Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Smilies

Ofsted: Expected standard·Holy Angels Church, 18 Moorfield Road, Salford, M6 7QD · Salford
Number of places
43 places
Age range
3–5 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2026
Local authority
Salford

About this day nursery

Smilies, located at Holy Angels Church in Salford, M6 7QD, is a childcare setting for children aged 3 to 11, with a capacity for 43 children. Registered with Ofsted on April 25, 2024, the setting operates as childcare on non-domestic premises and has met all safeguarding standards, ensuring children feel safe and secure.

The dedicated staff foster a welcoming and calm atmosphere, promoting positive behaviour and supporting children in developing responsible attitudes and social skills. Children are encouraged to participate actively in various engaging activities, from cooperative games to creative arts, benefiting from clear routines and consistent expectations.

The setting prioritises children's welfare and wellbeing, ensuring all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, feel included and valued. Leaders maintain strong partnerships with parents and other professionals, working collaboratively to support each child's development and ensure a high-quality experience.

What it's like

Children enjoy attending the club and arrive happily, demonstrating that they feel safe and valued. Supportive and positive relationships with staff help children to develop a deep sense of belonging. Staff engage in meaningful conversations with children and learn about their lives at school and home, which builds trust and confidence. They feel welcome as staff explain the activities on offer and talk to children about what they want to do. Children are confident, they move around the club and choose activities that interest them. Outdoor play and physical activities are popular alongside reading and creative opportunities.

Welcoming and calm environmentPositive relationshipsSupports social skillsInclusive approachPromotes wellbeing

Key facts

Established

2024

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Expected standard

Last inspected Apr 2026

Headline: Expected standard

Grade summary

Exceptional
—
Strong standard
—
Expected standard
Needs attention
—
Urgent improvement
—

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

Achievement—
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesExpected standard
Children's welfare and wellbeingExpected standard
Curriculum and teaching—
InclusionExpected standard
Leadership and governanceExpected standard
Age range
3 to 11
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Smilies

Last inspected 24 April 2026

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy attending the club and arrive happily, demonstrating that they feel safe and valued. Supportive and positive relationships with staff help children to develop a deep sense of belonging. Staff engage in meaningful conversations with children and learn about their lives at school and home, which builds trust and confidence. They feel welcome as staff explain the activities on offer and talk to children about what they want to do. Children are confident, they move around the club and choose activities that interest them. Outdoor play and physical activities are popular alongside reading and creative opportunities.

Inspector highlights

  • Children feel safe, secure and happy, asking eager questions and talking about their favourite things to do.
  • Children are awarded "golden tickets" for positive behaviour, boosting their pride and inclusion.
  • Staff respond to individual needs, supporting quieter children and those needing extra help.
  • Children enjoy healthy snacks, physical activities, and outdoor play daily.
  • Children develop important social skills by interacting with others and learning to take turns and manage conflicts.
  • Children are confident and creative, using imagination to draw and create models of their families.
  • Leaders ensure decisions are based on what benefits children most.
  • Staff report high levels of wellbeing and enjoy their roles, leading to effective team working.

Areas to develop

  • 1Leaders should ensure that routines are further enhanced so that children benefit from a seamless transition, specifically on arrival to the club.
  • 2Leaders should enhance the arrangements for coaching staff, so all staff receive clear steps to help improve their practice further.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders establish an inclusive approach that enables all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to take part. Staff work collaboratively with partner schools to understand children's needs and respond promptly when additional support is required. Activities and routines are adjusted to ensure full participation, and support is consistently monitored for effectiveness.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

24 April 2026

Expected standard

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 Smilies

Nearby day nurseries in Salford

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Smilies.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

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