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Welcome to Smartkidz Play and Learn, where we are dedicated to providing exceptional out-of-school care that empowers children to lead their own play and develop in a nurturing environment.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore, create, and make decisions independently, with supportive guidance from our trained staff when needed.
At Smartkidz Play and Learn, our mission is to foster a child-led community where play is at the forefront of a child’s development.
We are committed to creating spaces where children can express themselves freely, engage in meaningful play, and build lifelong skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.
Our goal is to support each child’s unique journey by providing an environment that is safe, stimulating, and rich in opportunities for exploration.
We provide a comprehensive range of childcare services designed to meet the needs of families in the Girton area. Our clubs include:
Smartkidz Play and Learn was founded by Adam Smart, whose journey began with taking over the afterschool club at Girton Primary School. Adam was inspired by the principles of Forest School and playwork, which emphasize the importance of child-led activities and minimal adult intervention. He saw the potential for creating a space where children could be the masters of their own play, exploring the world around them with curiosity and creativity.
From this initial vision, Smartkidz was born, with the first club quickly gaining a reputation for its innovative approach to childcare. Adam’s commitment to fostering an environment where children can develop at their own pace, make their own decisions, and engage in play that is personally meaningful has guided the growth of Smartkidz into the thriving organisation it is today.
At Smartkidz, we believe that play is an essential part of a child’s development. Our approach is grounded in the PARS model of playwork practice, which focuses on supporting children’s play without directing it. This means that our staff are trained to observe and respond to children’s needs in real-time, making decisions about when and how to intervene based on each individual situation.
Our settings are designed to offer a wide range of play opportunities, from creative arts and crafts to physical activities and outdoor exploration. We provide loose parts and open-ended materials that encourage children to use their imagination and invent their own games. Whether it’s building dens, climbing trees, or creating art, we believe that the best play is child-led and driven by the children’s own interests and ideas.
While the full details of our ethos are explored on our dedicated page, the core of what we do can be summed up in our commitment to child-led play. We believe that children are the experts in their own play and should have the autonomy to decide how they spend their time.
Our role is to facilitate this process, providing the resources, environment, and support that allow children to explore their world safely and freely.
We understand that every child is unique, with their own interests, strengths, and ways of interacting with the world. Our approach is flexible and responsive, ensuring that each child feels respected and valued as they navigate their play journey.
The heart of Smartkidz Play and Learn is our dedicated team of playworkers. Our staff are carefully selected not only for their qualifications and experience but also for their passion for working with children.
Each team member is trained in the PARS model and is committed to our ethos of supporting child-led play. They are skilled in creating an environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and free to express themselves.
Our team works closely with the schools we operate in, ensuring that we maintain strong relationships with teachers and parents. This collaboration helps us to provide a seamless experience for children, whether they are transitioning from the classroom to our after school club or joining us for a full day during the holidays.
Choosing Smartkidz Play and Learn means choosing a childcare provider that is dedicated to nurturing your child’s growth and development through play. We offer:
At Smartkidz Play and Learn, we are committed to providing an environment where children can thrive, explore, and enjoy their time outside of school. We believe that play is not just an activity but a vital part of childhood that shapes who children become.
We invite you to become part of the Smartkidz community. Whether your child joins us for breakfast, after school, or during the holidays, they will find a welcoming space where they can play, learn, and grow.
Thank you for considering Smartkidz Play and Learn as your partner in childcare. We look forward to welcoming your child to our vibrant community of play!
