Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd

Burford Way, Hitchin SG5 2UZ
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9.8 43 Reviews
  • Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd, Hitchin
Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd has been committed to providing exceptional care and education for children aged three months to five years since 1993.

The small and homely nursery offers a safe and stimulating environment that allows children to thrive. Children are divided into age groups, allowing each child to learn and grow at their own pace.

There are four different rooms for the age groups, which are carefully designed to ensure each child receives the right level of education at the right time, creating a sound learning foundation in their early years in readiness for starting school.

Smartys Day Nursery has an extremely loyal team, which Smartys are proud of; with majority of the staff members being part of Smartys from between 5 and 25 years.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Romina Whitelock (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Registered Charity Number

  • 1148733

Total Places for Children

  • 59

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Smartys continue to be part of the Government childcare support schemes (funded hours).
    The government funding can only be used for the core element of childcare hours provided and not for additional services such as food and other consumables.
    ?   Tax-Free Childcare Scheme - which is available to around 2 million households. You can open an online account which you can pay into to cover your cost of childcare, for every 80p you pay in the government will top up your account with an extra 20p. To find out more about this scheme please go to: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/childcare-schemes-interest-welcome
    ?   9-23 months free childcare – (Eligibility Criteria) for working families
    ?   Free early education for 2-year-olds (Eligibility Criteria) for working families and supported families
    ?   Free early education and childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds (15 universal hours) – All families
    ?   30 Free hours of free childcare (Eligibility Criteria) for working families

  • Fees are calculated either by: Per day, AM session (8am-1pm) or PM session (1pm-6pm) based on the attendance pattern taken.
    Additional hours, the Early bird 7.30am start and the Twilight finish of 6;30pm can be added onto the attendance pattern.
    Please refer to the nursery website for the current Fee Structure. The nursery fees are reviewed annually, around the month of April.
    Last Review Date: April 2025

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • There is a free public car park in front of the nursery.

Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd Reviews (43)

