Helpful Features

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Outdoor play can be great fun, it allows children to explore their environment at full throttle. When you’re outside you can engage your whole body, shout at the top of your voice, run as fast as you can, fall over, roll around and get filthy. However, there is a reason why children seem to go…

After school clubs are often overlooked and misunderstood. Many schools and families view them as a convenient necessity or as that extra bit tacked on to the end of a school day. However, they can much more than that. The staff at most after school clubs plan and prepare all year round to make that…

35 things to do outdoors this Summer: How many can you do? Smartkidz Summer Holiday Experiences Bingo With technology and electronic entertainment becoming more and more sophisticated children are finding new reasons to stay indoors. A recent study by the national trust found that children spend half the time playing outside that their parents did.…

Finding yourself without childcare at short notice can be a real nightmare. Has your annual leave been cancelled because of a work emergency? Have your usual childcare options fallen through? Sometimes even family or friends can let us down at the last minute. Did they forget to tell you that they’re away next week? Are…