Babies deepen their understanding of the world around them through sensory discovery and gentle play. Sensory bags full of natural products and everyday items allow them to hold and explore different shapes, weights, sizes, textures and colours. Older children also enjoy creative play with paint, play dough and pasta shapes.

Independence is encouraged with free access to resources and our large garden area. And, after a busy morning of exploring and learning, there’s time to recharge. We know how important naps are, and make sure that when they need it, children can sleep.

As their story begins to take shape, growing toddlers are given the time and space to be more independent, discover and learn. Children make friends, learn to play alongside each other and become more aware of the world around them. Our experienced educators encourage language development too, starting with simple sounds and building to sentences.

Toddlers explore activities to suit their interests such as imaginative play, arts and crafts, music, cooking, water and sand play as well as lots of time outdoors. They’re encouraged to help set the table for lunch and care for two additional members of Smart Start - our pet budgies Jelly and Olaf.

With growing confidence and ability, we prepare our pre-school children for the learning journey ahead with a focus on phonics, numbers and social skills. They’ll continue to develop and learn through play too and still be assigned a key person during this time.

Children spend their final year at Smart Start getting ready for primary school. By this time, they have made firm friendships and have experienced our learning environment in full throughout the year. They leave us as independent, curious and confident learners, ready for the next chapter of their own story.