Our Ethos
“Smartkidz Play and Learn” is out of school care with a difference.
At Smartkidz we believe that children are the masters of their own play and should therefore be free to play with as little adult intervention as possible. This means that children use their own initiative and imagination to decide how they spend their time in our clubs.
Our staff use the PARS model of playwork practice which means that they make instantaneous decisions about whether and how to intervene according to each and every different situation as it happens.
Smartkidz staff encourage children in making their own decisions about how they play and who they play with and support children in making those decisions when appropriate.”
Find out more about what we offer by reading our Parent Handbook.
We provide breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday clubs at four schools:
Is your school in need of high quality wrap around care provision?
We can offer you high-quality breakfast clubs, after school clubs or holiday clubs, depending on the needs of your school. We use PARs Playwork and areas of the Forest School approach to create a unique play experience.
To learn more about us and what we can do for your school, visit our Provision for Schools page:
Messages from Parents
My daughters attended Ridgefield half term club today. One is aged 4 and the other 6. They did not know any other children there so I wondered how they would get on.Both girls returned home with handfuls of crafts they had made, full of smiles , stories about their day and eager to go back another day! They loved it!
I was pretty anxious about breakfast club and then school holidays with it being my sons 1st year of school and coronavirus putting a spanner in the works for everyone and not being able to meet anyone face to face before it all. However my son has been so happy, he asks if its breakfast club every day and is disappointed if it isn't. He also asks when he can do smartkidz all day (holiday club) he counts down and genuinely loves it.
Our girls (4 and 9) have just done 3 mornings at Girton. It's their first time at a holiday club and they absolutely loved it! So much so they have asked to go back in the Easter holidays.
Thank you very much to all the amazing staff. We will be back!
Amazing , my very busy 5 year old has just done 3 days at ridgefield holiday club and he had a fantastic time , so many activities he loved , the trip was great and very well organised , really recommend and will continue to use.
Well done to all the staff!
A great after school and holiday club. Lots of play choices and lots of outdoor fun - even in February. Enjoyed by both of my children - one who goes to GG and one who doesn't. Lots of children from other schools in holidays but everyone plays together.
Not unusual for my children to come home worn out by running around outside all day.
"Play is the business of children themselves." Paul Lambert 1974
What Impact Has COVID Had on Children and Their Play?
During lockdown, our lives and the lives of our children, including their play, looked very different. Some reports refer to our children as the “Covid Generation” but what exactly has been the impact on our children and how could play make all the difference to their future? How Did Play Look Different During the Pandemic?…
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Gun Play: Is it good for children?
Children playing with toy guns or creating guns as part of their play can be seen as a complex issue. In the light of regular violent crimes reported on the news, adults may be concerned and even fear that play could turn into reality. However, gun play can also provide an important opportunity for children…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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!…
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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…
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