Smiles Pre-School

Junk-model unicorns, football and learning to handle scissors give Smiles Pre-School a practical, playful character in its January 2022 account. At its January 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and safeguarding effective. The strongest detail is about children doing things for themselves, with adults helping them persist when a task becomes difficult.

Smiles has capacity for 46 children at Norman Rodaway Pavilion in Southampton. In January 2022, the children attending were aged two to four; that age range belongs to the dated account.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the January 2022 examples show learning through practical play: children tried different scissors to cut tape, while older children made unicorns from boxes, glue and pens. These activities gave children reasons to practise hand movements and use tools.

In January 2022, language activities included sounding out words and practising attention. Support was directed towards younger children who needed help with speaking and concentration, rather than treating communication as something that would develop unaided.

Outside, the January 2022 account describes ride-in cars, football and hula hoops. Adults helped children take turns with the cars, while football prompted conversations about how to score. Physical play also created opportunities to listen, negotiate and share equipment.

In January 2022, staff took time to understand children's interests and care needs, helping younger children settle. Children shared resources and listened to one another's ideas, with adults modelling respectful behaviour. The useful detail for parents is the connection between individual attention and everyday relationships.

Family communication in January 2022 included sharing achievements and suggesting activities for home. Potty-training advice came with resources, giving parents something practical to use. Staff also worked with families on healthier lunch choices; this was support around children's food habits.

The address is Norman Rodaway Pavilion, Heath House Lane, Southampton, SO30 0LE.

In January 2022, opening hours were 9am to 3pm from Monday to Thursday, with Friday opening from 9am to noon, during term time. These were opening hours rather than named booking sessions. At that time, Smiles received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four.

• Mathematical challenge. In January 2022, older and more advanced children were not consistently given opportunities to extend their understanding of shape, measurement and space. This matters for families seeking sustained challenge beyond familiar activities.
• Individual next steps. In January 2022, changes to observation and assessment were still being established, and planning needed greater precision about what each child should learn next. The issue was how clearly everyday activities connected to an individual learning goal.
• Matching the current offer. The attendance hours and ages above describe January 2022. At a visit, which ages and attendance arrangements does Smiles now cater for?

Smiles' January 2022 picture suits families who value practical creativity, active play and communication with home. Its examples are concrete: making models, taking turns outdoors and receiving potty-training resources. The balance is important, too: precise individual planning and mathematical stretch were the development priorities. Families considering term-time attendance can use that dated picture alongside the current arrangements when deciding whether it fits their child.