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Smilers in Rochester (ME3)

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·
3.3(3 parent reviews) ·Chattenden School, Chattenden Lane, Rochester, ME3 8LE · Medway
Number of places
52 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Medway

About this day nursery

Smilers is a childcare setting located in the grounds of Chattenden School in Rochester, Kent, and was registered in 2003. 45am to 6pm, all year round.

The dedicated team of 12 staff members, many of whom hold relevant early years qualifications, ensures a high-quality learning experience. The curriculum focuses strongly on communication, language, and personal, social, and emotional development.

Smilers effectively identifies and supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and successful transitions into and through the setting are a priority, with staff sharing comprehensive information with parents to ensure a smooth experience for each child. The setting was rated "Good" in its latest inspection on June 30, 2025, showing significant improvement from its previous "Inadequate" rating.

What it's like

Children are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by kind and caring staff who know them exceptionally well. They confidently choose resources and activities that capture their interest and keep them engaged in play. Throughout the setting, children are fully immersed in their play, benefiting from the supportive interactions offered by the experienced staff.

Engaging activitiesStrong curriculumEffective SEND supportPositive behaviourEffective transitions

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 6pm

Term time / All Year

All_year

Established

2003

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Smilers

Last inspected 30 June 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by kind and caring staff who know them exceptionally well. They confidently choose resources and activities that capture their interest and keep them engaged in play. Throughout the setting, children are fully immersed in their play, benefiting from the supportive interactions offered by the experienced staff.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by kind and caring staff who know them exceptionally well.
  • Children confidently choose resources and activities that capture their interest and keep them engaged in play.
  • The setting's curriculum is securely embedded and ambitious for all children.
  • Staff maintain high expectations for children's behaviour, teaching patience and cooperation.
  • The leadership team is committed to providing high-quality care and education.
  • Children's transitions into and through the setting are effective.
  • Partnerships with parents are effective, with parents valuing the support they receive and praising the welcoming and dedicated staff team.
  • Children enjoy their time spent outside as an extension to their learning indoors.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to organise some daily routines more effectively so that all children remain engaged in learning
  • 2support staff to recognise when excessive noise levels may impact on children's ability to hear during activities aimed at promoting their language.
Inspection #10393372 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified, and support is put in place to help bridge gaps in their development. They receive good support, with staff working effectively with parents and other agencies. Additional funding is used effectively to support eligible children.

Parent Reviews of Smilers

3.3
(3)
Rebecca Mynard
5 years ago

My 2 year old has started smilers Chattenden this week. Today she went off holding Nicolas hand and didn't look back .... i kept watching to see if she would look back but she didn't... so that speaks volumes to how good the staff that work there are . Its me who's got the separation anxiety!

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Leanne Ryan
6 years ago

Really happy that smilers had a place available in their baby room for our little one. The staff are really lovely staff and the children are fully engaged with lovely activities each day, also the communication between staff and parents is fantastic. I was concerned by the 1 star review on Google but thankfully looked on their Facebook page to see genuine comments from parents and updates from staff.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Smilers. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2025

Date: February 2005

  • June 2025Good
  • January 2025Inadequate
  • May 2019Good
  • April 2014Good
  • September 2013Good
  • July 2010Good
  • February 2005Outstanding

Frequently asked about Smilers

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