9.8

Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd has 43 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
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Total of 43, showing 1-20
Review from T D (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a very welcoming, nurturing nursery - staff are attentive and supportive of the children. They have supported my son's speech development very well. The children are very polite and help each other. My son always says please and thank you - I think this has been reinforced by the positive environment
at nursery. Both my kids are thriving there.
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Review from Holly C (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are absolutely thrilled with the care and attention our 3-year-old son receives at Smartys!From the moment we walked through their doors, we were greeted with warmth and kindness that immediately put us at ease.
The staff are not only incredibly friendly but also genuinely passionate about creating
a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the children. Every morning, my son is excited to go, and it's such a joy to see how happy and confident he has become since starting there.
The activities they plan are engaging and tailored to the children's interests, fostering creativity and development. It's clear that the team goes above and beyond to make every child feel valued and supported. As a parent, knowing that my son is in such capable and caring hands means the world to me.
I wholeheartedly recommend Smartys to anyone looking for a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for their little one.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you so much for your review, I still remember your show round visit with child number 1. It is important to me and the team that parents feel just as secure as the children. The children and…read more
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son joined in November 2022 at 1 year old and we have been delighted with the care and nurturing all staff have given him. He often talks about the adults, children and things he has done at nursery and we would definitely recommend Smartys to anyone!
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review, it means a lot to us as a team to hear feedback from our parents.
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Review from T R (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our boys have attended Smartys and have had a great time and been very happy! It's a lovely little nursery where staff are always professional, accommodating and genuinely care for the children through all the age groups. They always put so much effort into different craft and activities to keep
the children engaged.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review, having siblings attend Smartys is a testimony in itself but always lovely to hear parent feedback :)
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Review from Robert C (Father of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends Smartys 3 times a week. She is always excited to go and is met with the warmest of welcomes by the staff. She always goes in with a smile and comes out with a smile. Smartys always give us a full breakdown of what they have done during the day, the food she has eaten, etc... its
very reassuring to know she is looked after so well. And she loves to show us the creative things she has made there. Its really helping her develop. They have also highlighted to us where areas of learning are needed. Example being they expressed concern that she was a little behind with identifying shapes. This was greatly welcomed.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review. It is lovely that your daughter settled into nursery life so quickly and happily. It has been lovely seeing her personality and development growing :)
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Review from Bobby I (Father of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Finding the right nursery in Hitchin was a big deal for us, and Smarty's Day Nursery has exceeded all our expectations.
Our son absolutely thrives there, bounding in each morning to play with his friends. The staff are just exceptional - so attentive and genuinely interested in his development.
He
talks non-stop about the fun activities and his favourite carers. It's such a relief knowing he's in such capable hands. His sister, who joined more recently, has also settled in beautifully. The nursery provides a warm, nurturing environment, and it's clear they truly care. We're so pleased we chose Smarty's!
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review it is lovely to hear parents feedback. As a team it means a lot to us to know parents feel happy, just as well as their children. :)
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Review from Samantha R (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to Smartys, all the staff have been amazing with her through out her time in each room which makes me feel comfortable leaving her while at work.
The nursery always have some fun activities planned, parties etc and my daughters words have come on so well from being at Smartys.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review, it means a lot to us and the team. The happiness of the children (and their parents) is very important to us here at Smartys.
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Review from Louisa H (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been with Smarty's for 3.5 years and my Daughter for around a year. My Fiancé and I cannot fault the work the staff do to encourage learning and development but also to create a safe, nurturing and playful environment for the children.
We've grown a great relationship with the staff, as
have our children too!
Every day they attend nursery, we know they are in safe hands and being looked after, and cared for, to a very high standard.
We'd recommend Smarty's to anyone looking for a family like environment, where their children will develop and learn valuable skills.
We're so so grateful for the staff and all they do!
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you. Having siblings join us is always a testimony in itself, but to hear that you as parents are also happy with how both your children are at nursery is great to hear. We thrive on building…read more
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Review from Sheryl S (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremerly pleased with smartys my daughter appears to be doing so well. The staff are always brilliant with my daughter and I have really seen a big diffence in her confidence and also her knowledge of what she learns aways seems to amaze me. I am really grateful for smartys so thanks again.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review. Your ongoing support means a lot to me and the team.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Practitioners at Smartys are professional and caring. They help to make this stage an unforgettable experience for our child.
They are always happy to embrace and follow the parents' guidance, adapting their practice to a very similar routine that children have at home. Always in a daily full communication
with parents.
I am very happy that my child is there everyday.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you so much, How lovely of you :) we appreciate all your support.
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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at Smartys for 2 years and we have been very happy with the care he has received. He has been happy at drop-off and pick-up, and the staff are always friendly even after a long day! His learning journal is full of creative activities and we receive helpful updates about his development.
We especially like that the nursery is small enough that all of the staff know all of the children, even if they are not directly involved in their care.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Hello, Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciate all your support.
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Review from Duncan I (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They have a great team at Smartys, the children are all happy, stimulated, and have everything they need. There is good consistency in the staff so the children can feel settled and our daughter has spent 3 very happy years there.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Hello,Thank you so much for your kind words and support throughout the years of your daughter attending Smartys.
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Review from Cally F (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery my son loves attending here! He now knows lots of songs and has so much fun. The staff are always really friendly and helpful too.
His development has really progressed while being here
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your review, it means a lot to us and the team.
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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so lucky to send our two girls to Smartys. They have both flourished there and have such a wonderful time each day, playing and learning. The staff are like family and we have full and complete trust in their care.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
It is lovely when we have siblings with us. Thank you for your review, it means a lot to us and the team.
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Review from H G (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at Smartys Day Nursery since he was 10 months old (now 32 months old) and we have had a great experience with him going there. The workers are kind, helpful and down to earth. All the children there are happy to be dropped off and enjoy their days playing and learning.
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Review from V M (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son left Smartys after 3 happy years there. The staff are great and there isn't the high staff turnover that you see at other nurseries. The fact that the nursery is quite small is lovely for the kids and all of the adults seemed to know my son, even if they worked in a different room. It may not
be the shiniest and newest nursery around but I absolutely realised that is the least important thing. I would genuinely recommend the nursery to anyone as my son was so happy and well looked after there.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for your lovely view. It means a lot to us, especially as you are a previous parent/child of ours. Thank you again
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Review from Steph S (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one joined the nursery when he was just 1 year old and I have nothing but praise for Smartys!
They don't just "do a job" but they really get to know the children and care for their needs independently. Also, it's not just their individual key worker who gets to know the kids. All the staff
there seem to know all of the kids and what they've been up to throughout the day. It's always reassuring knowing that everyone will be looking after and caring for him when I drop him off in the morning.
One of the staff members took some (well-earned) annual leave and my boy asked me if we could "get a plane to fetch her back". Very sweet. He's also made a really nice bunch of friends there. Lovely place!
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
This is a lovely review, and really means the world to myself and the team. Thank you for taking the time to give us valued feedback.
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Review from G S (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Smartys have been absolutely fantastic with the care of my son since starting in December 2024. Everyone has paid so much care and attention to ensure he settles in well and enjoys his time at the nursery. My wife and I are so happy that we have a local nursery that is dedicated to providing
children with amazing care and knowing our child is safe, learning and having lots of fun.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
As a new family to Smartys, this is lovely that you have taken the time to give your feedback. To know you feel happy with the care and attention given during the initial transition to nursery is a…read more
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Review from E E (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Smartys has been a wonderful and nurturing nursery for my son. He has been there nearly 2 years and has developed so much. The staff are so lovely and caring and do so many brilliant activities in a day I pick up a very happy and tired child! I will also be sending my second child there when he turns
1.
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for taking the time to give us a review. Your feedback is valued and means a lot to us as a team. Thank you.
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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Smartys is a gem of a nursery, my two children have both thrived here (from 2021 to 2024). The manager and her team are incredibly hard-working and offer a fun and nurturing environment with a good range of activities and learning each day. Each child is assigned a key worker yet all staff know the
children very well and are happy, kind and supportive of each other. There is a relatively low staff turnover which I think is testimony to creating a consistent, engaging and positive environment for children. Thank you Smartys, we will miss you!
Reply from Romina Whitelock, Manager at Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Feedback is valuable to us all. We appreciate your positive comments and this review. It means a great deal to me and the team.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.833)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10 for Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.833 for Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (201 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 240 Ratings = 4.833
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd is based on 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 59 number of registered child places is 11.8, which has been reached with 20 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Meet the Team (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd

What is the Age Range of Children that Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd accepts?

Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd Open?

Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd have capacity for?

Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd has capacity for a total of 59 Children.

How far is Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd to the centre of Hitchin?

1.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Smartys Day Nursery (Hitchin) Ltd has an Enhanced Service - more info.