Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Unit 4, Sharpe House, Hemmells, Laindon, Basildon SS15 6UJ
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9.8 30 Reviews
  • Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields, Basildon
Located on the Hemmells Estate in Laindon, the Dunton Fields setting offers a convenient location for busy parents. It is also the only one of the 3 nurseries in Laindon that provides half-day sessions! Munchkins Nursery group was voted 'Best Nursery in Essex 2024' in the Essex Mums Awards.

Welcoming children from 12 weeks to 4 years old, fondly referred to as a ‘Hidden Treasure’, Dunton Fields offers large spaces both inside and out encouraging children to explore and learn through discovery.

Designed to support development at every stage of your child’s journey, Munchkin's natural resources and activities promote care and build confidence.

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Care Provided by Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Mel Harbon (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 46
  • 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 Dunton Fields

  • Please contact the nursery directly for more information.

  • Please contact the nursery directly for more information.
  • Parking

  • The nursery have numerous free car parking spaces on the roads nearby nursery, and a private carpark that holds two - three cars.


Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
9.8

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has 30 reviews.

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Review from C F (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My one and half year old daughter loves going to Munchkins, she has been doing there since she was 10 months old. I love that she gets to explore and play all day. The team is amazing and really care about her wellbeing which means so much to us. They go out of there to make her day the best it possible
can be and I know she is very happy and settled there.

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Review from H J (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The ladies and their interaction / making every day fun for the children is of a high standard. My daughter is very happy there and has great fun with the staff. The children are very well safeguarded and some of the activities they carry out are teaching the children great life skills.
I have had
a few frustrations with the nursery. The nursery provides jugs of water at meal times and have a water station however, water bottles were not readily available for the children and stayed in their bags throughout the day. Despite repeated requests the water bottle stays out.
Often my child hasn't been dressed in the appropriate layers for the outdoor activities and important information, (for medical reasons) such as toileting cannot be answered at handover despite repeatedly requesting this be uploaded on the app.
However, I am pleased to say that further to this review, sent to the nursery before it is published, I was contacted by the Area Manager who understood, heard me as a mother, and has implemented change.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Senior Management at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you HJ for taking the time to write this review and you feel that your child has a wonderful time with us. In response to some of your comments children are never without access to water or cups which we always encourage, especially for our Pre School children as part of our curriculum 'Ready Steady School' which your child is transitioning towards in September. Being a free flow nursery often our children can forget to put on their coats and we like to give them the option especially when it is sunnier as when children are running around they may not feel cold but thank you for your observation. Our food is home cooked by our on site chef and we have a 5 star food and hygiene rating. We are pleased that you are happy that our Operation Director contacted you with a happy outcome as we pride ourselves on our parent partnership.


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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is going to this nursery from 1 year and 7 months, now she is 4.
She is very happy with the ladies working there, and she loves going to this nursery.
She has no days where she is saying that she doesn't want to go to the nursery, every time happy.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you for leaving such a lovely review, we are over the moon that your little one is so settled!


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Review from Stephanie S (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot sing the praises of this nursery enough! My daughter started there at 18 months old and finished in August 2024 to start school.
My daughter has autism and had it not been for the huge support and help I was given by Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School, she wouldn't be where she is today.
All
the staff are amazing, but especially the senco and manager.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you for leaving such a lovely review, we are over the moon that your little one is so settled!


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Review from Danielle M (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All round fantastic.
Our son has been at Munchkins the last month and is 10 months young.
We attended another nursery before here and they are worlds apart.
Munchkins is amazing, the ladies that care for and develop our child, treat him like their own. He is so happy and joyful every day.
Thank
you all at Munchkins, please keep up these exceptional standards we are so grateful.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you for leaving us a review! Our Munchkins wellbeing
and happiness is our utmost priority!


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Review from Georgia H (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son started at Munchkins Nursery & Preschool back in September 2024, he has excelled so much. Always comes out so happy and is eager to tell me about his day. All the staff are so lovely and supportive and I like the fact your told about what your child has done today, enjoyed etc. it's great
to hear my son is engaging well with other children and also trying new foods. I'm glad we chose Munchkins as our preferred pre school.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you so much for leaving us such a kind review!


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Review from Charlotte D (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery has been outstanding with our little girl. She started when she was only 5 months old and I was really apprehensive, however I can hands down say this has developed our little girl and she has come out of her shell. She is thriving at this nursery. The nursery staff are very thoughtful
and caring and we have no complaints with this nursery and can only sing their praises. They give you regular updates throughout the day and lovely photos.

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Our Munchkins well being is our utmost priority and so we thank you very much for noticing the extraordinary care we provide. We are so pleased that you are feeling confident and content with your nursery choice and that your little one is happy and thriving here at Munchkins!


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Review from J B (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not be happier with the experience we have had sending our child to Munchkins. The staff are brilliant, the variation in activities, food on offer and the consistency of updates on the nursery app has made the whole process a joy!

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so pleased your little one is so happy!


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Review from G H (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Munchkins for 12 months and I have been so pleased with his transition from being with me every day on mat leave to every day at nursery. The nursery has been a huge support to both me and him and I am so grateful that he goes to a setting every day where he is loved and nurtured.
He has come on leaps and bounds and I'm always complimented on how advanced his speech is for almost 2 and I wholeheartedly thank the nursery for this. Would recommend Munchkins to anyone!

Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We pride ourselves on exceptional care and education in early years and so we thank you for highlighting this in your kind review. We are so pleased you are feeling confident in your nursery choice and that your little one is happy and settled.


