceptable due to staff being good role models who speak calmly and with respect.
Areas to develop
- 1improve the organisation of meal and sleep times to ensure that all children are fully engaged at these times.
Inspection #10280980 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
they feel welcome, supported and able to discuss any concerns
how quickly their children settle, make very good progress and cannot wait to attend nursery
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The nursery is fully inclusive, and all children make good progress, including those who need additional support. The introduction and positive approach to teaching children Makaton sign language has a very positive effect on children's communication.
Outdoor space
Children eagerly investigate the activities provided outdoors and relish their time in the garden. They work together to make obstacle courses using planks, tyres and ladders, learning to take safe risks through well-planned activities.
EAL / language support
All children make good progress, including those who speak English as an additional language. The introduction and positive approach to teaching children Makaton sign language has a very positive effect on children's communication.
Parent Reviews of Munchkins Nursery and Pre School
5.0
(68)
Maddie Wilson
4 months ago
Brilliant nursery! My little one really struggled when he first started in September and they have done absolutely everything to make sure he feels safe, comfortable and enjoy his day. He now loves nursery and talks about his key worker, staff and his friends all the time. They also take dietary needs/allergies very seriously, I never have to worry about my little one having something that he shouldn’t. Amazing staff 🫶🏻
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Laura Hurren
7 months ago
My 1 year old twins have been here since they turned 9 months old. They settled in straight away and they've now upped their hours. The staff are so friendly and have supported me with weaning which I have found quite difficult in my journey as a first time parent. I get many updates throughout the day through Tapestry, how they've eaten, slept and the fun activities they take part in. They've also been on many outings within the community and have a lovely home from home environment. The care they provide is second to none Thank you Munchkins 💚
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Catherine Stott
a year ago
My son has been with Munchkins for almost a year and he has absolutely blossomed there. The staff are excellent, he loves going in every time, and I love knowing that he’s learning and developing, but also forming bonds with everyone there. The nursery is clean, has wonderful toys, and a fabulous garden. Would highly recommend.
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sarah sach
10 months ago
Such a lovely lovely place to send my child. He absolutely loves going there every time we are there. At the weekend he asks to go to nursery to see his favourite teachers Sophie and Ashlea! He has grown so much from being there with eating a wider range of fruits and is willing to try new foods there also. I believe he gets so much out of munchkins and they always take such amazing care of him and willing to do anything needed! He is always coming out so happy and full of beans and telling me about his day and what he’s been up to, also who he has played with. I’m so glad we chose munchkins for him as it’s been the best decision yet!! Thank you guys for always loving our boy! 🤍
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Maddie&Tom Hibbard
a year ago
Our son Rory has been at the nursery for over a year now and we could not be more pleased with his progress. The nursery offers such a wide range of activities and we have been very impressed by how willing the nursery has been to support each child’s individual needs. The staff are wonderful and we place a lot of trust in them. We have already signed up our newborn to start in the autumn!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Munchkins Nursery and Pre School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: March 2023
- May 2023Good
- March 2023Good
Frequently asked about Munchkins Nursery and Pre School
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