Smart St
Smart Start Nurseries & Preschool
Member since Nov 2022 Last Updated Apr 2025 Last Login 20 Apr 2025
Our Summary
Quality Childcare And Early Learning – Where Every Child Thrives
About Us
At Smart Start Underwood Lane, we provide a nurturing, educational environment for children aged 9 months to 4 years through our unique family grouping approach, where children of various ages learn and grow together, fostering sibling-style connections. We also offer before and after-school care for children attending Underwood Academy, as well as holiday clubs for children aged 2-11.
Our facilities include our very own indoor play centre, an all-year indoor sandpit, a sensory den, and a cozy sleep area, outdoor play area, role play area, messy room and an abundance of fun learning activities.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING INFORMATION.
What Government Early Education Funding Covers – and What It Doesn’t
The government provides funded early education for eligible children to ensure access to basic, high-quality early years education as outlined in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework. However, this funding is not intended to cover all aspects of a child’s care or the full running costs of a nursery.
we are passionate about delivering more than the minimum. That’s why we offer an enhanced, all-inclusive experience that goes far beyond the basic funded entitlement — with no hidden top up fees.
What Government Funding Does Cover:
Core early education aligned with the EYFS
Qualified early years staff delivering planned learning activities
Use of the setting during funded hours
Developmental tracking, observations, and progress summaries
What Government Funding Does Not Cover (But We Provide as Part of Our Fees:
To offer a truly enriching, exciting and well-rounded experience, we provide the following extras that are not included in government funding.
These are covered in your nursery fees or optional contributions:
What’s Included in Our Fees:
Creative Arts & Craft Supplies
High-quality resources for daily crafts
Special seasonal creations (e.g. Christmas cards, Easter crafts)
Keepsake art projects and gifts for parents
Celebrations & Special Events:
Birthday celebrations and party games
Cultural and religious celebration days
Dress-up and themed activity days (e.g. World Book Day, Superhero Day)
Graduation ceremonies and end-of-term parties
Cooking & Sensory Play:
Baking and food-prep sessions with ingredients provided
Sensory-rich activities (slime, water beads, foam, textured play)
Multicultural tasting experiences
Outdoor & Nature Experiences:
Forest school-style learning
Gardening activities (planting seeds, exploring nature)
Nature-based crafts and eco-themed days
Indoor Soft Play Area:
Dedicated indoor soft play centre, Climbing frame, soft mats, and a slide
A safe space for physical development and active fun, even on rainy days
Access to Baby's Days Parent Portal:
Personal login for each parent/carer
View your child’s learning journey, daily photos, and observations
Receive instant app notifications for:
Nappy changes
Sleep times
Accidents and incidents
Daily routines and updates
Educational Enhancements:
Premium learning tools (story sacks, STEM resources, sensory toys)
Music and movement sessions
Visits from external professionals (e.g. animal workshops, storytellers)
Everyday Essentials & Comfort:
Healthy snacks and drinks
Hygiene supplies (wipes, tissues, sun cream)
Transparent, All-Inclusive Fees
At Smart Start, we believe in clear and honest pricing. That means:
No surprise charges
No hidden top-up fees
Everything is explained upfront
Extras are included in your standard nursery fees. We’re committed to providing high-quality care that supports your child’s learning, wellbeing and happiness every step of the way.
Our Availability
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Morning | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Afternoon | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
After School | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Evening | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Overnight | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
Last Updated: 18/04/2025 |
Our Fees
- Childcare from £54.00 per day
- Childcare from £27.00 per morning
- Childcare from £27.00 per afternoon
We spread the funding over 48 weeks of the year to offer continuity of care for all children.
Using 30 hour funding (stretched 23.75)
Morning Session - Monday - Friday 0800-1245
Afternoon Session - Monday - Friday 1300-1745
3 days per week minimum contract - 0800-1600
Using 15 hour funding (stretched 12)
Morning session - Monday - Friday 0900-1130
Afternoon session - Monday - Friday 1200-1430
3 days per week minimum contract - 0800-1200
Children can access the setting Monday - Friday 0800-1800
Please contact us for prices that fall outside the funded hours
Our Documents
- Ofsted Certificate (added 17/08/2023)
Reviews

Latest reviews
Below are the latest reviews for Smart St. Please note that reviews represent the subjective opinions of other Childcare.co.uk members and not of Childcare.co.uk. Parents must carry out their own checks and references on childcare providers to ensure that they are completely happy before enaging in the use of their services.
I was a little worried about my little girl starting a nursery in general as any parent would be! But she settle in so fast as all the staff there are so friendly and amazing! I couldn’t have picked a better place for her to start! She wakes up every morning asking to go in and see her friends including the staff and names each of them! Couldn’t recommended this nursery enough! There amazing x
by
Kym
on 08/10/2024
My daighter started September 2022, and needed a little more time to settle in than the other children. They helped me split up her settling in sessions into one hour blocks to help with the transition and it worked so well for her. 13 months later she's absolutely thriving and coming on leaps and bounds. Couldn't thank the girls and owner enough.
by
Megan
on 07/10/2024
My daughter is 2 and started back in April! And I can tell you thanks to the nursery’s help she has grown into such a lovely little girl! They provide such wonderful care and support for you and your child I would recommend them definitely! My daughters favourite staff members have to be Tiff and Hollie she speaks about them regularly 🩷
by
Reb24
on 07/10/2024
Am so glad I found the right nursery for our little boy he wasn't settling in to well in a another nursery at all and since being here he's coming on so much he even like it and he's been here since September the teacher are very lovely and helpful 😀
by
Sarah
on 07/10/2024
I cannot recommend a nursery setting enough. Both my daughters ages 2&3 attend smart start. Ada-May’s speech and social skills have come a long way since starting in this setting, Addyson-River’s speech and fine motor skills have improved incredibly too. The staff are the friendliest & most caring staff you’ll meet to date. Welcoming your children at the gate ready for the day ahead. I’ve never seen so many children excited to go to nursery. I will be sad to see Ada-May leave next year for big school, but I know Addyson-River will be looking forward to her 2nd year there. Smart start nursery take great pride in their attendance, their pupils, their presentation of the nursery, their hygiene, they’re brilliant at comforting children & encouraging potty training. Lunches are always healthy, updates are always sent on the nursery chat. Diaries are always up to date every single day, without fail. If you’re needing a place in a nursery setting and you’re unsure of where to go, I 110% recommend Smart Start Nursery. Without hesitation.
by
Chelsea
on 07/10/2024
My boy has, and continues to, absolutely thrive here because of the environment and amazing staff. I couldn't imagine my child and myself reviving the same level of care and support had we been somewhere else and I am forever grateful for everyone here, in particular the manager Demi!
by
Shannon
on 07/10/2024
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