Book a session
In order to access sessions at Swings & Smiles, you will need complete our registration form in advance of your first visit. You will then be issued with a timetable and will be able to book sessions for your family. All sessions must be booked in advance, and as we do get busy we'd recommend booking at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
Swings & Smiles is committed to providing you and your family with a unique family play experience here in West Berkshire. By completing our assessment form this means our professional play leaders and support staff will be able to provide a rich and safe play experience each time that you visit. Please be assured this information will be held securely. Parents are more than welcome to come for a visit prior to bringing their family if they wish to check out the facilities in advance.
Alternatively, please return the completed assessment form by post to Swings & Smiles, A Place to Play, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3RR. We process assessment forms on a weekly basis. Each form will be assessed by a panel and you will then be advised of which sessions will be suitable for your family, and provided with our timetable so that you can book using the options below.
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If you have any questions about our assessment process please email office@swingsandsmiles.co.uk.
How to book
After you have completed your form and received confirmation of your assessment you will be able to book to attend Swings & Smiles. All sessions must be booked in advance and the best way to do this is by emailing us at office@swingsandsmiles.co.uk. Someone from the team will be in touch as soon as they can to confirm your booking.
Sometimes we will be able to take last minute or on the day bookings, if you would like to enquire about a last minute booking please call us on 01635 285170.
Due to growing numbers and increasingly busy sessions, we've recently made some changes to our registration process. We now require all families to complete our registration form in advance of visiting and use the booking process detailed above.
Our sessions
We'd love for you to come and join us for one of our sessions! We're open seven days a week and throughout term times and school holidays. We are always listening to feedback from our families so if you think there’s something missing from what we are offering, let us know and we’ll see what we can do.
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Our timetable is now issued each term. Please find the Winter timetables below:
We require all families to complete a Registration Form before their first visit, you will then be advised as to which sessions will be best for your family. Below is a brief overview of the sessions we offer.
Overview of our sessions
Reach out to office@swingsandsmiles.co.uk for more information on our sessions
Minis
Join us for a fun-filled, friendly under 5’s group designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. It’s a wonderful chance for little ones to play, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive space – and for parents to connect with others who truly understand.
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Home Education Group
We are delighted to be working with Clare Beynon, a qualified Advanced Skills Teacher (AST), who will be leading project style learning to small groups of home educated students. Our aim is to offer a broad range of skills taught informally. Each project will have a clear learning objective, delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment without the pressure of a set approach, that encourages creativity, independence, and, above all, fun!
Family Play
Play is at the heart of everything we do. Our sessions give children with SEND and their families a warm, welcoming space to explore new activities, build friendships, and enjoy time together. We’re open on weekdays (Wednesdays 3–5pm and Fridays 3:30–5:30pm, term time), weekends, and throughout the school holidays.
Therapeutic Family Play
Therapeutic Family Play sessions offer a gentle, sensory‑friendly environment ideal for our pink and purple members who benefit from a quieter space. These sessions cost £5 per family and provide a soothing setting where families can spend meaningful time together through calming, guided activities that support emotional wellbeing and connection. It’s a nurturing experience designed to help children relax, explore, and engage at their own pace.
Respite
Swings & Smiles offers exciting respite sessions for children aged 5 and over, filled with fun, friendship, and engaging activities like music, cooking, and creative play led by our fantastic Play Leaders. These sessions run twice a month on Saturdays and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during school holidays, with morning sessions from 9:30am to 1:00pm (£45) and afternoon sessions from 1:45pm to 4:30pm (£35).
Youth Club
This group is aimed at children who attend a special needs school or resource unit, that are able to communicate their needs to the staff and use the toilet independently. The group aims to give children the opportunity to find common interests with like minded peers, form friendships and have fun together.
Open Play Wednesdays
Open Play is a relaxed, family‑style session for children with SEN and Disabilities aged 5–19 who are home educated, not currently in education or for schools to attend for a daytime sensory regulation opportunity. Join us every Wednesday during term time, 11:30am–1pm, (except the first Wednesday of each month) for playful activities, social time, and a supportive community where every child can shine.
Community Play
Our Community Play Session offers families a warm and welcoming space to explore, play, and connect. Held every first Wednesday of the month (term time only), these sessions are designed for children up to age 6 and their families to enjoy relaxed, engaging activities and discover what happens at Swings & Smiles. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or simply curious to learn more, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy joyful, quality time together in a friendly and inclusive environment.
After School Club
After School Club at Swings & Smiles is for children aged 5+ with SEN in mainstream education. Running every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (3:30 -5:30pm), it’s a fantastic opportunity for children to unwind after school, spend time with friends, and enjoy a wide range of fun activities led by our enthusiastic team. Including music, cooking, and creative play, we take time to get to know each child before they join, ensuring a warm, inclusive experience tailored to their needs.
Mini Spec (Y3-5); Spectrum (Y6-8); Oasis (Y9-13)
This group is designed for children who attend a mainstream school, have a SEN diagnosis, can toilet independently, and can communicate their needs. Each session costs £10 and runs only during term time. It’s packed with fun games, activities, and a tuck shop to enjoy.
These sessions offer a relaxed, enjoyable space for young people who want to socialise in a supportive and welcoming environment, whether that’s playing on games consoles, joining in with activities, or simply hanging out with friends.
SIB Support
SIBSupport Sessions give siblings of children with special educational needs and disabilities a chance to come together, unwind, and simply be themselves. It’s a fun, lively space where they can meet other siblings who truly understand what life can be like, share experiences, and build friendships. Our staff and volunteers are always on hand, not just to join in the games and activities, but also to listen, chat, and offer support.
Sessions run on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, from 12:45-2:15 pm for children 5 and above. ​
Older SIB Support
Older SIB SupportSessions for year 7 and above take place on the first Friday of the month from 6-7.30 pm and on the third Saturday of the month from 3- 4:30 pm.