Helpful Features
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…
Read MorePlay 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More7 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…
Read More4 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MorePlay Opportunities you can Provide at Home
At Smartkidz Play and Learn, our staff are trained in PARS Playwork practice. Their role is to protect and facilitate the act of play with little adult interference. Playwork allows the opportunity for play that promotes imagination and creativity, builds resilience through risk taking, aids social skills, and improves physical and mental health. In practice,…
Read More5 Benefits of Outdoor Play
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…
Read MoreAfter School Clubs: 5 things you didn’t know
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…
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