Smiles Day Nursery

Rugby House, Hinckley Road, Sapcote, Leicester LE9 4FS
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8.4 15 Reviews
  • Smiles Day Nursery, Leicester
Welcome to Smiles Day Nursery, snug in the cosy village of Sapcote, where every day is an adventure in learning and laughter! Smiles Day Nursery prides itself on creating a warm and nurturing environment that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for exploration.

The dedicated team of experienced educators are committed to providing a stimulating and safe learning atmosphere. They understand that each child is unique and work tirelessly to nurture their individual talents.

Smiles Day Nursery believes that play is a child's work, and the curriculum reflects that philosophy. Through carefully crafted play-based activities, children develop essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving and social interaction.

They strongly believe in building a partnership with parents, using Tapestry Journal to share developmental milestones and communication.

Every achievement, no matter how small, is a cause for celebration at Smiles. From first steps to the first attempts at reading, they recognise and encourage each child's progress. They actively participate in community events and encourage a sense of community among families. This helps create a supportive network for both parents and children.

Smiles Nursery strives to be more than just a place of learning; they aim to be a second home for your child, filled with joy, laughter and the building blocks for a bright future. Come join the team on this exciting journey of discovery and growth!

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Care Provided by Smiles Day Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Rachel Ward (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 23
  • Total Places for Children
  • 80
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Smiles Day Nursery

  • Full time (Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm) £265,
    Full day (7:30am-6pm) £60,
    Morning session (7:30am-1pm) £40,
    Afternoon session (1pm- 6pm) £40,
    Hourly rate £10,
    Consumables charge (funding only) £6 per day.

Smiles Day Nursery Reviews (15)

8.4

Smiles Day Nursery has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.445) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Smiles Day Nursery has 15 reviews.

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Review from Louise E (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been coming to this nursery for 9 months now and I can't fault them. My child is very happy, walks to staff in the morning, never experienced any crying/refusing to go in and always smiles for the staff. My child's learning is coming on greatly and their fine motor skills are excellent
I know this is being encouraged and explored in the room, all the staff in any room talk to my child and smile when we are in reception and all seem to genuinely care about the children in their care. Lovely nursery and lovely staff in my experience.

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Review from Daniel M (Father of Child) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't be happier with smiles! My eldest attended Smiles in 2021 and they were amazing, I looked around so many settings and was so happy to find Smiles. It really is a home-from-home environment with genuinely committed staff who were always so kind and caring and go the extra mile for both children
and parents, my child loved their time at Smiles and so did we, I have now sent my second child to Smiles and have yet again been so happy with the level of care. Both my children excelled here and developed lovely bonds with their key people and the rest of the staff, communication is brilliant too, I get updates from the app and am able to access their online journal with their photos and development. Management have also been brilliant with any questions I've had. Smiles is such a lovely place with the most incredible staff and I can't thank everyone enough.

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Review from Kirstine H (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

I reported my child's care to Ofsted after the person in charge of her care decided it was ok to intimidate and physically handle her to make her do as she was asked. This was enough to cause trauma to my child and was seen on CCTV by the manager who acknowledged this happened and then went on to say
that although my child was upset, perhaps my child was over sensitive because she was tired and it wasn't his intention to hurt her. However my child claimed and still does, that he scared her with his horrible voice he makes and he hurt her. The nursery manager did apologise and asked me to take her back in so he could explain (not apologise). I said no and she hasn't been back. To summarise our experience, my child was intimidated and physically handled by a member of staff, it was caught on CCTV, it caused trauma and upset and the general response was that my child was over sensitive, tired and didn't show any signs of marking on her skin hours later, so it couldn't have been bad.

Reply from Kelly Palfreyman, Owner at Smiles Day Nursery

We take allegations made against staff extremely seriously and have robust policies in place to protect the safeguarding of children in our care, we do not discriminate against the sex of our staff and follow our strict safe recruitment procedures to ensure they meet our high expectations. 3 Senior Managers viewed CCTV as part of a full investigation into your allegation back in June and no evidence was found that supported your allegation, this was available for you to view at the time. Both LADO and Ofsted looked into the allegation and the policies and procedures we have in place and agreed that the allegation was unfounded. We are truly sorry that your experience with Smiles has left you feeling negatively towards us, we certainly would have appreciated the opportunity to reassure you otherwise, we work very hard on recruiting the right staff and my staff work really hard to provide positive experiences during their time at Smiles.


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Review from Jennifer P (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Smiles for the last year or so and absolutely loves it. The staff are great, the food menu varied and nutritious, and the facilities are good. He has learned so much there and generally seems very happy.

Reply from Simon Palfreyman, Owner at Smiles Day Nursery

Thank you for sharing your review of Smiles. Reviews enable us to see what parents feel is working well and sometimes what's not working and this is essential for any business to grow. It has been a pleasure to watch your little one grow and develop with us.


