Welcome to Smile & Shine Nursery

a place where children thrive through a unique blend of EYFS, Montessori, and Forest School approaches. By combining these three proven pedagogies, we create a nurturing and inspiring environment that supports every child’s development and gives them the very best start in life.

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Children and teacher in outdoor forest school play area at Smile and Shine Nursery, Mill Hill

Children exploring books together in a Montessori nursery classroom at Smile and Shine, Mill Hill

Why Smile & Shine Nursery?

Safe, Caring & Happy Environment

Parents can leave their children at Smile and Shine Nursery knowing that their child is happy and being taken care of well.

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Structure & Routines

We have consistent routines throughout the day which give comfort to children and also help develop their self-confidence and independence.

FUNDRAISE

Designed for Success

The nursery has a large, safe and secure outdoor green space where equipment has been installed keeping in mind the seven areas of EYFS. Being close to a local nature trail also allows children to discover the natural world and follow their curiosity.

Experienced Leadership

Our Nursery Manager, Mani Spratt, brings over 15 years of childcare experience. Her previous Ofsted inspection as a childminder was rated “Outstanding”. Smile & Shine has been thoughtfully designed around her deep understanding of how children develop across the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Enriching Experiences

Throughout the week, children enjoy sessions led by visiting professionals, including gymnastics, Makaton signing, singing, games with props. These activities add variety, confidence and joy to the learning experience.

Partnership with Parents

We place great importance on working closely with parents and carers. Open communication and collaboration help create a positive relationship that supports each child’s development.

Individual Care and Key Workers

Every child is unique and learns at their own pace. Each child is assigned a key worker who provides tailored support and regular feedback. Mani and the team are always accessible to discuss your child’s progress.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Children’s welfare and safety are always paramount. Our safeguarding policies ensure that robust procedures are in place at all times, creating a secure environment where children can thrive.

EYFS

Early Years Foundation Stage

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

We have a dedicated role-play corner and children are encouraged explore and role-play.

Physical Development

We provide a wide range of planned activities and access to both indoor and outdoor equipment to support children’s physical development. These opportunities help children develop their gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance and overall confidence in movement.

Communication and Language

We encourage children to take home a book of their choice on Friday’s so parent’s can read this book to them thereby working in partnership with parents.

Literacy

We do lots of activities involving books, easel, magnetic letters, picture cards, puzzles, mark making with lotion, etc to promote literacy skills.

Mathematics

Fun activities like marble run games, number puzzles and connect games are designed to promote mathematical skills.

Expressive arts and designs

Children have the chance to play musical instruments, produce art work and experience science experiments to allow them to bring out their expresive side.

Understanding of the world

Books, activities and outings are all designed to allow the children to experience the world. This includes but is not limited to people, cultures and nature.

Combining the best of different pedagogies

Our unique blend of Forest School and Montessori creates the perfect platform for children to learn and thrive in a nurturing environment that allows them to explore with freedom.

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Young child exploring nature outdoors as part of forest school learning at Smile and Shine Nursery

Smile and Shine Nursery — Montessori Forest School in Mill Hill

What our parents are saying

"We are absolutely blown away by the care and detail that goes into the children's day. Upon collection my children are in no rush to leave, and when we arrive they are skipping towards the entrance looking forward to their day. Daniela is always sharing feedback and extra moments of the day, and never misses an important detail. It is a joy to feel such comfort when leaving your children in someone else's care, and we are truly so grateful for the team and their efforts in creating a warm and encouraging environment for the children."

What our parents are saying

The manager and her team were experienced, cheerful and caring. Nursery settings encourage children to explore and learn. Child observations and learnings were updated on a daily/ weekly basis and parents are also encouraged to participate with child learning while at home. As a forest nursery, Smile & Shine has arranged a lot of outdoor activities for the children. Little ones enjoy their time at the nursery and have shown significant progress since joining Smile & Shine. Our little explorers are excited about the coming summer at the nursery.

What our parents are saying

The nursery is run by a very experienced, caring and fun manager and team. The setting, activities, food and facilities are excellent, and we are genuinely impressed. The environment is very nurturing for my baby son, so it allows me to relax during the day and concentrate on my work without feeling guilty or worried. The emphasis on learning, fun activities like discos, healthy food prepared by an onsite chef and outdoor activities make this nursery a true gem. We can’t believe how much our boy progressed since starting the nursery. He absolutely loves going there.

What our parents are saying

What the manager has created with her Smile & Shine nursery is nothing short of remarkable! She combines being incredibly nurturing with helping the children develop independence (in a playful, supported way). We love how much time they spend outside and are always excited to hear what our son got up to any given day. Everyone there is so warm and lovely, and you can tell that they genuinely care about the children. It's been less than a month, but so far, we couldn't recommend Smile & Shine more highly.

What our parents are saying

Great nursery! All teaches are lovely. My son is very happy here. The facilities are great with a massive outdoor space for kids to learn and explore. Updates from nursery are very helpful to keep track of my son's activities and progression. The food provided is nutritious and tasty. So lucky to have found a spot here! :)

What our parents are saying

Smile and Shine is an expertly run childcare setting where my two daughters attended over a number of years. The manager provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating and safe environment for children. I had absolute confidence every day in the care my children received whilst they attended the setting. The manager became an important figure in their lives and to this day they still remember and recall their time at Smile and Shine very fondly. I have no hesitation in providing an excellent reference for this setting.