Sunshine and Smiles Day Nursery

A slide became a small experiment in movement at Sunshine and Smiles Day Nursery: in July 2025, children rolled objects down it while adults encouraged them to think about how far they travelled. That example gives this Hornchurch setting its character: play with a purpose, built around children's interests.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its July 2025 inspection and judged safeguarding effective. The current age range is 6 to 60 months.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing those strands together through everyday play and routines.

In July 2025, practitioners adapted activities to children's interests and stages of development. Conversations introduced new words and encouraged children to explain their ideas. There was a clear improvement point, though: adults sometimes moved through questions too quickly, leaving children too little thinking time.

Outdoor play included scooters, balls and slides, with opportunities to practise balance and climbing. Older children experimented with water and paintbrushes to make marks outdoors, alongside dry-wipe pens for early writing. Counting and recognising numbers also featured in play. These were practical ways to explore movement, language and early mathematical ideas.

At the July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), made good progress, with SEND support involving parents, professionals and the local authority SEND team.

In July 2025, practitioners knew their key children well and used assessments to spot emerging gaps in learning. Shared approaches helped children with SEND participate in activities and become more independent in routines. Older children practised personal care and skills useful for starting school.

Adults modelled courtesy and helped children share toys and take turns. Visual prompts supported children who needed help with communication or attention, but their inconsistent use sometimes left children unsure about behavioural expectations. Consistency mattered as much as having the resources.

The nursery is at 30 Dorian Road, Hornchurch, RM12 4AN. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year except Bank Holidays.

In July 2025, the nursery provided free early education for children.

• Time to answer. In July 2025, questioning sometimes outpaced children's responses. During a visit, look for adults allowing children time to think before adding another question.
• Consistent visual support. July 2025 practice did not always make full use of visual prompts. For a child who relies on these, discuss how they are used throughout daily routines.
• The attendance arrangement. The weekday opening window extends into the early evening. Which booking pattern would fit your family's week?

Sunshine and Smiles suits families seeking care across the year, with a weekday opening window that reaches into the early evening. Its July 2025 examples of outdoor exploration and interest-led activities give substance to the Good judgement. The two priorities are equally concrete: giving children enough time to respond and applying behavioural support consistently.