Smiles

Smiles, operated by Smiles North East Ltd under license number EY539912, provides full-day care services for up to 65 children in Billingham.

There are a total of 413 places across 6 providers in Billingham.

Our Child Caring UK team has prepared this review so you can be more informed before enrolling your child in Smiles.

Table of Contents

🌟  Overall Effectiveness

Smiles has an overall score of 2. 2 of providers in Billingham share the same score.

The effectiveness rating for childcare considers the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This assessment highlights how well providers supports all children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and steady progress in learning and development.

By assessing the collaboration between different areas of provision, Ofsted inspectors determine how well a positive and nurturing environment is maintained. A high rating signifies that children receive outstanding care, develop key skills, and are ready for their next learning milestones.

Achieving an outstanding rating requires Smiles to demonstrate excellence in every aspect, from a robust curriculum and high-quality teaching to a relentless focus on continuous development. Leaders must cultivate high expectations, creating an engaging and well-managed setting where children thrive.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of December 5, 2023.

👩‍🏫  Quality of Education

Smiles has a score of 2. 25% of providers in Billingham share the same score.

In the UK, the quality of education rating for childcare evaluates how effectively providers support children’s learning and development under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This assessment considers teaching quality, the suitability of the curriculum, and the progress children achieve.

Inspectors from Ofsted focus on the activities available, the progress children make in acquiring knowledge and skills, and their preparedness for the next stage of education. Well-regarded childcare settings deliver enriching experiences that inspire curiosity and holistic development.

To secure an outstanding rating, Smiles must provide a well-planned and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all children. Teaching should be highly effective, promoting strong progress, with staff showcasing expertise in child development and fostering excellent relationships with both children and parents.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of December 5, 2023.

🎭  Behaviour & Attitudes

Smiles has a score of 2 for behaviour. 25% of providers in Billingham share the same score.

The behavior and attitudes rating for childcare in the UK focuses on how effectively children learn to manage their emotions, demonstrate positive behaviors, and respect others. Inspectors evaluate their confidence, motivation, and ability to stay engaged in learning while building strong social connections.

Ofsted inspectors assess how staff exemplify and reinforce positive behavior, nurture emotional well-being, and help children understand boundaries and expectations. A high rating indicates a setting where children feel secure, valued, and consistently demonstrate positive attitudes.

To be rated outstanding, Smiles must create a well-structured, respectful, and nurturing space where children show exceptional engagement, resilience, and self-regulation. Staff should communicate clear expectations, utilize thoughtful emotional support strategies, and reinforce an atmosphere of kindness and inclusivity.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of December 5, 2023.

🌱  Personal Development

Smiles has a score of 2 for personal development. 25% of providers in Billingham share the same score.

The UK’s personal development rating for childcare measures how well Smiles supports children’s overall growth, including their emotional, social, and physical development. It highlights the importance of confidence, independence, resilience, and awareness of healthy lifestyles and the wider world.

In their evaluations, Ofsted inspectors look at how well childcare settings promote inclusive relationships, celebrate differences, and teach respect for others. High standards in childcare support children in developing vital social skills, self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility.

Securing an outstanding rating requires Smiles to create an enriching environment where children’s well-being is prioritized, and they are well-prepared for future learning. This includes offering meaningful opportunities for exploration, resilience-building challenges, and the encouragement of healthy lifestyle choices in an inclusive space.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of December 5, 2023.

👩🏻‍💻  Leadership & Management

Smiles has a score of 2 for personal development. 63% of providers in Billingham share the same score.

In the UK, the leadership and management rating for childcare evaluates how well leaders oversee and enhance the quality of care and education. It examines their ability to support staff, uphold regulatory compliance, and sustain high standards throughout the setting.

The assessment of leadership by Ofsted inspectors includes evaluating how clearly leaders set expectations, how effectively they engage with staff and parents, and how well they foster an inclusive environment. A strong leadership team ensures a structured, child-centered setting that promotes continuous improvement.

To achieve an outstanding rating, leaders must exhibit a strong vision, invest in high-quality staff training, and cultivate a culture of excellence. They should take a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, ensuring a secure and stimulating environment where children flourish.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of December 5, 2023.

💼  Ownership & Operations

Smiles is licensed to provide full-day care for up to 65 children in Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham.

Smiles is owned by Smiles North East Ltd, which operates 2 facilities in the UK. Smiles takes contributes 48.1% of total capacity for Smiles North East Ltd.

A single-location provider can focus its resources entirely on one facility, fostering a highly personalized and community-driven approach. Larger providers, however, may offer more extensive resources, including specialized training, upgraded facilities, and well-structured curriculums. Their multi-location presence can also provide consistency for families needing flexibility or relocating.

Before deciding on Smiles , it’s important to go beyond its history or size. Scheduling a visit, asking detailed questions, and evaluating how well the program fits your child’s individual needs will help ensure the best possible choice.

📜 Registry

Smiles is listed in the Early Years Register and Compulsory Childcare Register.

  • ✅ The Early Years Register (EYR) is a mandatory register maintained by Ofsted for childcare providers who care for children from birth to five years old. Smiles is listed in the Early Years Register.
  • ✅ The Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) in the UK is for childcare providers caring for children aged 5 to 7 years. Registration is mandatory for those offering childcare services to this age group for more than two hours a day, either on or off school premises. Smiles is listed in the Compulsory Childcare Register.
  • ❌ The Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) in the UK is an optional register for childcare providers who care for children over the age of 8 or those providing care for less than two hours a day for younger children. Smiles is not listed in the Voluntary Childcare Register.

If Smiles is not what you are looking for, use the below search bar below to find another facility in Billingham or elsewhere.