Flexible, play-based wrap-around care - delivered directly from your child’s school.

Smart Steps is a dedicated school-age childcare provider delivering services directly from primary schools across County Donegal.

• Specialist school-age focus

• 10+ years of experience

• Open 8am–6pm

• Up to 50 weeks per year

• Nutritious hot meals included

• Child-led playwork approach

• Delivered directly from your child’s school

Why Families Choose Smart Steps

As Donegal’s largest specialist school-age childcare provider, Smart Steps brings over a decade of experience supporting primary schools across the county

Children are at the centre of everything we do. Our child-led approach ensures their voices are heard, respected and valued — creating environments that genuinely belong to them.

We create warm, welcoming spaces where children feel safe, confident and excited to attend. The result is simple: children genuinely love coming to Smart Steps.

We work in close partnership with school leaders to ensure our services align with each school’s ethos, policies and community needs.

Our well-resourced settings reflect a wide range of interests, ages and abilities — from creative arts and construction to outdoor play, STEM activities and quiet relaxation spaces.

Breakfast Club

Afterschool

After a calm and welcoming start to the day, children can enjoy a nutritious breakfast, connect with friends and take part in engaging activities before school begins.

Our Breakfast Club helps take the pressure out of busy mornings — ensuring children arrive in class settled, energised and ready to learn.

After a full day of learning and concentration, our team welcomes children into a relaxed, friendly environment where they can unwind and be themselves.

Our Afterschool programme balances structured activities with free play, giving children genuine choice in how they spend their time. Whether it’s creative projects, outdoor games, group challenges or quiet homework support, every afternoon is shaped around fun, friendship and flexibility.

With nutritious hot meals provided and extended opening hours until 6pm, parents can feel confident knowing their children are cared for in a safe, familiar school setting.

Term Time Services on Offer at Smart Steps

Why Families Return Every Summer:

✔ Full-day 8am–6pm cover
✔ 8 week programme
✔ Nutritious hot meals and all snacks included
✔ Child-led approach
✔ Familiar, friendly setting
✔ Experienced and vetted team

Summer Fun!

Mid-Term Camps

During Haloween & Easter breaks, our Mid-Term Camps provide full-day care in a fun, energetic and play based environment.

Each week is carefully planned with themed activities, sports, creative projects and group games — ensuring children stay active, engaged and excited throughout the holidays.

Out of Term Services

Summer at Smart Steps

Summer holidays — done properly.

Our Summer Programme provides full-day, specialist school-age childcare in a vibrant, professionally run environment designed specifically for children up to 13 years of age.

Open Monday to Friday from 8am–6pm, we provide reliable, consistent full-day cover throughout the summer break — with flexible booking options to suit busy family life.

Everyday brings something new.

During Summer, children enjoy a carefully balanced programme that includes:

• Arts & Crafts
• Music & Drama
• Sports & Team Games
• Outdoor Adventures
• STEM & Creative Play
• Cooking & Baking
• Themed Activities (e.g. Olympics)
• Free Play & Dedicated Chill-Out Spaces

At Smart Steps, children are not simply supervised — they are empowered to make choices, lead play and shape their own summer experience.

Our child-led playwork approach ensures children have genuine choice in how they spend their time, encouraging confidence, independence and lasting friendships.

Nutritious hot meals are provided daily, and our experienced, vetted team create a safe, inclusive environment where children feel valued and excited to return each morning.

And yes — there’s plenty of old-fashioned summer fun thrown in too!