Our Story

Smart Steps was founded in September 2015 at Drumkeen National School with one clear aim — to provide reliable, high-quality school-age childcare for local communities.

The idea grew from a very real need. As a member of the local crèche committee at the time, Rebecca could see that many parents were struggling. There was no breakfast club provision locally, and afterschool care was limited to children up to age seven. Families with older primary school children were left with very few options.

With a professional background in childcare — and as a parent herself — Rebecca understood first-hand how essential dependable, structured support is for working families. In partnership with Drumkeen National School, Smart Steps began as a small, community-based service designed specifically with school-age children in mind.

A Service Designed for School-Age Children

From the outset, the goal was to create something different.

Many childcare services understandably focus on early years provision. Smart Steps was built to meet the distinct needs of older primary school children — offering an environment that respects their growing independence, creativity and social development.

Extensive research into international school-age childcare models led to the adoption of the recognised playwork approach that places children’s freely chosen play at the centre of their experience. This philosophy aligned fully with our vision and continues to shape how our services operate today.

Children at Smart Steps are not simply supervised — they are supported, listened to, and given space to explore, create and grow.

Growing with Purpose

Although Smart Steps began in one school, the intention was always to build a model that could be replicated — particularly in harder-to-reach rural areas where childcare provision can be limited.

Since 2015, Smart Steps has grown into a network of services supporting families across multiple school communities. What has never changed is our commitment to quality, reliability and strong partnerships with schools and parents.

Today, Smart Steps is supported by a dedicated team of over 40 qualified childcare professionals who work tirelessly to ensure children remain at the absolute centre of everything we do.

Rebecca Fleury founded Smart Steps after identifying a significant gap in school-age childcare provision within local communities. With a background in childcare and as a parent of four, she was determined to create a service specifically designed for older primary school children.

Since 2015, Rebecca has led Smart Steps with a strong focus on quality, partnership and child-centred practice — growing the organisation into a trusted network of services supporting families and schools across multiple communities.

As Founder and Practising Managing Director, she remains actively involved in service development, team leadership and maintaining the high standards that define Smart Steps today.

Founder & Managing Director - Rebecca Fleury

Meet our Founder

Recognition & Achievement

In November 2016, Smart Steps was awarded Best Start Up Business in the Donegal division of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition — an early recognition of the innovation and community impact behind Smart Steps.

While awards are valued, our greatest achievement remains the continued trust placed in us by the families and schools we support.

Rebecca Fleury and her husband David collecting the Best Start Up Business Award (IBYE), 2016.

Looking Ahead

As Smart Steps continues to grow, our focus remains clear — to provide safe, reliable, high-quality school-age childcare that supports children, families and school communities alike.

We are committed to strengthening existing partnerships, expanding thoughtfully into new communities and investing in our team and service development.

Our ambition is to build a sustainable, scalable model of school-age childcare that meets the evolving needs of modern school communities.

Because when children feel secure, valued and empowered, families and communities thrive.