Munchkins Nursery and Pre School

Inspection of Munchkins Nursery and Pre School The Pavilion, King George V Playing Fields, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex CO7 9AB

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this setting and are highly motivated to join in with the stimulating, hands-on experiences. They are cared for by committed and dedicated practitioners who hold high expectations for children's learning. They provide exciting and enticing learning experiences for children to freely explore and investigate, both inside and outdoors. This sparks children's sense of awe and wonder and provides them with fantastic learning experiences across all areas of development.

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The provision is outstanding

Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum that ensures every child has the best possible start to their education. Practitioners have a superb understanding of what each child already knows and what they need to learn next. Practitioners are skilled at knowing when to intervene in children's play and when to stand back and observe. They work closely with parents and other agencies to make sure that all children make excellent progress in their learning and development, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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The provision is outstanding

Practitioners show the utmost respect to children and each other, demonstrating the behaviour that is expected. As a result, children's behaviour is exemplary. They have a high level of regard for their friends. For example, children spend an extended period acting out a story in the garden together. They decide what will happen next. Negotiating harmoniously with each other about the roles they will adopt and the dialogue they will use.

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need to do better?

n The passion and commitment of leaders influences all aspects of the setting. The whole team is highly committed to providing the best possible care for children. They share a clear vision to support children to become ready for their next stage of learning. Practitioners constantly reflect on the provision and make continuous improvements that benefit the children. n Practitioners skilfully monitor children's learning. They rapidly identify children who need additional support. Practitioners work closely with outside agencies to implement shared strategies to ensure that children make the best possible progress. Leaders use additional funding to target specific areas of development for children and reduce any differences in their learning. n Practitioners place great value on encouraging children's communication and language. They make effective use of sign language to support all children. Children have very good language skills for their age and use them very

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need to do better?

effectively to communicate their ideas as they play. Children recall and discuss knowledge that they have learnt. For example, they confidently talk about the lifecycle of a frog. Practitioners skilfully weave new words into their vocabulary

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need to do better?

28 November 2023 by informing them that the eggs they referred to are called frogspawn. During play, when children say couch, practitioners tell them they it could also be called a sofa. This is highly effective in helping to extend children's vocabulary. n Children are supremely self-sufficient and adept at doing things for themselves, even the youngest children competently serve their food at mealtimes and peel their own fruit. Older children successfully assess risks when climbing trees and when standing on crates. When children ask for help, practitioners skilfully guide them to try things for themselves. For example, they model to them how to roll clay into a ball, children copy them and show delight when they can do it themselves. This helps build children's confidence in their abilities and encourages a positive attitude to learning. n Partnership working with parents is exceptional. Clear lines of communication,

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need to do better?

including detailed verbal handovers and regular meetings, ensure a two-way flow of information about children's development and progress. The information helps practitioners decide what to teach children. Parents appreciate that practitioners know their children as individuals and tailor learning to their specific needs. Parents are frequently provided with activities they can do to support and extend their child's learning. Advice is readily available about topics such as, toilet training and new siblings so parents can support their children through these transitions. n Practitioners report their morale is high and they are proud to be part of a team that puts children at the heart of what they do. They benefit from excellent training and support they receive through coaching and mentoring. Leaders take their responsibilities towards practitioners well-being very seriously. They value and respect practitioners, ensuring they are involved in all aspects of the

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need to do better?

provision. Practitioners are motivated to provide excellent care for children. This is clearly evident in their practice.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

All practitioners, including apprentices, clearly demonstrate a secure understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. They display a deep knowledge of the indicators of abuse. Practitioners are aware that certain types of abuse are more prevalent in the area they are based and ensure their knowledge about this abuse is current. They are clear on the procedures they need to follow if they have concerns about a child or the conduct of a staff member. Practitioners demonstrate a secure understanding of risk and use this to keep children safe. For example, they provide children with encouragement and guidance to take calculated risk in their play, such as when climbing on and jumping off equipment.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY222657 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10313314 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

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

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inspection

Total number of places 44 Number of children on roll 77 Name of registered person First Steps Montessori Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01206 827126 Date of previous inspection 6 December 2018

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Information about this early years setting

Munchkins Nursery and Pre School registered in 2003 and is located in Wivenhoe, Colchester. The nursery employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are 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 provider 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 provider. n The leaders and the inspector discussed how the setting organises their early years provision, including the aims and rationale for their early years foundation stage curriculum. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the nominated individual about the leadership and management of the setting. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

n The inspector carried out joint observations of group activities with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of their views.

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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

28 November 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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