Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Swings & Smiles

Support, friendship and play for children
with special needs and their families

Book a session Donate
Menu
  • Who we are
    • What we do
    • Our story
    • Meet the team
    • Our Trustees and Patrons
    • Contact us
  • At the centre
    • Our facilities
    • Our sessions
    • Book a session
    • Parent support
  • Outreach
    • About outreach
    • Outreach in schools
  • Sibling support
  • Our impact
    • The difference we make
    • Family stories
      • Katie's story
      • Benjamin's story
      • Georgia's Story
    • Case studies
  • Support us
    • Make a donation
    • Fundraise for us
      • Create a fundraising page
      • Fundraising ideas
      • Challenge events
      • Support a fundraiser
    • Volunteer
      • Volunteer opportunities
      • Internships
    • Corporate partnerships
    • Work with us
  • What's on
    • Events
    • News
      • Latest news
      • Sign up for our newsletter
    • Blog posts
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Our sessions

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.

Our timetable is issued monthly, at this current time we will be offering a limited timetable of support for January and February at the centre and online, if you are unsure please email [email protected] for more details of what is available.

We require all families to complete an assessment form before their first visit, you will then be told what sessions you can access and issued with our timetable. Below is a brief overview of the sessions we offer.

Overview of sessions 

  • Family Play

We are open on weekdays, weekends and during school holidays to deliver sessions for the whole family. At these sessions we offer a variety of activities depending on the children booked in. These sessions are £5 per family.

  • Respite 

We run 3 sessions after school and twice a month on a Saturday where children can come and spend time with their friends. Play leaders run lots of activities to keep everyone busy including music and cooking. 

After school groups cost £10 per session and must be booked and paid for in advance, per term. Saturday sessions are £45 per day.

All respite is for children aged 5 years and older, the team at Swings & Smiles will work with families to get to know children prior to them attending these groups.

  • Minis

This is our group for under 5's and gives children and parents a chance to attend a toddler group that is specifically for children with special needs. Activities are planned to help with development and socialising with others. Sessions cost £2.50 per family.

  • Youth Club

This is one of 4 Youth clubs that we are running as part of our new timetable. This particular group is aimed at children that 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 the children the opportunity to find common interests with like minded peers, form friendships and have fun together - for children 11 years and older. Sessions need to be booked and paid for in advance, per term and are £4 per session. 

  • Mini Spec (Y4-6); Spectrum (Y7-9); Oasis (Y10-13)

These sessions are for young people that have an Autism diagnosis and access mainstream school. Similar to our Youth Club these are a great opportunity to meet with friends and socialise in a safe environment. There are games consoles set up and a tuck shop, amongst other fun activities. Sessions need to be booked and paid for in advance, per term and are £4 per session.

  • Independence Group - new dates tbc

A new and exciting 6 week course designed for those that could do with a boost so they feel comfortable being out on their own. For young people aged 13 years and older, staff will help them achieve specific objectives, including using public transport, purchasing items in a shop and ordering food. This course is £40 and should be booked and paid for in advance.

  • SIBSupport

All siblings that attend the SIBSupport sessions will have the opportunity to attend a SIBSSupport workshop, these will be run online or in schools.

Sessions at the centre are a chance for siblings to get together and have fun, with staff and volunteers on hand to chat and support them with some of the challenges they may face.

Older SIBSupport is for Year 7 and above, Saturday SIBSupport is for children aged 5 years up until they finish primary school.

All SIBSupport is free to attend.

  • Parent Support

Walking Club is a chance to get some exercise and have a chat with other parents of children with special needs. You are welcome to come even if your child doesn't access Swings & Smiles. This is free to attend.

Parents Quiz is an online quiz and a great way to socialise without leaving your house. This is free to join.

SIBSupport Parent group has been designed for parents to learn more about how they support their child without special needs. Each group will cover a specific topic with the opportunity for questions and time for a coffee, biscuits and time to chat with other parents. There is an optional £2 donation for this group.

Outside of the times listed on our timetables we are also able to offer exclusive use of our facilities for birthday parties, group hire and school hire. Just get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 01635 285170 to find out more.

Find out more about the facilities at Swings & Smiles

Published: 10th May, 2019

Updated: 11th January, 2021

Author: Swings & Smiles

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • New SIBSupport Group

    New SIBSupport Group

    At Swings & Smiles we understand just how different life is when you are living in a family where a brother or sister has a disability or special needs, our support includes online support to make sure as many people as possible can benefit.

  • An Update - January 2021

    An Update - January 2021

    Following the most recent Government announcement, from Monday 11th January Swings & Smiles will be delivering a reduced timetable alongside some online support sessions.

  • Ron Hill Memorial

    Ron Hill Memorial

    This is the fundraising page for Swings & Smiles, in the memory of Ron Hill

  • Creating increased play opportunities through additional accessible sensory spaces

    Creating increased play opportunities through additional accessible sensory spaces

    We need your help to raise funds to expand our sensory area and install a new ceiling hoist so that more children with disabilites can fully access our centre.

Most read

  • Real life superheroes

    Real life superheroes

    On Saturday 17th August, four Swings & Smiles superheroes and their sidekicks took on the challenge of completing a Triathlon at Dorney Lake in Windsor.

  • Our sessions

    Our sessions

    Swings & Smiles is open seven days a week, providing a place to play and support for children with special needs and their families. Find out what's on offer and how you can book to come along.

  • How to Look After Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

    How to Look After Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

    It's a worrying time for lots of us, and we're here to make sure families are able to look after their mental health and feel supported during these difficult times.

  • West Berkshire SEND Local Offer Newsletter

    West Berkshire SEND Local Offer Newsletter

    The latest SEND Local Offer Newsletter is now available. The newsletter is issued termly and is very interesting and informative. It's packed full of details about everything available on the Local Offer.

  • Book a session

    Book a session

    Once you've completed our assessment form you'll be told which sessions you can attend at Swings & Smiles. You can book online via the website or email - we hope to see you soon!

  • Accessibility

  • Welcome Sangeeta

    Welcome Sangeeta

    Swings & Smiles welcome ITV Meridian News Presenter Sangeeta Bhabra as a patron. Sangeeta is an adult sibling carer and has written an article for carers week, illustrating some of the challenges she faces but also the many positives she experiences from having a disabled brother.

  • What we do

    What we do

    Swings & Smiles is a place to play for children with special needs and their families. It offers a unique environment where the whole family feels supported and where they can spend quality time together. Our services include play sessions, sibling support and outreach.

  • Swings & Smiles Newsletter

    Swings & Smiles Newsletter

    The first edition of our new quarterly newsletter is out - take a look to find out what we've been up to and what's coming up soon!

  • Privacy Policy

    Swings & Smiles Privacy Policy

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Find us

A Place to Play
Lower Way
Thatcham
RG19 3RR

+44 (0)1635 285170
[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube

Swings & Smiles is registered in England as charity number 1120598