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Smilers in Rochester (ME2)

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2024)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews)
·Wainscott Road, Wainscott, Rochester, ME2 4JY · Medway
Number of places
70 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2024
Local authority
Medway

About this day nursery

Smilers Pre-School is a non-profit charity dedicated to providing a warm, inviting, and educational space where children can cultivate a passion for learning through engaging play. The preschool maintains a high child-to-staff ratio and offers a variety of resources to foster development through both free play and structured adult-led activities.

Emphasis is placed on creating an environment that ensures equal opportunities for all children and establishing strong partnerships with parents, who are considered primary educators. Ultimately, Smilers Pre-School strives to provide a fulfilling experience for children and families, promoting fun, fostering self-esteem, building independence, and encouraging the formation of friendships while offering diverse and enriching experiences.

What it's like

Children are highly engaged in their learning in a stimulating environment. Staff effectively plan next steps in learning based on children's interests, such as exploring animals around the world. Children develop good social skills, showing respect and consideration for each other, and staff help them manage their feelings and frustrations.

Charity-runHigh staff-to-child ratioFocus on learning through play

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged per session and billed at the start of each term. Additional charges apply for the lunch club, and a voluntary snack contribution is added to each invoice. A holding fee is required when accepting a place.

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

  • A holding fee is due upon placement offer, refunded for funded children or deducted from the first invoice.
  • Fees are invoiced and payable at the beginning of each term.
  • No refunds or discounts are given for sessions missed due to sickness or holidays.
  • Fees are reviewed annually.
  • A voluntary snack contribution is added to invoices per session.

Key facts

Opening hours

Full day: 9am-3.30pm; Morning session: 9am-12:00 or 9:00-12:30pm; Afternoon session: 12:00-3:30pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2001

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Smilers

Last inspected 29 October 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 are highly engaged in their learning in a stimulating environment. Staff effectively plan next steps in learning based on children's interests, such as exploring animals around the world. Children develop good social skills, showing respect and consideration for each other, and staff help them manage their feelings and frustrations.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff effectively use information about children's prior knowledge to plan challenging next steps in learning.
  • The setting places a high priority on supporting children to develop a love of books by providing books in all areas and engaging them with exciting storytelling.
  • Staff support children's language development through conversations and introducing new words.
  • Children have ample opportunities to strengthen their muscles through activities like using tongs, pencils, and paint brushes, and playing outside daily.
  • Children enjoy a wide range of opportunities to visit the local community, such as trips to shops and care homes, broadening their experiences and understanding of the wider world.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to use children's emerging interests during self-chosen play to help build on their learning further.
Inspection #10367178 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report that they are happy with the service the setting offers.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are making good progress in their development.

Outdoor space

Children play outside daily. They dig, slide, run and carefully manoeuvre balance bikes. These opportunities support children to develop their physical skills.

Parent Reviews of Smilers

5.0
(2)
Jane Johnstone
8 months ago

A wonderful nursery. My grandson loves it. The 'aunties' are amazing and are so caring. I can highly recommend it

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Inspection history

Date: December 2005

  • November 2024Good
  • October 2024Good
  • March 2019Good
  • February 2019Good
  • May 2016Good
  • April 2016Good
  • August 2013Requires improvement
  • June 2013Requires improvement
  • May 2012Good
  • March 2012Good
  • December 2005Good

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