Childcare in Cambridgeshire for 4 - 11 year olds

Holiday clubs - After school clubs - Breakfast clubs at Girton Glebe Primary, Cambridge, Ridgefield Primary, Cambridge and Robert Arkenstall Primary, Haddenham

Childcare vouchers accepted

See the activity plans and book for holiday clubs.

Girton half-term
Girton summer
Ridgefield half-term
Ridgefield summer
Haddenham half-term
Haddenham summer

Termtime after school and breakfast clubs

Available at Girton, Haddenham, Ridgefield and Mayfield primary schools

Find out more about our clubs

Loose Parts at Smartkidz

Have you ever wondered why children can spend hours sitting in an old box when there is a pile of new toys waiting in the corner? Or, why you have to empty piles of sticks and stones from their school bag? The reason for this is closely linked to an approach to play known as…

Play Parks Vs Natural Play Spaces

Play Parks have been a feature of towns, cities and villages for decades. Without looking at one, I bet that you could close your eyes and guess at least nine out of any ten items in them. Apart from some changes in material, style and flooring, the main elements have remained the same. Not only…

What is a Play Leader at Smartkidz Play and Learn?

Working with children is well known as one of the most rewarding, challenging and multi-faceted jobs there is. Whether you work in a nursery, a school, a forest school or an after-school club, you will know that every day brings a new challenge. Despite the regular routines, no two days are ever the same.  At…

The High Price of Childcare in Cambridge and How to Get Value for Money

Childcare costs in Cambridge have hit a record high and are among the most expensive in the country. However, this isn’t the only financial challenge we face. Between 2006 and 2018, the cost of living increased by 2.4% each year. This rise created extra pressure on our wallets and bank accounts. We’ve had to become…

7 Outdoor Activities to Try This Winter

As the weather turns colder it is tempting to encourage children to stay indoors. However, getting outside is just as beneficial in the winter months as at any time of the year. If you embrace the outside opportunities available during the Winter, you will be amazed at the possibilities.  Many activities that are usually linked…

4 Great Reasons to Visit the Beach in Winter

As winter approaches, a trip to the beach is likely to be the last thing on your mind. Surprisingly, getting to the seashore could be just what you need to blow away the cobwebs and shake off the stress of the festive season. For both adults and children, the pressure and excitement that surround the…

5 Reasons we Love Our Summer Holiday Club

It can be hard make the right childcare arrangements sorted for the long Summer holidays. In the UK more children than ever are choosing to spend their time in holiday clubs. Throughout Cambridgeshire many of those children decided to spend their time at a Smartkidz holiday club. This year we had the best Summer ever!…

Why is Risk so Important for Child Development?

The thought of children being exposed to risk is one of many parent’s worst nightmares. Much of the focus of our time as parents is keeping our children safe and minimising risk. Isn’t that what makes a good parent? However, a report by the Natural Trust has revealed that keeping children safe has resulted in…

Why Should I Choose a Holiday Club this Summer?

For those of us who work full time, the approaching summer holiday can be a nightmare. We want to give our children an enjoyable break from a year of hard work but keeping them entertained or finding suitable childcare isn’t easy. However, there are lots of options out there and holiday clubs are among the…

PARS 4 Parents- The World of Playwork Practice

On Monday 8th July 2019 Dr Shelly Newstead, the founder of PARS Playwork, Common Threads and the International Journal of Playwork Practice, led a workshop entitled ‘PARS 4 Parents’. It was designed to give parents an understanding of the PARS approach taken by staff at Smartkidz Play and Learn. What is an adventure playground? The…

Photo of Smartkidz team with their playwork award nomination

Proud to be shortlisted for the National Frontline in Playwork Award 2019. 

Ofsted Logo

(See our Ofsted report for Girton)

(See our Ofsted report for Haddenham)

_A great after school and holiday club. Lots of play choices and lots of outdoor fun_ (1)

"Play is the business of children themselves." Paul Lambert 1974

A safe, children-centred ethos

We put the children’s safety and well-being above all else; putting their feelings and needs first in everything we do.