Age Range: 0 – 15+ years
At Marble Hill Playcentres we believe that all children need to play and be active. Play is essential to the healthy, physical, social and emotional development of all children, and a fundamental part of childhood. Children with disabilities need to play as much as their non-disabled peers. Indeed the benefits of play and physical activity can be even greater than for other children so it is vital they do not miss out.
Positive experiences of play and physical activity can also enhance children and young people’s mental health by building up their confidence, self esteem and resilience. It is also through play, both in the community and at school, that children develop friendships and a sense of belonging to a peer group. Again, this is particularly important for children with additional needs, as they are frequently marginalised and/or overprotected.
On every first Saturday of the month (please see below as there are a couple of exceptions) throughout the year, from 10am – 11.45am the SENsational Saturday Club offers children from 0 – 15 years, with disabilities or additional needs, time to explore the Adventure Playground with their families/carers. And it’s FREE! SENsational Saturday sessions are also open and free to the siblings of children with additional needs. Siblings too, need the opportunity to choose to play either with their brother or sister or to have some, often much needed time to explore and engage in their own play.
Dates for 2024: 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September, 5th October, 2nd November, 7th December
Our sessions give parents and carers an opportunity to take some time out and chat to other parents while the children are free to explore, socialise and learn through play in a fun but safe environment. Over the years parents and carers have developed an active social group, sharing information and advice or just lending a friendly ear to each other.
Our experienced and dedicated playworkers are on site throughout the sessions to offer activities and offer a little respite for those who might need it. We make full use of all of the rope swings, cook together, build dens and get messy with lots of craft and making activities.
These sessions are free, but any donations you are able to make allow us to continue and improve this much loved and essential service to our local families.
Before you arrive
Everyone needs to register before entering the SENsational Saturday Club and PRE BOOK the session you wish to attend. This is also to provide us with information about usage that we need for our funders as well as to plan for the families that will be visiting us.
On your first visit, once you have registered and booked a session, you will be asked to show documentation relating to your child’s disability/additional needs (eg Disability Living Allowance letter, bank statement showing Disability Living Allowance, or a letter from a medical professional body confirming the diagnosis).
Our New Booking system is now live!
Click the button below “Book SENsational Saturday Club Sessions Here” to start.
Go to our Our Booking Help page for assistance.
Visiting Adults form
Please see the links below for more information local opportunities for children with disabilities and additional needs:
Opening Times & Entrance Fees
Term Time & School Holidays
Saturday 10am to 11.45am
Entrance Fee: FREE /DONATION
Testimonials
Praise for Marble Hill Playcentres
“I like that the children can have some independence supported by friendly staff and that there are options for different levels.”
“A safe secure place for me to go with multiple children where I know they can enjoy child-led play with set-ups and activities that change all the time to offer a great variety, and I can keep an eye on everyone whilst still being able to chat to other adults.”
“Freedom for the children to explore, independent play, range of activities, friendly staff in the 1oclock club”
“Meeting other parents whose children have SEND !”
“Being able to leave my child to play independently and make new friends “
“For the children, physical activity, sunlight and fresh air, and some time away from screens. Also, low-pressure opportunities to socialise with other children.”
“People understand if your child is having a meltdown – no one judges you”
“Being outside! We don’t have a garden so the outdoors he loves! So many toys and water play too!”
“Plenty for my son to do while I can supervise from a distance and have a chat to other parents.”