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Review from C N (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so happy with Smiles! The staff know our child so well and have a good connection with him despite the fact he only attends one day a week. He enjoys the imaginative and exciting activities they do. The contact home is good via the app but there is also a comprehensive handover so I know
what his day has looked like before we leave. He is encouraged to try new skills and has learnt a lot since starting at Smiles. The staff are friendly, energetic and approachable. We have suggested the nursery to our friends as we’re happy to recommend it.

Reply from Katie, Administration at Smiles Day Nursery

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely review, It means the world to the staff to hear such kind words about the care that they are providing.


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Review from Jenni P (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our children absolutely love Smiles and we feel very comfortable with the care they receive there! There is a great balance between play and learning to help our girls develop. Despite not having their own outdoor space, the nursery ensures the kids get plenty of access to the outdoors, including daily
walks and day trips. The staff are kind, caring and welcoming and know each child as an individual! Couldn't be happier with a nursery!

Reply from Simon Palfreyman, Owner at Smiles Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. We love the fact that we have such a lovely village to explore and plan adventures around. The children love going out and this is turn helps us to deliver learning in a fun and exciting way.


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Review from J D (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son settled into this nursery really well. The staff are lovely and quick to update the app with what he's had to eat and when he was changed.
They take photographs every week and upload them for us to see and do in-depth observations every two weeks. It's great!
There isn't any outside space,
but the children go on walks around the village or to the park every morning, which I think is even better anyway!
In the past two months alone, there have been a few different events, such as bake sales, fancy dress days, photo days, parent and carer stay and plays and more, I'm sure.
Sometimes, it can take quite a while for someone to collect your child from the office in the morning or bring your child to you (rather than being let into the room), but it wouldn't change my overall opinion. I'd recommend it to anyone!

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Review from Molly G (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had nothing but positive experiences of Smiles. My son just loves going and asks to go even on the weekends!
They always cram so much into each day. He has learned so much from the nursery, and it’s really shaped who he is as a person. The staff are always so helpful, kind and considerate.
And he loves them with all his heart.
I’m often sad I can’t go to Smiles myself, but I suppose that’s just another reason being an adult is awful!

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Review from Nicola G (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Smiles Day Nursery since he was 5-months-old. Everyone, there is so lovely and caring there. It’s such an active nursery going for walks, sports day or forest school. They have worked hard during the pandemic forming bubbles and keeping the nursery very clean.

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Review from Tara M (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started when he was 10-months-old during the pandemic. I am confident that my child is safe, being looked after well, having fun and learning lots. He's come on leaps and bounds since starting here. Communication with parents is really good, and we've been to some crafty sessions on weekends,
which have been lovely. Staff are professional, polite and friendly. Overall, very happy.

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Review from S N (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little one has been in the nursery for 3-months now in the baby room and absolutely loves it. The staff are so caring and friendly. She has really settled in well and now is keen to start playing as soon as she gets dropped off in the morning. Choosing a nursery is so hard when you can't imagine
handing over your precious little one to anyone other than family, but I am so glad that I chose smiles. She is so happy to be there and has developed so much in such a short space of time.

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Review from Natalie J (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been going to this nursery since he was 6-months-old; he's now nearly off to school!
The nursery is a lovely little place, the staff are so friendly and welcoming, and I know my little boy is 100% safe within the setting.
My mind is at rest while he is there, and I've never had
any issues with his care.

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Review from Cally H (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My son was an extremely shy and anxious boy when I first put him into the nursery, but three years on at Smiles Day nursery, my boy is confident, happy and content. The staff are absolutely amazing with the children, and the kids always get a walk out every day,
which is one of my son's highlights of the day.
Thank you for everything, team Smiles!

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Review from Helen H (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough. It is the 3rd nursery we have used for our children and they are so much better in communication, organisation and care than the others. The children love it and look forward to going every day.

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Review from Kathryn D (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled amazingly. She loves the staff who do different things with them every day they are always taking the children out which my daughter loves telling me about.


I was a bit worried about it not having outdoor space but they are out with the kids all the time. It has taken awhile

to find a nursery my daughter feels comfortable at but I would not move her from here. The staff are always friendly and polite. I would recommend this nursery and I would use it in future for any future children I have.

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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.445)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.445) out of 10 for Smiles Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.470 for Smiles Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (62 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 83 Ratings = 4.47

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.975 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Smiles Day Nursery is based on 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 = 3.6

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 80 number of registered child places is 16. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.375

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (11)

Kelly

Kelly Palfreyman

Job Title: Owner

Joined: 2016

Following a nursing background for many years I took a career change into childcare and have been working in a variety of different childcare fields for 23 years. On completing my Early Years level 3 qualification I set up my own business childminding, during this time I identified a gap in the provision for older children and so in 2006 my first wrap-around school club was born at Manorfield Primary School.
I went on to study child psychology at Warwick University and opened three more wrap-around school clubs at Gilmorton, Holliers Walk (now Hinckley Parks) and St Margarets.


In 2016 I fulfilled my long-term dream of opening my own day nursery at Sapcote, followed quickly with our Pre-School at our Hinckley Parks site. I am immensely proud of Smiles, it has really been part of the family.


