Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

30 Somerset Road, Laindon, Basildon SS15 6PE
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9.9 47 Reviews
  • Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd, Basildon
Munchkins Laindon offers top quality childcare in a setting just 800m from Laindon station, and a 3 minute drive to access the A127, where every child matters and is treated as an individual in a safe and secure environment.

The beautiful, award-winning nursery cares for children aged 3 months to 4 years in a wonderful bespoke setting. Their ethos is for the children to enjoy an environment that all feel welcomed, loved and stimulated in, where every child is treated as an individual with their interests and sparks encouraged and developed.

The rooms are warm and inviting with natural resources and neutral tones to create a warm, cosy environment. They encourage all children to be curious, with open-ended resources to develop every child's imagination whilst developing each child's emotional well being by providing a loving, caring environment.

The nursery's inspiring outdoor area enables children to explore and be physical, with extensive wooden play resources including a mud kitchen, A frame, large walk-in sandpit. The baby Munchkins have their own separate garden area, which is filled with carefully thought out age-appropriate resources which enable physical development.

Munchkins, has achieved the accolade of BEST NURSERY IN ESSEX 2020, which they are extremely proud of, voted for by parents! Along with this award, the team are all working towards a year long "Just Quality" accreditation examining the impact they make upon children and how they can enhance their learning and development.

The team is also Makaton trained and sign daily to develop communication and language from babies to Pre schoolers. They are also working towards becoming one of the first Makaton friendly settings in Essex.

Munchkins looking forward to showing you around!

Care Provided by Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Molly Fether (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 30
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

  • Please contact the nursery directly for more information.


  • Please contact the nursery directly for more information.


  • Parking
  • On street parking from 2pm, and spaces on private drive way.


Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd Reviews (47)

Total of 47, showing 21-40
9.9

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd has 47 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Munchkins since he was 11 months old. He absolutely loves it and has come along so much since starting here.


I feel content when he is here as the staff are amazing and really pay attention to the little things about him. The updates and photos are really good and I can

tell he is always happy and having fun. The staff have always helped him come along in the areas I am working on at home too, which is really helpful for me. I always pick up on things my son has learned whilst at nursery (new words, singing a new song).


I would recommend this nursery to anyone, the facilities are great (especially the garden). The food is varied and healthy, and the staff care so well for the children.


Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you so much for your glowing review and 5 stars in all areas. We are so proud of our team and the care they give to our Munchkins.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Would not recommend this nursery at all. Especially if you encounter one sickness bug after another, random unexplained bumps to the head and them signing the accident form for you and then dismissing the fact she wasn't cared for properly by landing us with a six-week "break the contract" bill which
we think is ridiculous. I would never leave a do not recommend for no reason. Out of goodwill, we paid for four weeks because they were very insistent we paid for them to never have our daughter, which why should we of? I pulled her out immediately because she barely attended due to picking up so many bugs from there and wetting herself four times a day (all before 1 pm pick up as she needed mummy so much due to being so distressed). So we were actually paying for half days. I've never known anything this bad, save yourselves the bother and I will continue to post across the board so you are fully aware of your rights before they can do this to anyone else. Do not recommend. Read the small print for the six weeks break clause.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you for your review and the others you also posted on several other sites which were removed! We are rather shocked that you have given us one star in several categories, as all of our previous reviews from parents past and present have been very positive. Before joining Munchkins every parent signs a contract which states that there is a six week notice period, which you also signed, it is not written in small print, but bold and obvious. In your email trail re your daughter's sickness, you state that you do not blame the nursery for this and this is to be expected due to children getting bugs and because of Covid many children have not built up their immune systems. On one occasion your little one had gastroenteritis which no other child had, therefore this was not picked up at nursery. You also stated in your emails that our team were amazing and gave exceptional care to your little one, therefore we are surprised at the above review. We wish you and your family all the best.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent Nursery! My little girl absolutely loves it. All the staff are brilliant and make everyone feel so welcome. Use lots of natural materials. Couldn’t be happier with this nursery. Was worried returning after lockdown but the nursery have done so much to ensure it was safe to return and my little
girl settled back quickly.

Reply from liz makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you Sarah for your review. Lockdown was such an unprecidented time, but we made sure that on their return our Munchkins felt happy, safe and secure in familiar surroundings, with very little change to their routine, whilst making sure that our parents were confident with all the procedures we put in place.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is so much I want to say about this nursery as it is amazing! From the first walk around, everyone was so lovely to me and my son who was then 8 months old. He even got excited when he saw the children doing nursery rhymes. Munchkins' garden is what sold it for me. Children should be outdoors
exploring, being adventurous. They have a great mud kitchen for the older ones, little ones, tunnels, sensory area. The staff and girls have been so accommodating since my son started. I also love the online learning journal, as a new mum, of course, deep down we want to ring every hour and see if they're okay, are they having fun, this app really does that for you. They upload throughout the day, so you can what they've eaten, toilet times, sleep times and also observations on their day, eg. splash time, sensory, rhyme time. Really can't recommend Munchkins enough.

