Quieter play sessions to benefit youngsters
A Perthshire adventure play centre has partnered with a local charity to provide the best experience possible for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and their parents.
Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley is working closely with its official charity partner, Perth Autism Support (PAS), to introduce dedicated play sessions for children with ASN.
The quieter sessions, which will take place in the adventure park’s brandnew treehouse-themed indoor play facility initially, will offer the children the opportunity to play and have fun in a calm sensory environment.
The first three sessions in collaboration with PAS will run today (May 12), June 2 and June 23, all from 5-6.15pm.
The quieter sessions will also be available for children with additional support needs in the local community who are not involved in PAS programmes currently.
A series of workshops are being planned by PAS to take place in the outdoor adventure park at Active Kids during the school holidays this summer and the team is looking to develop sensory backpacks for the children to use when visiting.
PAS will also be delivering ‘Practical Understanding of Autism’ training sessions for the Active Kids’ team, all to help aid staff so they are able to provide support to all children who come through their doors.
The team at Active Kids is passionate about ensuring the play environment is as inclusive, safe and fun as it can be.
Rowland Thomson, business manager at Active Kids Adventure Park, said: “It has been fantastic working with the team at Perth Autism Support and we are delighted to be introducing regular ASN sessions in our new indoor playground.
“When the indoor play facility was designed, the child’s experience was always at the forefront of our minds. It has been wonderful seeing how the space can offer all children a fun, challenging and immersive experience.
“We hope the children from PAS have the best time at the sessions.”
Also, as part of the partnership, Active Kids will be working with Perth Autism Support’s Employability and Transitions team to schedule work experience for young people preparing to go into employment.
Founded in 2011, PAS provides support to autistic children and young people up to the age of 18 and their families across Perth and Kinross and Tayside.
Angie Ferguson, chief executive of Perth Autism Support, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Active Kids and for our young people to be able to utilise and enjoy the indoor play facility as part of the planned ASN sessions.’’
For anyone interested in booking a quieter session, capacity is limited and adult supervision is required.
To book, or to register interest, email sales@activekid.co.uk.