English immersion centre for young children
At Smiles we accompany children during their first years of life, a particularly important stage in their development.
We are aware of the responsibility this implies, and for that reason we not only care for children during their first experiences away from home, but also offer a stimulating environment where they can explore, communicate and grow in English.
Our aim is to create a warm, safe and inspiring environment where children feel happy and confident to explore the world around them.
Through play and meaningful experiences we encourage curiosity, creativity, independence and resilience, supporting children as they discover and learn through their natural enthusiasm for the world around them.
Children are great explorers, and for them life is a wonderful adventure.
In this English-speaking environment, children develop social, emotional and communication skills naturally while enjoying their early years.
Full English immersion
Our goal is for children to be exposed to a full English immersion environment from an early age, supporting the natural development of bilingualism.
In an increasingly international and multicultural world, the ability to communicate in different languages becomes a valuable tool for the future. Early childhood is the moment when exposure to a second language can develop in the most natural and lasting way.
A unique project
At Smiles we develop our own approach in which each child is at the centre as an individual, with their own personality, interests, needs and pace of development.
Our project is inspired by internationally recognised early childhood perspectives such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Emmi Pikler.
We also incorporate different tools and resources that support language development, communication and logical thinking during the early years.
Eco-friendly environment
The future of our planet lies in the hands of the next generations, which is why we place great importance on encouraging environmental awareness.
Nature and the discovery of ecosystems are part of everyday life at Smiles through activities connected with seasons, plants and animals.
Children also participate in simple daily actions such as separating recyclable materials and reusing them in different creative activities.
We also offer a healthy and balanced menu designed by nutritionists and use environmentally responsible cleaning products and materials whenever possible.
Modern spaces inspired by nature
At Smiles we offer modern spaces inspired by early childhood environments often found in northern European centres.
Rather than traditional closed classrooms, we opt for open and flexible spaces that encourage exploration, play and interaction between children of different ages.
These environments are designed to adapt to different moments of the day and different types of activities, supporting children’s curiosity and creativity.
The spaces are also inspired by nature, using natural materials and calm colours in furniture, resources and play materials, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Most importantly, the space is inspired by nature. We have chosen natural materials and colours, not only for the furnishing, but also for the learning resources, to give the space a welcoming feel and a calming aesthetic.
Daily contact with nature
Strong sense of community
At Smiles we organise daily outings that allow children to connect with nature and the surrounding environment.
We are fortunate to be located in a privileged area surrounded by parks and playgrounds where children can explore, touch trees, play with sand, collect stones, observe insects, chase birds or jump in puddles.
We also take part in the cultural life of our neighbourhood.
With a strong sense of community, we enjoy discovering with children everything that a vibrant and international neighbourhood like Poblenou has to offer.
We often visit the local market, the library, the fire station, the dentist and many other neighbourhood spaces.
We also occasionally visit elderly residents in local care homes.
Small groups Personalised attention Experienced educators
At Smiles we believe that our team is one of the most important parts of our project.
Our educators have experience accompanying young children and create a warm English-speaking environment where children feel safe and supported.
Every child is unique and has individual interests and needs, which is why we organise our activities in small groups that allow us to provide closer attention and support.
Our groups are intentionally small:
up to 4 children per educator in the babies’ space
up to 6 children in the toddlers’ group
up to 8 children in the groups for older children
All members of our team are trained in first aid, ensuring children are always in safe hands and that educators are prepared to act quickly in case of any emergency. This training is updated regularly.
Balance between digital and traditional resources
We live in a digital world and at Smiles we incorporate certain technological tools in some of our activities.
At the same time, we are aware that excessive use of technology can have negative effects on early childhood development, so we always aim to maintain a responsible balance between digital tools and more traditional experiences.
Creative play and exploration through different materials and textures are very important to us.
We love to see children getting their hands messy with paint, experimenting with natural materials and discovering new ways to play with simple objects.
Our favourite toy? A simple cardboard box!
Close communication with families
At Smiles we believe in maintaining a close and open relationship with families.
Our open-door approach encourages direct contact with the team, access to the centre’s spaces and daily communication with educators.
Families can also participate in different activities at the centre, such as cooking workshops or reading moments with the children.
In addition to daily communication, we also share a personalised digital learning journal where families receive photos and videos of weekly activities and updates on their child’s development.
Throughout the year we organise different opportunities for families to meet individually with educators and talk about each child’s progress.
We also offer workshops for families on different topics related to early childhood.