Reply from liz makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Hello Corinna, Wow, what a wonderful review you have written about our nursery. Thank you so much for highlighting all the areas we provide for our munchkins! We take great pride in what we do as we feel that these early years in our children's lives are so important and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your son's life!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined Laindon Munchkins in December 2019. After meeting the team & undertaking settle in days we were more than happy with our choice and felt very comfortable & confident with leaving her in their care. The management has consistently gone out of their way to assists with any special
requests & her 'ladies' have been exceptional with her development & additional skincare needs. The parents' app is fantastic, especially helpful during my transition of adapting to her being in the nursery as you and family can stay connected with what goes on whilst working. They undertake lots of different activities indoors &outdoors, going to rhyme time, the park, doing arts and crafts, soft play, books, playing in the garden etc giving her a wide range of experiences. The nursery has a lovely home away from home feeling we are always welcomed by happy staff. Our daughter goes to them with open arms in the morning and often seems somewhat disappointed when we pick her up even if she is the last one.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Hello Amy, Thank you for taking the time to review Munchkins. It means a lot to us that you think so highly of our nursery. We constantly strive to create a loving and stimulating environment for our Munchkins.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a welcoming and caring team that provides a fantastic foundation for any preschooler. Healthy food and stimulating activities to entertain and learn.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Alex, for taking the time to write this review, we take great pride in receiving such positive comments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My daughter is 3.5 years old has been attending since the day it opened. I was nervous at first as it was brand new but the owners are lovely and so knowledgeable about early years education and have other settings elsewhere. I really feel the staff do whatever
they can for the benefit of the children.


My daughter loves it here, she is so happy and has learnt so much more than I thought she could at her age. But this learning happens through the huge amount of playing they do.


The activities are forever changing and keep the kids interested. The outside area is great for all weather and I know my daughter is safe.


One of her favourite things is when the nursery manager plays his guitar and sings with the children.


Absolutely amazing nursery and I will be sad when my daughter graduates in the summer!


Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Hello Keely, we will also be very sad to see your Munchkin leave in the summer, but we hope that we have given her a wonderful early years experience and we have enabled her to have developed the skills to prepare her for her next adventure.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been attending since September 2019, and in that time, we have seen his confidence and personality grow. The ladies at Munchkins are all so caring and thoughtful, which gives me a lot of comfort.


The feel of the setting and ethos of bringing the outside in is appealing, as well

as a well thought out outdoors play areas gives a forestry school feel in the middle of an urban area. I know my little one is free to explore in a safe and controlled environment.


All exploratory play is relevant to the time of year and fitting to the overall feel of the nursery and the daily photo journal is a great way for me to check-in and continue the learning at home.


Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Anouska, for your wonderful feedback. We are so glad that you and your Munchkin love the activities we provide for our outdoor learning.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend Munchkins, my little girl who is in the toddler room loves it. The owners are brilliant and have a clear vision for the nursery. I feel like all the staff are highly motivated and enthusiastic and given opportunities to develop. My little one is building friendships, positive
relationships with adults and having a fantastic time taking part in all the well thought out activities on offer. I really like the outdoor learning opportunities and natural learning resources. The food on offer is healthy and varied. I feel secure that she is well looked after, safe and happy when I am at work. Thank you Munchkins.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Lisa, for taking the time to write a review. We are so pleased that you and your little one loves Munchkins as much as we do!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We started using Munchkins for our daughter when her previous setting suddenly closed. After visiting Munchkins we were blown away by how much nicer the setting was when compared to all the other local offerings. The outdoor space is incredible and the children spend most of their time outside enjoying
amazing play and topic led activities. Our daughter really thrived in this setting and absolutely loves it. Highly recommended and sort after nursery in the area.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to write this review. We take a lot of pride in offering the best quality child care we possibly can and constantly strive to make improvements to our nursery environment, to create a unique and stimulating environment for our Munchkins to play and learn.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy started at Munchkins in January 2019, he was 12 weeks old and the care they provided him has been incredible. Since day one, the team have provided us with outstanding care, the uploads to tapestry are so wonderful to see and when I see the team around our little one, we can see the close
bond each and every one of them have built. I feel totally relaxed when he’s at nursery, I know he is safe, loved and happy. I feel so lucky that our child has a place in this beautiful nursery home and would truly recommend them to everyone.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Aubrey, for this lovely review. We are so lucky to have such an amazing team who are so dedicated to our Munchkins.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at the nursery since opening in June 2018 and he loves it. He asks every morning if it is a school day. The staff are brilliant and he has a lovely bond with his key person. He has friends he talks about nonstop and loves playing outdoors. The only nursery I will be considering for my
little one due this spring.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Kara, so much for your review. You and your little one were one of our first families to join Munchkins, and we look forward to welcoming your new little Munchkin to our nursery in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is absolutely fantastic. The rooms for the children are perfect, clean and well organised, hygienic and the outdoor is great. We couldn't recommend this nursery highly enough. Thank you all so much for all your hard work! My little boy loves you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been attending Munchkins since October 2018 and we are very happy with the nursery and his progress. After meeting the owners in the middle of refurbishment, we were sure that this was the place for our son as they were so warm, enthusiastic and professional. They have hired a great
team, who are always so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this nursery!

