Smilers

In June 2025, Smilers' exploratory play included wheels in paint, cars tested on a drainpipe and bark rubbings. This Rochester setting occupies the grounds of Chattenden School and has capacity for 52 children. Ofsted rated it Good at its inspection on 30 June 2025.

The June 2025 picture combined child-led exploration with an emphasis on language and emotional development. It also carried two clear improvement priorities: keeping younger children engaged during routines and reducing noise during language activities.

In June 2025, younger children explored colour by rolling wheels through paint, while older children tested how different cars travelled down a drainpipe. These were opportunities to investigate cause and effect through play, rather than simply follow an adult's instructions.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the June 2025 curriculum placed emphasis on communication and on children's social and emotional development, with assessments used to shape teaching around their needs.

Outside, children investigated trees through bark rubbings and used books to learn about minibeasts. Younger children had space for movement, including moving to music. Outdoor activity extended the learning taking place indoors.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) good, and children making good progress from their starting points.

In June 2025, staff and parents planned settling and room changes together, sharing children's interests, preferences and developmental information. Comfort and affection helped new children settle. Parents knew who acted as key person for their child and how to get in touch, giving families a clear point of contact.

Support for additional needs involved parents and other agencies, with continuing conversations about help at nursery and at home. Staff also explained children's next learning steps to families. Behaviour guidance emphasised patience, cooperation and respect, adapted to children's developmental stages.

Smilers is at Chattenden School, Chattenden Lane, Rochester, ME3 8LE. In June 2025, its opening hours were 7.45am to 6pm on weekdays, across the year; children attending ranged from 0 to 11 years old.

At that time, the setting received funding for free early education for children from nine months to four years. This is a dated account of its funding participation.

Being on school grounds does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still need to follow the local authority admissions process.

• Younger children's routines. In June 2025, sitting through tasks such as morning circle time interrupted some children's play and led to restlessness. At a visit, ask how these routines now keep younger children involved.
• Noise and listening. Excessive noise sometimes interfered with language activities in June 2025. Ask how staff manage sound when children need to hear and respond.
• School-site expectations. The Chattenden School location does not secure a Reception place. Treat childcare and school admissions as separate decisions.

Smilers suits families who value exploratory play, outdoor investigation and a clear relationship with a key person. Its June 2025 account contains concrete examples of these experiences, alongside practical concerns about routines and noise. Those two points deserve attention when weighing the setting for a younger child.