Our Stay & Play sessions are for children with additional needs or disabilities aged between 0-11 years. The sessions are an opportunity for children to play with a range of toys and engage with others in a safe environment, with Allsorts staff on hand to deliver games and support parents.
Since November, Allsorts have run a session at Belmont School in Cheltenham. Six-year-old Lowell’s story is particularly positive.
After attending his first session in the autumn of 2023 and intially being quiet and reserved, Lowell has now “blossomed” according to his mother Anne-Marie, and is starting to interact and play with other children.
The session’s design, location and timing were major elements in attracting Anne-Marie and Lowell to the Cheltenham Stay & Play.
“The sessions appealed to us because it’s geared up for children with special needs,” explained Anne-Marie.
“It’s after school and just round the corner from us so we can walk there, the timing of it is great.
“We’d been going to soft play sessions for the general public and it’s not ideal for Lowell at all, due to his behaviour and the reaction of the other people around him.”
Lowell has formed positive relationships with Allsorts staff at the Stay & Play sessions, with our team’s experience with children with additional needs a key factor in supporting Lowell’s play experience.
“The Allsorts staff really understand him. In other things we’ve been to, the people there don’t necessarily understand why he might be behaving in the way he is.
“He loves it. It’s a fantastic session and facility to have available in Cheltenham. It would be a bitter loss if it weren’t available.”
What’s on offer at Cheltenham Stay & Play:
- Sensory toys to play with and borrow
- Soft play area, a sandpit and outdoor adventure playground
- Our amazing interactive Magic Carpet
- Sports and games with one of our coaches
- A chance to meet other local parents
- Fully accessible with a spacious toilet
“Lowell loves the soft play, he loves the variety of toys they have available. He likes the magic carpet and he loves being able to access the sand pit!”
Siblings and family members are welcome to the Stay & Play sessions, with the time also a good opportunity for parents to connect with others and share experiences.
Thank you to Cheltenham District Council for funding these sessions.
Come along and join the fun!
Our Cheltenham Stay & Play sessions recommence on Thursday 20th June, at Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham.
Starting at 3.30pm – finishing at 5.15pm, drop in anytime during these sessions. Booking is necessary, head to our activity bookings page to secure your spot.
If you’d like to speak to a member of the Allsorts team about our Stay & Play sessions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and contact us on 01453 750474.