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Louisa, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. You were one of our first parents who came to look at our setting in its very early stages and totally understood our vision. Thank you for your support.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Munchkins since the opening and was only 10 months old when he joined so as you can imagine, it was a real struggle to leave him but all of the staff made me feel so comfortable and made to feel confident that he was in safe hands.


My son always comes out with a smile on

his face and I love seeing the daily photo updates of him playing in their lovely garden with his friends.

Reply from Liz Makins at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Marie, for your lovely review. We love looking after your little Munchkin and love him nearly as much as you do.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending since I went back to work in October when he was a year old. The nursery put me completely at ease and my son soon settled into nursery life. So much so, that he runs in so excited to see his friends and key workers. The nursery has a lovely, friendly environment and my son
has developed into a caring and clever child.
Every day there are innovative and interesting tasks for the children to do which helps develop key skills needed. The outside space and soft play area are fantastic and give the children different places to explore. I would definitely recommend Munchkins.

Reply from Liz Makins at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you, Laura, for recommending Munchkins so highly. We have tried to create a home from home nursery with resources and activities which develop our Munchkin's curiosity and learning, we are so glad that your son loves being with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Munchkins since September 2018 and I honestly cannot fault it. I was apprehensive about returning to work and leaving my daughter in the care of others but I really had nothing to worry about!
My daughter settled in with ease and always has a wonderful time when she
attends nursery - she waves me off and shoos me out of the door in the mornings and doesn’t want to leave when I collect her in the evenings. She adores ‘her ladies’ and has formed a close friendship group with the other children in her room. The activities the team provide are varied and imaginative and I’m always kept up to date with what she’s been up to through Tapestry and the evening handovers. My daughter is confident, social and developing well and I have Munchkins to thank for their part in that.

Reply from Liz Makins at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Hello Amanda, we are so glad that your little Munchkin adores "her ladies." We have an amazing team who all love caring for your daughter and providing exceptional childcare for her.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Munchkins in January 2019 when she was just 18 months. She has excelled tremendously since starting and enjoys every day she spends here. The staff are all fantastic, and really seem to enjoy their jobs. My daughter, now 2, is always so excited to get to nursery and see her friends,
children and adults, and is constantly chatting away to me about what she has been up to. I love seeing the updates via the app, the communication level is fantastic here, I always know what is going on and what she has been up to.
She always seems to have a good day of eating, and the staff really seem to be helping with the start of our potty training journey. Would definitely recommend to other parents looking for a local nursery. Thanks, Munchkins!

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you Karen for writing such a wonderful review about our nursery and our amazing team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been going to this nursery for nearly a year now and he absolutely loves it. He’s made so many friends here and has very good relationships with all the staff. He’s always excited to tell me about his days here and has always come home learning something new, since starting here he
has really come out of his shell and is much more sociable!
Find all the staff members here very friendly and helpful and cannot thank them enough for helping him grow and getting him ready for his big school in September. We will miss Munchkins Nursery! 100% would recommend.

Reply from liz makins at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you Molly, we will miss your Munchkin too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves the nursery and so do we. So much so we are adding an additional day for her to attend. The nursery is very secure, with lockable doors, name checks and passwords to enhance security. There is a dedicated drop off parking area also. The nursery itself is very clean, tidy and staffed
by friendly and outgoing members of staff. My child is very shy of people she does not know but actively reaches out to the staff, who have built excellent bridges with her.


There are lots for the children to do, with regular arts and crafts coming home with my child. A large outdoor area and the nursery has a very high level in respect to the food it provides to the children.


I am very happy with the nursery and looking forward for my child to attend a second day per week!


Reply from liz makins at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our nursery. We feel that safety and security are a high priority when looking after our Munchkins.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.881)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.981 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd is calculated as follows: ( (106 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.981

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Somerset Rd is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.9

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 30 number of registered child places is 6, which has been reached with 9 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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