Smilies

Gardening together, sharing gymnastic equipment and making models of their families: Smilies’ April 2026 activities centred on play and companionship after school. The setting has capacity for 43 children at Holy Angels Church in Salford. Its inspected provision was a club, with children aged 3 to 11 attending at that time.

At the April 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership and governance to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met. Two improvements remained: smoother transitions from school and more precise coaching for staff.

In April 2026, children chose between creative activities, reading and physical play. Football and throwing competitions gave them opportunities to practise teamwork; drawing and model-making offered another way to express their interests. Shared games encouraged turn-taking and dealing with disagreements.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care: play sits alongside support for social skills and wellbeing. In April 2026, gardening provided a practical example, with children cooperating and encouraging each other. They also helped serve snacks and clear tables, giving them responsibilities within the session.

At its April 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that staff adapted activities and routines for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working with partner schools to share information and review support. That collaboration helped staff respond consistently to individual needs.

In April 2026, conversations about home and school helped build relationships, while books prompted discussions about feelings. Quieter children received encouragement to talk and join activities. These were useful ways to make participation easier rather than leaving children to find their own place in the group.

Healthy snacks accompanied daily outdoor and physical activity in April 2026. Staff understood the arrangements for individual dietary needs and reminded children to sit while eating.

The address is Holy Angels Church, 18 Moorfield Road, Salford, M6 7QD. The setting’s 43 places describe its total capacity, rather than the number of children sharing an activity.

In April 2026, the inspected day included a walk from school followed by club activities. This school-to-club transition is an important part of the provision to weigh alongside the play itself.

• The school-to-club transition. In April 2026, settling after the walk from school was uneven. A calmer start was an improvement priority, especially relevant for children who need predictable transitions.
• Staff coaching. In April 2026, staff received supervision, but individual development needs were identified less precisely. More specific guidance was needed to strengthen practice.
• Fit for your child. The April 2026 provision served children aged 3 to 11 in a club setting. What attendance arrangement would suit your child’s age and school day?

Smilies’ April 2026 provision suited children who enjoyed active play, creative choices and company after school. Relationships and cooperation were strengths of that inspected experience. Families weighing this setting should give equal attention to its school-to-club transition and the need for clearer staff coaching.