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Review from Iryna D (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing Munchkins Nursery!
They go above and beyond for every child!
Every child is greeted individually, which I think is great!
Amazing childcare service with professional and dedicated staff, where the children come first and always return home happy and excited to tell you all about
the wonderful adventures they had that day. The ladies are always very friendly and welcoming and answer any questions we have.
I can't recommend this place high enough - would be more than five stars. Thank you for doing such a great job all. We have been very lucky to have found Munchkins Nursery and her team.

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Review from Alice U (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Munchkins since February 2023. The ladies that work there provide outstanding care for her and are all so lovely and welcoming! My daughter's development has improved significantly since joining and she is always so happy when we arrive!

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Review from Rebecca N (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is amazing, my two little babies have grown and blossomed so much since starting with them, we have learned things we use in our everyday life that have made things so much easier at home. The women are amazing and friendly and so catering.

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Review from Jenna G (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended the nursery since June 2020 and she absolutely loves it. The care given is amazing, the ethos and staff are incredible. It’s an all round outstanding nursery.
My son is due to start in a couple of weeks and I know he his going to grow and develop so much when he starts.
They
work with you as a family to ensure the children are developing all the skills they need.
I’d highly recommend the nursery.

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Review from Emily C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As with most first time parents, you struggle between the thoughts of going back to work or staying at home.
We decided to send our daughter soon after she turned one. We chose Munchkins as it was close to home and good hours for us as we both work in the city.
After a year of starting she has grown
up so much and is now in the toddler room. She is so happy to go and has learnt to play nicely with children (being born just before the pandemic limited her interaction with little ones. This was a worry for us).
Every day she comes home saying new words, singing new songs, dancing around the house and even trying new foods!
While I am at work I get daily updates on what she has been doing! This week she has loved pancake day!
Thank to all the staff for keeping her happy and safe!

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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Munchkins for just ever a year and I couldn’t be happier with the level of care she receives. She is excited to get her coat on to go to nursery and always come home smiling.


The staff are amazing and deserve so much credit, I receive regular updates and photos and they

actually bond with the children and get to know them.


The play area is great and has everything to entertain a small child’s imagination.
The nursery also provides cooked food and encourage the children to try different tastes.


I would highly recommend Munchkins to any parent.


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Review from Chloe F (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot say enough good things about this nursery. As a full-time working, first mum I was so worried about putting my little boy into the pre-school but he loves it. They do so many fun things he doesn't get to do at home like cooking their lunches over a fire, going on day trips with his friends,
crafts, playing outside and so much more. I love that they notice what your child loves to do and then follow their lead by putting out different things every day that they may be interested in (no matter how messy)! They are even in the middle of building a new floor for the pre-schoolers as a cosy den.


My son adores his mentor and they have already made such a special bond that I am so grateful for. He is singing new songs every day, saying new words, eating so many different healthy nutritious foods and I am put at ease every day while I work with pics and updates.


Everyone is truly very kind and helpful and comforts my son like he was their own when he needs it. Amazing team!


Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Thank you for your wonderful review and noticing how we very much follow our children’s interests which we believe to be very important in their development. Our new mezzanine is now complete and our Munchkins are loving exploring it!


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Review from Shamsun R (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am absolutely delighted with Munchkins Day Nursery. I moved my daughter to Munchkins at Dunton Fields, primarily because of how current and adaptable the nursery is. I absolutely loved their whole wooden theme, their use of technology (parent app) and how the children are placed at the centre of everything.
The staff are absolutely wonderful and communication is excellent. My daughter has settled very well at the nursery. The staff make a huge effort with creative activities and engaging the children. I thoroughly enjoy seeing my child’s progress through the parent app with detailed notes and photos. It is a wonderful nursery for any child to thrive in!

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Many thanks for your lovely review. We do indeed make our children the centre of everything we do and are delighted your little one loves coming so much.


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Review from Stacey M (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is always excited to go in the mornings and has formed a great bond with the staff there.


She has progressed so well I am really proud and I thank the key workers for their dedication and hard work.


All the staff are friendly and polite, you can be assured that they put so much effort

in with the children and you can see on their happy faces.


Would highly recommend to anything thinking of this setting.


Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Hi Stacey
Thank you for your lovely review. It is lovely for our team to know how valued they are and the important role they play in our little one's lives. The fact that our teams are happy and love what they do truly reflects on to our families.


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Review from Olubukola B (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Two of my girls have attended Munchkins, from the baby room to the pre-school and both the girls love the setting.
The staff are lovely and friendly. They also organise outdoor events for the kids and family. I’d definitely recommend!

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

We just love caring for your girls, they are an absolute delight!


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Review from Jason G (Father of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first time our daughter stepped into the nursery the staff have been nothing but first class. They genuinely care about how her day goes and she always comes home with a smile on her face. The nursery always have a mixture of activities, ranging from arts and crafts, to holding mini animal
zoos at the farm. The staff encourage independence whilst eating, socialising and toilet training and they always provide sound feedback of how the day has been. As parents, we have been very happy with our daughter's development, and could not recommend the nursery enough.

Reply from Liz Makins, Owner at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Many thanks for your lovely review. It is always wonderful for our team to hear how much your munchkin loves coming to nursery.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.831)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.831) out of 10 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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 4.831 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is calculated as follows: ( (124 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 142 Ratings = 4.831

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is based on 11 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 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 46 number of registered child places is 9.2, which has been reached with 11 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

What is the Age Range of Children that Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields accepts?

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields Open?

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is open: 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.

How many Children does Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields have capacity for?

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has capacity for a total of 46 Children.

How far is Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields to the centre of Basildon?

2.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has an Enhanced Service – more info.