What is Ofsted?

Ofsted is the government body responsible for inspecting and regulating education and childcare providers across England. Their role is to ensure that children are safe, well cared for, and provided with positive opportunities to learn and develop.

Smiles of Quorn is fully registered with Ofsted as a provider of childcare on non-domestic premises. We are listed on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

Our setting operates from:

Rawlins Academy – Deep End

Loughborough Road

Quorn

Loughborough

Leicestershire

LE12 8DY

Our Inspection History

We first underwent a pre-registration inspection in 2019, when Ofsted confirmed that we met the standards required to open.

Our first full inspection followed in November 2021, when we were awarded a “Met” judgement, which at that time was the highest possible outcome for an out-of-school club.

During the inspection, the inspector praised many aspects of our provision. Children were seen forming positive relationships with staff and were keen to greet them at the end of the school day. Safety was recognised as a clear priority, with the inspector highlighting the team’s strong safeguarding knowledge and their understanding of how to respond if they had concerns about a child’s welfare.

The report also noted that children felt valued and listened to, with opportunities to share their ideas about how the club should run. Children were observed enjoying outdoor play and engaging happily with activities. Positive behaviour was supported through approaches that celebrated achievements and encouraged respectful conduct.

The inspector also recognised our strong partnership with school staff, noting how we build on children’s learning from the school day through play and enrichment activities. Staff were praised for deploying themselves effectively indoors and outdoors, ensuring children were well supervised and supported at all times.

Importantly, the report highlighted how we listen to children’s feedback and use their ideas to continually improve their experiences at the club.

Safeguarding is assessed separately and judged simply as “Met” or “Not Met.” This reflects the importance Ofsted places on ensuring that children are always safe and that effective safeguarding procedures are in place.

What Inspectors Look For

When Ofsted visit, their focus is always on what life is like for the child.

Inspectors observe activities indoors and outdoors, speak with staff and children, and may also talk with parents or school staff. They review how the setting is led and managed and check that safeguarding arrangements are effective.

However, the most important factor is always children’s experiences — how safe, happy, and included they feel while attending the club.Out-of-school clubs are not inspected on curriculum or academic achievement because we provide childcare before and after the school day rather than formal education. Children receive their curriculum and academic learning through their school.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding focuses on how well the setting protects children from harm and promotes a strong culture of safety. Inspectors consider whether staff are well trained, understand their responsibilities, and know how to respond to concerns about a child’s welfare. They also look at safer recruitment, staff vigilance, information sharing with other agencies, and how concerns or allegations are managed.

Inclusion

Inclusion looks at how well the setting supports all children, especially those who may face barriers. This includes disadvantaged children, children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and children who may need additional support. Inspectors consider how quickly children’s needs are identified, how effectively support is provided, and how well the setting works with parents and professionals to help every child take part fully.

Behaviour, Attitudes and Establishing Routines

This area considers how the setting supports positive behaviour and attitudes to learning. Inspectors look at how children are encouraged to treat others with kindness and respect, how routines help them feel secure, and how staff support children to manage their emotions and behaviour. The setting’s work with families to encourage regular attendance and good habits is also considered.

Children’s Welfare and Well-Being

This area focuses on how well children are cared for and supported in their overall development. Inspectors look at whether children feel safe, happy, and valued. They also consider how the setting promotes healthy lifestyles, supports children’s emotional development, and provides nurturing relationships that help children feel secure and confident.

Leadership and Governance

Leadership and governance focuses on how effectively the setting is led and managed. Inspectors consider how leaders support staff, ensure policies are followed, and continuously improve the quality of the provision. They also look at how leaders monitor practice, work with parents and external agencies, and ensure that the setting consistently meets its responsibilities.

Our Commitment

We welcome the updated framework because it provides a clearer and more balanced picture of what settings do well and where they can continue to develop.

At Smiles of Quorn, our commitment remains the same: to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child feels valued, supported, and confident to learn through play.

Further Information

You can learn more about our registration and inspection by visiting the following links:

• Read our Ofsted report

• Registration certificate

• Ofsted info for parents

• Our Ofsted profile

• Contact Ofsted