Happy Smiles

In May 2024, a music wall for toddlers, seed planting for preschool children and a lending library for families gave Happy Smiles a recognisable character. Based in Consett, it has capacity for 115 children in total. The clearest picture of its daily life comes from May 2024.

At its 13 May 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged Happy Smiles Good overall, found safeguarding effective and reported that children made good progress towards their next stage of learning. Children attending then were aged 0 to 4. The balance matters: positive relationships and purposeful preschool activities sat alongside two specific improvements needed for younger children.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. In everyday terms, this connects play with developing language, physical skills and growing independence.

In May 2024, babies explored sensory baskets and exchanged balls with staff. Steps and a slide gave them opportunities to practise movement, while practitioners introduced words during play. Toddlers experimented with sounds at the outdoor music wall. Older children worked independently on Northern Lights artwork, giving sustained attention to their creations.

Preschool seed planting linked learning about growth with health. Children contributed ideas about how plants develop, making the activity more than a craft exercise. Toddler teaching was less consistent in May 2024: some children drifted between activities rather than becoming absorbed in learning. Room leaders were introducing a system to connect teaching more closely with individual goals.

In May 2024, individual settling plans began with information gathered from families. Babies' home routines shaped their care, and staff encouraged early independence through self-feeding. These arrangements helped connect nursery life with familiar habits at home.

Yoga offered opportunities to practise movement and demonstrate poses to other children. Staff had undertaken training about children's emotional wellbeing, while families could borrow books from the lending library. Family play days and celebrations also created opportunities to spend time together at nursery.

Lunchtime needed attention in May 2024. Some younger children became upset while waiting for food, with little activity to occupy them; staff offered comfort and joined them at the table. Older children's daily routines were smoother. The improvement required was a calmer, more engaging lead-in to meals for the youngest children.

The address is Unit 29, Werdohl Business park, Number One Industrial Estate, Consett DH8 6TJ.

In May 2024, opening hours were 7.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except bank holidays. Families used flexible session arrangements and individual settling plans. Funded early education was provided for two-, three- and four-year-olds at that time.

• Toddler engagement. In May 2024, teaching did not consistently hold toddlers' attention. On a visit, ask how individual learning goals now shape activities in this age group.
• Waiting for lunch. Younger children sometimes became distressed before meals in May 2024. Ask how staff now organise that transition and keep children occupied.
• Your attendance pattern. Flexible sessions supported families in May 2024. What session pattern and settling arrangements would suit your child's routine now?

Happy Smiles will appeal to families who value continuity between home and nursery, practical learning and opportunities to share books together. Its May 2024 picture was strongest in baby care and purposeful preschool activities. Parents choosing toddler care should give the teaching and lunchtime improvements particular attention: these affect how comfortably and usefully a young child spends the day.