Playtime is the most fun time!
Playtime at Smarties is 100% child centered, all activities are planned around each child’s individual needs and preferences. We strongly believe that children learn most through play and observation, so setting a good example is paramount.
We offer a range of fun activities and try to take advantage of our rural surroundings as much as possible, such as trips to the local farms, nature walks and trips to the local park.
Click on an area of nursery to find out more!
Baby area -
An Aladdin's cave of bright and exciting things to do.
Everything in the baby room is at eye level enabling even the littlest of folk to explore.
We have a low ratio of 1 adult to 2 children under 1 year of age, ensuring babies feel safe and are receiving the close care they need at this young age.
All the toys are age and stage appropriate enabling children to learn from their surroundings.
Care routines are individual and tailored to babies home routines.
Babies explore at a sensory level so there is lots of activities where babies can feel different textures and listen to sounds……oh and a lot of mess !
2 years and over
At this age children need a little more structure, we have in place a daily routine which is flexible and can be adapted to meet individual needs.
All the toys are age and stage appropriate and at the children’s level ensuring easy access.
Role play plays an important part of children’s learning and development, children learn through observation and make sense of these experiences through role play, to support this we have a home corner as well as dolls, dressing up and tool bench.
Quiet and rest time is also an important part of children’s development. Our quiet area is a relaxing place where children can sit on beanbags and look at a book, or do quiet activities such as jigsaws or even take a nap.
We have much more to offer so come and take a look!
Messy area
Need I say more…..this is where the messy stuff happens!
* water play * sand play
* gloop * jelly play
* arts and crafts * body painting
Messy play encourages hand eye coordination, fine motor skills and language as well as giving a firm foundation for investigation of different materials and tools as well as extending children’s knowledge and understanding of the world.
Garden area
Living in such a rural area we like to make the most of the outdoors.
We have a large garden with a decked area for those rainy days.
Our vegetable garden will enable children to grow their own vegetables promoting healthy eating and healthy choices. Jemima, Audrey and their friends are our resident chickens, we have 10 in total as well as 1 cockerel. The children will be able to collect eggs and even experience hatching chicks.