Specialist Play
We believe in the power of play to support a child’s development, aid communication and make memories.
By focusing on what your child can do, rather than any perceived limitations, our Play Team will support your child in reaching developmental milestones, expressing themselves and exploring the world around them.
About Specialist Play
Watch this short film to find out how our Specialist Play team can support your family.
Play Sessions
Our Play Team can provide play support for your child at:
We plan play sessions to meet the individual needs of your child, with specific aims and outcomes in mind. We have a wide range of specialist play equipment which can be used to support progress towards specific goals.
We can also use play to support your child if they have any fears or anxiety about their treatment or condition. We can use play as a distraction when your child is having an invasive treatment.
We offer play support for siblings too.
A big focus of our play support is based around making memories at every stage of our care services.
Learning to Communicate with Play
Communication is a vital part of our play services. If your child needs support to communicate effectively, our specialist team can use systems to teach your child how to communicate and express themselves. Some of the systems we use include:
- The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – enabling children to communicate without relying on speech by using cards with pictures and symbols.
- Makaton – a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable children to communicate.
- Eye Gaze – devices which enable children to use their eyes to communicate.
These advanced communications are introduced to your child through play, empowering them with choices and the ability to express their wants and feelings.
We provide dedicated play spaces where your child is in complete control of what happens, something which doesn’t happen often for a child with complex health conditions.
We can also help your family to learn how to play together by providing space, support and guidance to you.
Nelly's Playgroup - ages 0 to 5
Nelly’s Playgroup runs on Monday mornings (term-time) in The Ark. These fun sessions encourage babies and young children to learn through play and are able to make choices from planned and self-chosen activities. Siblings can also join in the fun and we invite parents/carers to stay and play. Afterwards join us for a buffet lunch and a cuppa in The Ark.
Please note: we do not offer transport to Nelly’s Playgroup.
- When: Monday mornings (term-time), 10am-12noon
- Where: The Ark
- Enquiries: Please email us
