Our sessions

We require all families to complete an assessment form before their first visit, you will then be told which sessions will be best for your family. 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 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 each term. Saturday sessions cost £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 5s 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 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. Youth Club is for children 11 years and older. Sessions must be booked and paid for in advance each term and are £4 per session. 

• Mini Spec (Y3-5); Spectrum (Y6-8); Oasis (Y9-13)

These sessions are for young people who 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 must be booked and paid for in advance each term and are £4 per session.

• Independence Group - new dates tbc

A new and exciting 6 week course designed for those who 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 to 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 who 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 children in 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.

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