Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Stone, Staffordshire
Established in 1997, Smartys Day Nursery is a family-run business with over 25 years of experience in delivering high-quality childcare across Staffordshire. We specialise in creating age-appropriate, nurturing environments that prioritise play-based learning and holistic development. Our team of highly qualified staff, including an education coordinator with early years teacher status, ensures each child receives tailored care and educational support. With five dedicated nursery buildings and a Forest School programme, we provide unique spaces for exploration and growth. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures our staff maintain exceptional standards of care.We offer flexible options including term-time-only placements, funded places, and 52-week care. Parents are encouraged to visit and experience our warm, inclusive atmosphere firsthand. Our vision is to prepare children for future learning through curiosity, independence, and real-life experiences. We pride ourselves on being Stone's largest childcare provider, trusted by generations of families through word-of-mouth recommendations. Our values of laughter, learning, and love underpin every aspect of our practice.
Services
Childcare
Preschool Programmes
After-School Clubs
Funded Placements
Healthy Meals
Forest School
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of proven childcare expertise in Staffordshire
- Five dedicated age-specific nursery buildings with outdoor spaces
- Experienced team including early years teacher status holder
- Flexible funding options including government-funded placements
- Forest School programme for nature-based learning
Services
Childcare
Our childcare services provide safe, stimulating environments for children aged 0-5. Each nursery building is specifically designed for different developmental stages, offering age-appropriate resources and activities. With a 25-year track record in Stone, our experienced team delivers care that balances structured learning with free play. We maintain low staff-to-child ratios to ensure individual attention and foster emotional security.
Preschool Programmes
Our preschool programmes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with a unique curiosity-driven approach. Children engage in sensory exploration and purposeful play activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The curriculum incorporates Forest School principles to encourage outdoor learning and environmental awareness. Qualified educators track progress through individual learning journals.
After-School Clubs
We offer flexible after-school care for children up to age 11 at our Pirehill First School location. The service includes homework support, creative activities, and outdoor play. Sessions run from school finish until 6:00pm daily, with full-day provision during school holidays. Our staff create a relaxed environment where children can unwind while continuing their learning journey.
Funded Placements
We provide 15-30 hours of government-funded childcare for eligible families. Our team assists parents with funding applications and offers flexible booking options. Funding can be combined with additional paid hours to suit working parents' schedules. We ensure all funded placements maintain the same high standards of care and educational input.
Forest School
Our Forest School programme delivers nature-based education for children aged 3-5. Qualified leaders facilitate outdoor activities that develop resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Sessions include den-building, nature crafts, and supervised risk-taking in a woodland setting. This approach complements our indoor curriculum by extending learning into natural environments.
People
Bethany Smartys
Senior Management Team
With over 20 years in early years education, Bethany oversees operational standards across all nursery settings. Her leadership focuses on maintaining high-quality care while implementing innovative teaching approaches that align with current research.
Janet Smartys
Senior Management Team
Janet contributes to strategic decision-making with her extensive experience in childcare management. She works closely with staff teams to ensure consistent delivery of the nursery's educational philosophy across all age-specific settings.
Grace Smartys
Site Manager
As Bungalow Site Manager, Grace leads the baby room team with specialist knowledge in infant development. She ensures the youngest children receive tailored care that supports their crucial early developmental milestones in a nurturing environment.
Vicky Smartys
Site Manager
Vicky manages the Pirehill Pre-School, focusing on smooth transitions to formal education. She coordinates with local schools to align learning approaches and prepares children for their next educational stage through structured readiness programmes.
Sandra Smartys
Site Manager
Sandra leads one of the main nursery settings, combining her passion for early years education with practical management expertise. She mentors staff while maintaining direct involvement in daily childcare operations and parent engagement.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, 52 weeks a year excluding bank holidays.
Do you offer flexible childcare options?
Yes, we provide term-time-only, full-year, and combination placements to accommodate different family needs.
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 11 years across our age-specific nursery buildings and after-school provision.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we offer nutritionally balanced meals and snacks prepared on-site by our dedicated kitchen team.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines play-based learning with Forest School principles, focusing on individual progress through observation and tailored activities.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Absolutely, we encourage prospective parents to book a tour to experience our facilities and meet the team.
Reviews (2)
Rachel McCue
Apr 25, 2015
Report
Experienced our first jump and jingle session Disney party this morning and it was fab!! Thanks girls!! These girls do a fab job and I would defo recommend joining them on any Saturday morning you have spare. Well worth it for both children and parents :). Thanks for having us girls!! Xx
Rachel Reynolds
Apr 18, 2015
Report
Absolutely fantastic music and movement session with such lovely fun girls. There enthusiasm and knowledge on music is fabulous. One of the teachers even holds a degree in music. There's a different theme each week with lots of different equipment to explore and play with. Music and singing is such an important part of a young child's development and introducing it at such a young age is extremely beneficial to the child. Keep up the excellent work Alex and Charlotte.
