Soft play and sensory centre
Hi. I've set this up to discuss what we need in a new soft play and sensory facility in Barrow. Please feel free to give any comments.
Our next Parents and Carers Forum meeting is at 12.30 on Thursday 12 November at the Nan Tait Centre. At that meeting we will be discussing this in detail. Hopefuly, this blog will give people chance to discuss it before the meeting.
If you are the parent or carer of a child with a disability, you are welcome to join the discussion or attend the meeting.
It would be useful to know what are the most important issues we need to consider. I'll throw in my top priority that there must be no height restriction.
Thanks to Julie for the pics. I want one of those slides!
ReplyDeleteHi every one
ReplyDeleteThe trip to the space centre and soft play was a great success.
Both areas had different things to offer, from primary colour/neutral, children enjoyed both while others had a preference, the more neutral colours could be changed with lighting as a preference, or it might be good to incorporate both ideas.
it was also the same with music, although the space centre had more variety and a more soft winding down track which was excellent. One thing to watch for is that all tracks are copied at the same volume as this posed a slight problem in the space centre. The music was also easily controlled by a carer or parent.
Both centres had a hoist which is absolutely essential for the less able children It may be an idea to place some of the floor or wall low level interactive activities in the area of the hoist.
The therapeutic warm water bed was beautiful and so relaxing for less able children and carers and a great winding down space for any child/adult. The surrounding mirrors were also great. All agreed that we definitely need one or two of these. Like the hammocks this was very popular with children of all abilities, also great for carers to relax.
There was a massage bed in the safe space area which was too harsh in parts but with thicker covering and raised slightly, this could definitely work for therapeutic sessions for all ages.
The interactive lighting and music equipment which was inbuilt into floor and walls was a great hit. also the interactive weather board with sound and senses. Some of the equipment was on the wall at a very low level for children who can not sit are less able also the underfoot sights and sounds could also help.
The slide was a huge success, so safe and wide enough for carers to access with the children. All ages loved this one including adults. Even the younger ones felt safe enough to attempt this alone upside down back to front they were so confident. it was great for exercise and exploring the upper platform, where there was more interactive equipment. I think the leisure centre should definitely have one of these.
The hammocks were great fun and provided a singular space for those who just wanted a quiet moment swinging around in comfort and safety. We need a few of these as children stayed on this for a long period which proved it was a very popular item.
The tunnels under the stage were great all ages enjoyed these as they had lighting and mirrors inside. The entrances needed to be bigger for easy access for young adults as it was quite cramped and the older ones really liked this space, also would make it easier for carers to enable them to interact or to get a child out if necessary.
Some children were ready to explore this space but it was too dark, it would be good if there were two components to this area with one being lighter. This may encourage the less confident or those with impaired sight to explore.
The stage was great to explore at a slightly higher level, it had interactive wall equipment at different levels and a small slide at the side. Many of the children enjoyed this area with confidence. Some just sitting on the edge dangling their feet and others taking large balls up to play with.
Seating areas
There were some very funky seating for children just to relax or carers to observe the children. There is also seating in the Rompa catalogue which incorporates bubble tubes.
The projected image of the room was displayed on a blank wall, the children loved watching their own images, or film to music it was great fun.
I tried most of the equipment just for the experience it was great fun and very safe. The whole experience was fantastic every child should have one!
i am sorry we missed the fantastic experience, but we will be there next time. it looks like there is something for everyone
ReplyDeletejonathan and mandy
We are now hoping that the soft play and sensory facility will be in the Park Leisure Centre. A report is going to Barrow Council's Executive in March. Watch this space for more details.
ReplyDeleteIf you manage to come across this page and wonder what happened, get yourself over to Barrow Sports Council's website. There you will see pictures of the new soft play and sensory room that will be open soon.
ReplyDelete