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Smiles

Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2023)
·
4.0(2 Google reviews) ·The Hereford, Hereford Terrace, Billingham, TS23 4AA · Stockton-on-Tees
Number of places
65 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2023
Local authority
Stockton-on-Tees

About this day nursery

Smiles, a 'Good' rated childcare setting in Billingham, registered with Ofsted in 2016, provides a warm and nurturing environment for children from birth to 10 years old. Located at The Hereford, Hereford Terrace, TS23 4AA, the day nursery operates Monday to Friday, 51 weeks a year, from 7am to 6pm, closing only for a week over Christmas and on bank holidays.

The dedicated team of 16 childcare staff, 14 of whom hold Level 3 or higher early years qualifications, are led by a manager with a Level 4 childcare qualification. They focus on delivering a curriculum that broadens children's experiences, with a strong emphasis on community awareness and real-life learning through trips to local amenities and various celebratory events.

The setting is committed to identifying and addressing gaps in children's language, personal, social, and emotional skills, ensuring every child feels secure and supported by their key person.

What it's like

Children benefit from an interesting curriculum and show enjoyment in their learning. Staff listen to children and plan experiences based on their interests as well as their stages of development. This helps them to stay engaged and excited to learn for long periods of time. The manager and staff team provide a warm, nurturing environment for children and their families. Children develop strong bonds with staff and show they feel secure in the nursery.

Warm environmentBroad curriculumCommunity focusStrong partnerships

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm

Term time / All Year

All_year

Registered with Ofsted

2016

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Smiles

Last inspected 5 December 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children benefit from an interesting curriculum and show enjoyment in their learning. Staff listen to children and plan experiences based on their interests as well as their stages of development. This helps them to stay engaged and excited to learn for long periods of time. The manager and staff team provide a warm, nurturing environment for children and their families. Children develop strong bonds with staff and show they feel secure in the nursery.

Inspector highlights

  • Children benefit from an interesting curriculum and show enjoyment in their learning.
  • Staff listen to children and plan experiences based on their interests as well as their stages of development.
  • The manager and staff team provide a warm, nurturing environment for children and their families.
  • A key strength of the nursery is the way staff help children to become aware of their own community and the wider world.
  • Smiles promotes children's early mathematical development and encourages them to enjoy stories from an early age.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively by staff in the nursery.
  • Children's behaviour is very positive. Staff are good role models and consistently model good manners.
  • The manager and staff team work hard to make continual improvements to the nursery and maintain strong partnerships with parents.

Areas to develop

  • 1Help all staff to focus their teaching on developing children's communication and language skills, so this is consistently embedded in the nursery.
  • 2Enhance the curriculum outdoors so children who prefer to learn here are consistently challenged.
Inspection #10312046 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively by staff in the nursery. They know them exceptionally well and ensure their teaching focuses on working towards their individual goals. Staff work in partnership with other professionals to promote continuity of learning.

Outdoor space

Although children benefit from outdoor play each day, staff do not consistently promote their learning in all areas of the curriculum.

Google Reviews of Smiles

4.0
(2 Google reviews)
jane rutter
7 years ago

Both my girls love it here. They have helped my youngest daughter come out of herself and build confidence. Can't believe how much she has settled in the last 7 or 8 months!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Smiles. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2018

  • December 2023Good
  • April 2018Good

Frequently asked about Smiles

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