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Happy Smiles

Ofsted: Good
(May 2024)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews) ·Unit 29, Werdohl Business park, Consett, DH8 6TJ · Durham
Number of places
115 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2024
Local authority
Durham

About this day nursery

Happy Smiles Nursery, established in 2007, is a not-for-profit childcare provider situated between Leadgate and Consett. They offer a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with a dedicated baby unit and separate areas for toddlers and preschoolers.

The nursery prides itself on its experienced and well-trained staff who collaborate with families to support each child's development. In September 2023, Happy Smiles Nursery relocated to a larger 75-place setting on Werdohl Way, Number One Industrial Estate, conveniently located near Leadgate Village and Consett Town Centre, with easy access to a bus stop.

The nursery operates Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm and also provides a holiday club during school breaks.

What it's like

Children arrive at Happy Smiles happily and are excited to attend. They show they feel safe and confident, eager to participate in activities and develop new skills. Staff have focused on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development, offering training and planned movement sessions like yoga.

Not-for-profitSeparate rooms for age groupsHoliday club

Pricing & funding

Fees are annualised over 50 weeks of the year, excluding two weeks for Christmas closure, and billed monthly. Sessions offered include full days, school days, morning, afternoon, and hourly wraparound care. Rates include specified meals depending on the session type chosen.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees are annualised over 50 weeks of the year and billed monthly.
  • The nursery is closed for 2 weeks at Christmas.
  • Full day, morning, and afternoon sessions include meals and snacks as specified.
  • Wraparound care incurs an additional charge for meals if it covers mealtimes.

Key facts

Session types

Full day, School day, Morning session, Afternoon session, Wraparound

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 5 pm

Age range

6 weeks to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2023

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Happy Smiles

Last inspected 13 May 2024

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children arrive at Happy Smiles happily and are excited to attend. They show they feel safe and confident, eager to participate in activities and develop new skills. Staff have focused on supporting children's personal, social and emotional development, offering training and planned movement sessions like yoga.

Inspector highlights

  • Children arrive at the setting happily and are excited to attend.
  • Staff prepare resources and activities that children enjoy, building secure foundations for future learning.
  • The manager and staff broaden children's experiences through effective use of extra funding, fundraising events, and a lending library.
  • Children and families benefit from flexible session times and individual settling-in plans, with staff gathering extensive information to get to know children.
  • Leaders constantly make changes and improvements to the setting, including developing the outdoor environment for learning and exploration.

Areas to develop

  • 1help staff to focus their teaching to ensure toddlers are engaged in purposeful learning more consistently
  • 2consider ways to implement a more positive lunchtime routine to ensure young children are happy and settled while they eat.
Inspection #10337582 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents say their children look forward to seeing their key person, and they have close relationships with staff.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities attend.

Outdoor space

Toddlers spend time outdoors and copy staff as they make different sounds along the music wall. Leaders have worked exceptionally hard to develop the outdoor environment for children to learn and explore in nature.

Parent Reviews of Happy Smiles

5.0
(1)

Reviews from Google for Happy Smiles. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

13 May 2024

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Happy Smiles

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more