SmarterPlay

A new parenting app for enhancing young children’s learning & experiences

SmarterPlay is a fantastic new app providing families in Kent (England) with exclusive free access to a range of opportunities and facilities to support them in the demanding and fun role of parenting their young children.

With up-to-date information from a range of locations and in-app tools, SmarterPlay offers families, ideas and information to enhance young children’s learning and experiences - literally at their fingertips!

Features of the SmarterPlay app include:

• Regular weekly pop-ups (Push Notifications), related to age of child, on fun ideas and activities to promote early learning related to the EYFS Development Matters statements

• Information and links to useful websites covering:

Special Moments – the importance of bonding and attachment

With baby

Movers and Shakers – the importance of physical activities

Again, Again & Again – recognising and understanding schemas

Relating to Others – the importance of forming relationships – social and emotional development

Tips for Talking – supporting and encouraging children’s ability to talk

Exciting Explorations – the wonders of playing with every day and non-expensive items

Rest, Routines and Relaxation – the importance of ensuring adequate rest and regular routines

• Making Memories – capture and annotate special moments, significant learning shared with families. Families could be encouraged to share these with you and add to their children’s Learning Journeys. A useful tool to support meaningful and individual planning.

• Family Friendly Places (geo-located) to visit including:

Country Parks

Children’s Centres

Zoos

Farms

Toilets

Nappy changing facilities

Pre-schools/nurseries

Parking facilities

Libraries

• Choosing Quality Childcare? Guidance and helpful hints on what to consider when selecting childcare

• Information on local early years providers and schools including link to Ofsted website for latest Ofsted inspection reports

• Free Childcare – access to information on funding and relevant forms

• Quiz - an interactive quiz for families highlighting the importance of supporting children’s development, well being and safety in a fun and inspiring way