Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields

Unit 4, Sharpe House, Hemmells, Laindon, Basildon SS15 6UJ
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9.7 35 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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Funding & Fees

Please contact the nursery directly for more information.

Please contact the nursery directly for more information.

Contact Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields to get a personalised quote.

Contact Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Chloe Fox (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

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 (35)

9.7

Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.660) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields
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Total of 35, showing 1-20
Review from Chloe S (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I honestly can't thank this nursery enough. I was so nervous about my son starting - I worried about how he'd settle and how I'd cope - but from the very first day, those worries just disappeared.


The staff were so warm and reassuring, and you can really tell how much they care about the children.

I felt completely at ease leaving him, which is something I didn't think would happen so quickly.


He's only been there since January, but the difference in him already is amazing. He's grown in confidence, he's happy going in, and he's clearly thriving. As a parent, that's the best feeling in the world.


We're so grateful for everything they do!

Reply from Lottie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton FieldsThank you so much for your incredibly kind words.
We completely understand how nerve-wracking those first nursery days can feel for parents, so it means a lot to hear that you felt reassured and supported from the very beginning. Our team always aims to create a warm, caring environment where both children and parents feel comfortable and confident.
Its wonderful to hear how well your son has settled in since joining us in January and that youve already seen such a positive difference in his confidence and happiness. Seeing children thrive and enjoy coming to nursery is exactly what we hope for.
Thank you for trusting us with his care and for being part of our Munchkins family your words truly mean the world to our team.
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Review from Gemma C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Munchkins is a Lovely nursery, all the staff are friendly & welcoming. Always happy to chat and explain, Just a big Thank you for all your support & continued hard work in our little boys development.
Reply from Lottie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton FieldsThank you so much for your lovely review.
Were so pleased to hear that you find Munchkins to be such a welcoming nursery. Our team always aim to be approachable and supportive for families, so its wonderful to know you feel comfortable chatting with us and asking questions.
Thank you for recognising the care and dedication that goes into supporting your little boys development. It means so much to our team to know the work we do is appreciated.
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Review from Cara-Jane F (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son, 2yrs 5mths, Loves going to nursery. It is such a hard decision to make whether to stay at home or go back to work when the time comes and even harder to pick somewhere you trust to take care of your child. Munchkins staff have always made me feel secure in choosing to leave my baby with them.
He has this month moved into the preschool and the level of care and love and education has continued to be outstanding. He settled in quick and has developed such amazing social connections with the other children in his group it's fantastic to see him grow in the setting.
Reply from Lottie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton FieldsThank you so much for your lovely review.
We completely understand how big a decision it is when choosing childcare, so it means so much to hear that you feel secure and confident leaving your son with us.
Its wonderful to hear how much he enjoys coming to nursery and how well he has settled into preschool. Seeing children build friendships and grow in confidence within the setting is always so special, and were delighted he is thriving.
Thank you for trusting our team with his care and development your kind words truly mean the world to us.
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Review from Elliott F (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter went to munchkins from the age of 1 and half and graduated last year. She loved munchkins and we loved her going there the staff are unbelievable with the children and show so much care and love.
We loved getting updates on what she did during her day. Munchkins lets kids be kids, playing
and doing what they like. Getting messy and learning before they go to school.
I would always recommend munchkins to anyone.
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Review from Vikki W (Grandmother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Dunton fields nursery enough. My granddaughter has come on so much since starting in September. The ladies always are very positive and polite and give a very detailed report of her day.
Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton FieldsThank you os much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review! We are over the moon that you are content with your nursery choice, and that your little one is settled and happy.
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Review from C F (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lottie Hayward, Marketing at Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton FieldsThank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review! We are over the moon that you are happy with your nursery choice and that your little one is settled, and most importantly, happy!
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Review from H J (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsOur 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 FieldsThank 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.660)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.660) out of 10 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 13 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.835 for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is calculated as follows: ( (143 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 164 Ratings = 4.835
  2. 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 4.825 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Munchkins Nursery & Pre-School Dunton Fields is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.825
    2. 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 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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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.