Simon and I have four children all of which have grown with Smiles either by attending one of the settings or working in them and gaining their own childcare qualifications.


My real passion within Smiles is the children themselves of which I am lucky enough to still be part of the fun they have in my settings when I visit the sites.


Outside Smiles I love family time, family dinners, games night and traveling. I enjoy the outdoors and do my best to keep fit with the gym, running and my new love of paddle boarding.


Simon

Simon Palfreyman

Job Title: Finance Director

Joined: 2016

I specialise in all financial aspects of Smiles. Formally from a corporate finance background working for Alliance & Leicester for many years as a retail savings manager and support service manager prior to working as a help desk manager at PCMS group looking after the hardware and software support for clients such as PC world, Curry's, The Link and the Midlands Co-operative group.
I joined Smiles in 2014 looking after the financial side of the business working with parents managing their bookings, providing invoices and working with Managers and Smiles admin on budgets to ensure Smiles continues to be a viable and successful business.


I'm an avid football fan especially for the mighty Liverpool FC and will mostly when not stuck in front of my PC will be either found playing 18 holes or lifting weights in the gym.


Melissa

Melissa

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2019

I have been with Smiles for 3 years now, but I have only just returned after being on maternity leave and having my little girl. I have a level 3 qualification in children's care, learning & development and I am also deputy manager & SENCO.
I have 11 years of experience working in childcare altogether, so I have been doing it for quite a while now.


You will see me around the nursery on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday as I am just working 3 days a week due to spending time with my daughter the other two days a week.


I love working in childcare as I find it so rewarding and I love to help & watch all your little ones develop & grow. I am not based in a room as I support Rachel the manager where she needs it. Some days I will be in the office and other days you may see me helping in rooms.


Outside of nursery, I live at home with my husband, daughter & our dog Roxie. I am absolutely loving being a mum. On my days off I take her to baby groups, or we go out for the day somewhere fun. I also love to meet up with friends for a cup of tea and a catch up as well as going on holiday with my family to relax.


Laura

Laura

Job Title: Explorers & Discoverers Room Leader

Joined: 2018

I have a level three qualification in childcare. I began volunteering at Smiles whilst completing my qualification at college.


I then began working at Smiles full-time once my course was completed.?I really enjoy messy play with the children and I also love getting them outdoors!


Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Adventurers Room Leader

Joined: 2018

I am the room leader in the Adventurers room and first began my journey at Smiles in 2016 as a placement student gaining experience and knowledge in childcare. Since then, I have achieved my level 3 qualification in childcare


My drive for working with children began from my early primary school days and I have always been passionate about being a part of helping children to flourish, learn and grow!


Jan

Jan

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2017

I am currently working in the Adventurers room with the toddler children. I have worked for Smiles for 5 years now as I started in the kitchen alongside the cook, I also enjoyed working in the before and after school club looking after the older children before securing a full-time position with the little one in the nursery which I love.


I love to see the children grow and develop every day seeing them happy and seeing their learning skills going forward.


Outside of Smiles I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren as well as being a Reiki healer and using my crystals which I mainly do at the weekends.


Caroline

Caroline

Job Title: Preschool Manager

Joined: 2018

I have got my Level 3 in childcare. I have got a few years of experience working with children but Smiles is my first time working in a nursery.


I previously worked in a wedding shop and as a florist, but children are my passion and I am always excited to learn more about them and their amazing imaginations.


Charlotte

Charlotte

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2019

I have been working in childcare for around 3 years since leaving school.


I hold a level 2 qualification in Childcare Learning and development. I enjoy working with children and helping them to develop through play and accessing all areas of provision.


Katherine

Katherine

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2019

I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and hold a level 2 qualification in early years.


I enjoy doing crafts and games with the children and supporting them with their needs. I also enjoy making up stories with the children, encouraging them to use their imaginations.


Rhi

Rhi

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2023

I have worked with children for a number of years now starting off in a primary school where I worked for almost 8 years teaching PE and worked alongside the reception children following the EYFS.


I have a level 5 qualification in primary education. I have worked at holiday clubs, planning and leading activities for children aged 4-14 years of age.


I recently got married and have a 1 year old daughter who also attends Smiles.


I love working with children and preparing them for primary school and helping set them up for their futures.


Vina

Vina

Job Title: Support staff- Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2018

I have got my level 3 in childcare. I have been with Smiles for a couple of years now. I used to work with older children but also have experience of all ages in the nursery.


I am trained in First Aid and safeguarding.


I love working with children, the best part is when we get messy with fun messy plays and when we splash around in muddy puddles outside.


Frequently Asked Questions about Smiles Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Smiles Day Nursery accepts?

Smiles Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Smiles Day Nursery Open?

Smiles Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Smiles Day Nursery have capacity for?

Smiles Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 80 Children.

How far is Smiles Day Nursery to the centre of Leicester?

9.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Smiles Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Smiles Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.