An OUTSTANDING result for Laindon Munchkins Nursery

Munchkins Nursery has been awarded Outstanding in all areas following a recent Ofsted inspection. During the inspection, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all received the highest possible result, leading to an overall achievement of Outstanding.

Achieving an Outstanding Ofsted rating demonstrates that the nursery meets the highest standards across the comprehensive inspection. Ofsted inspects in the interests of children and learners, with key areas reviewed across EYFS and childcare.  From safeguarding to curriculum, the full provision is considered and checked through observations, documentation, evidence and discussions with the team and parents.

This latest recognition puts the nursery amongst the UK’s elite of ‘Outstanding’ providers promoting the teams continuous efforts, the children’s learning and development, and ongoing support from Munchkins families.

Owners Jo and Liz were thrilled with the result, Jo Callaghan said:

“We couldn’t be happier! Huge thanks and special recognition goes to the team who work tirelessly to ensure the best childcare provision for our little Munchkins.”

The Ofsted Inspector echoed this in the report:

‘Children receive an incredibly warm welcome from staff who they have built strong relationships with. They run to greet friends and excitedly choose which activities to explore. Children have a powerful desire to learn from the moment they enter the setting. Their learning experiences are facilitated by staff who have expert knowledge of their key children. They plan a curriculum based on children’s interests, and by allowing children to follow their natural desire to learn.’

The forestry education offered at Munchkins was also seen as a key benefit to the children through risk management, awareness, communication and development;

‘Children learn to manage risks by cooking pancakes on the open fire pit, supported by staff. They talk about heat, saying, ‘It is hot’ and ‘We must keep safe’ when pouring batter into a pan. They light up with excitement, successfully turning their pancakes in the pan, cheered on by their friends.’

Liz Makins, Munchkins Owner, continued:

“Our motto is ‘Exceptional Childcare peppered with Love’ and it is wonderful to read such positive words in the Ofsted report around kindness and wellbeing”.

Report extract:

‘Children show wonderful warmth and empathy for others, sharing resources and showing concern for their peers. They are guided by staff who are excellent role models. Children learn to self-regulate in quiet areas where they read books and openly discuss their emotions with staff. They show pride in their achievements and have a real sense of self in the setting.’

The result comes at a difficult time for childcare in light of new Government announcements and rising costs with many Nurseries closing their doors. The Outstanding result is a credit to the hard work across the sector and Munchkins will continue to offer high quality childcare to support families and children within the community. Jo and Liz have also promised to offer interviews to any practitioners or individuals with level 2-6 qualifications in Early Years who may be affected by the challenges in the industry to bring further provision to the Munchkins family.

The Team are vital to the nursery and Munchkins recognise this through many employee benefits, from discounts and development to awards and annual leave.

Ofsted states:

‘The setting advocates staff training and well-being at the core of their values. Staff access a range of training that enables them to teach at a very high level. For example, all staff use Makaton to support children’s language and communication. As a result, children make excellent progress in this area, especially the youngest babies, who use signing to communicate with others.’

The full Ofsted report is available to view online and interested families are welcome to visit the setting to discover Munchkins for themselves.

The Dunton Park setting is one of six settings across Essex all following the same ethos. Further information is available at www.munchkins-nursery.co.uk