Munchkins Nursery and Pre School

Inspection of Munchkins Nursery and Pre School 55 Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex CO7 0AB

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are eager and excited to learn. They arrive happy and leave their parents with ease. They are welcomed by caring, attentive and nurturing staff. Children explore the exciting environment, confidently accessing resources to initiate their own ideas and games. The nursery environment provides children with a calm, home-from-home environment. Children demonstrate they feel safe and comfortable in the nursery. They have formed close attachments to their key persons and enjoy the cuddles and reassurance they receive. Babies explore the sensory experiences of water play. They investigate fruit slices floating, and excitedly splash and listen to the trickling of water. They giggle as they happily sit on their key persons' laps.

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The provision is good

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. They are well supported by staff who engage children in meaningful conversations, challenge their thinking and provide a running commentary as they make structures. Children learn how to take safe risks and stay safe using the resources through the well-planned activities. The Munchkins curriculum is planned around the children's interests and developing needs, and there is a strong focus on communication and children's well-being.

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need to do better?

n The manager is very enthusiastic and passionate about her role. She demonstrates a commitment and dedication to provide children with the best possible learning opportunities. This is infectious and the staff are positively supported with their own professional development and welfare. Training is positively encouraged. There is a strong focus and commitment to evaluate continuously to ensure that outcomes and experiences for children are continually improved. The manager and senior management team also understand the importance of staff well-being, and staff comment that they feel valued and enjoy their time at work. n The nursery is fully inclusive, and all children make good progress, including those who need additional support or 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. Staff engage

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need to do better?

children in meaningful conversation. They are skilful in posing questions using signs and they allow children time to think and respond. Children communicate well and have good language skills. n Parents speak very positively of all aspects of care and learning their children receive. They state that communication with the staff is excellent. Parents say they feel welcome, supported and able to discuss any concerns. They comment

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need to do better?

30 March 2023 that the staff are approachable, sensitive and helpful. Parents comment how quickly their children settle, make very good progress and cannot wait to attend nursery. n Children's mathematical development is progressing well. The nursery is rich in numbers, shapes and mathematical opportunities. For example, children use measurement as they make their own play dough. They make predictions as they balance planks and use mathematical language, such as 'longer' and 'shorter'. n A broad curriculum is planned that covers all areas of learning both indoors and outdoors. Staff plan according to children's individual interests and what they need to learn next when implementing activities. All children make good progress as activities are provided with a precise focus on supporting each child's needs. n The session runs smoothly throughout the morning, and children are engrossed in their play. However, the organisation of mealtimes means staff are sometimes

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need to do better?

busy with other tasks. Therefore, they are not able to focus on supporting the children for a smooth transition for sleep time. n Children's behaviour is good overall. Staff have high expectations for all children attending. Children make friendships, listen intently to staff instructions, for example, when it is time to tidy away the toys. They are keen to help and understand what is acceptable. They are kind to one another. This is because the staff are good role models who speak to the children calmly and with respect. For example, babies and toddlers are asked if staff can wipe their noses or change nappies.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The manager and her staff demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of how to keep children safe. They have a clear understanding of their individual responsibilities to ensure children's welfare. They are confident in the procedure to follow should they have a concern regarding a child's well-being. Completion of regular safeguarding training, including wider aspects of child protection, is a priority to ensure that all staff have a good knowledge of how to protect children. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through meaningful conversations with staff and well-planned activities. A robust recruitment and induction procedure ensures that children are cared for by staff who understand their role and responsibilities and are suitable to do so.

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should:

n improve the organisation of meal and sleep times to ensure that all children are

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should:

30 March 2023 fully engaged at these times.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2621339 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10280980 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 54 Number of children on roll 82 Name of registered person Munchkins Daycare (Brightlingsea) Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 07920 264094 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Munchkins Nursery and Pre School registered in 2021. It is situated in Brightlingsea, Essex. The nursery employs 18 members of childcare staff. Of these, 11 hold an appropriate early years qualification at level 2 or 3. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The manager and the inspector completed a learning walk together and discussed the curriculum and what it is that the team want the children to learn. n Children spoke to the inspector during the inspection. n The manager and the inspector carried out a joint observation together. n The inspector spoke with the staff team during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the nursery. n Parents provided the inspector with oral and written feedback.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

30 March 2023 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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