Smiles Nursery, Billingham

Community experiences give Smiles Nursery, Billingham its character: library outings, a lending library and learning about Remembrance Day featured in December 2023. These connected children's activities with life beyond the nursery.

Ofsted judged the nursery Good on 5 December 2023. It has capacity for 65 children, with accepted ages from 2 to 60 months. The practical base is The Hereford, Hereford Terrace, Billingham, TS23 4AA.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences support language, physical skills and relationships.

In December 2023, babies explored foam and ice, toddlers practised handling tweezers, and older children painted patterns with small brushes. Activities drew on children's interests and developmental stages, giving different ages concrete ways to practise coordination and sustain attention.

Community learning extended to the town, an airport visit and visiting fire officers. Remembrance Day introduced a shared commemoration, while the lending library let children borrow books for family reading. Mathematical conversations included animal sizes and shapes.

Language teaching was less consistent. Preschool group activities encouraged descriptive vocabulary, but some practitioners needed further training; babies did not consistently hear simple words modelled, and closed questions restricted opportunities for longer answers. Outdoor play happened daily, although teaching outside did not consistently stretch learning across the curriculum.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities effective, with teaching directed towards individual goals and coordination with other professionals.

In December 2023, children turned to their key person for comfort and stayed nearby during activities. Staff demonstrated manners, encouraged persistence and recognised kindness. Those everyday interactions helped children practise getting along and trying again.

Health routines included toothbrushing each day, handwashing and growing independence with toileting. Staff also discussed road safety and supervised toddlers using scissors. The manager supported staff through training and regular supervision, alongside attention to their wellbeing.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates throughout the year and closes on bank holidays. Its address is The Hereford, Hereford Terrace, Billingham, TS23 4AA.

In December 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Language teaching. December 2023 findings identified uneven support for vocabulary and conversation. On a visit, ask how staff training now translates into exchanges with babies and older children.
• Learning outdoors. Daily outdoor play in December 2023 did not consistently provide enough educational challenge. Ask how outdoor activities now extend children's learning.
• Attendance and funding. The opening window spans the working day. Ask which booking patterns and funded arrangements would fit your child's attendance.

Smiles suits families who value community experiences and books shared between nursery and home. Its Good judgement from December 2023 provides a positive inspection position, balanced by specific improvements needed in language teaching and outdoor learning. The year-round opening pattern also matters for families planning childcare around work.