FAQs
What is the approach at Kids at Play?
At Kids at Play, our approach is warm, inclusive and child-centred. We aim to create a space where children with diverse needs feel safe, understood and supported to take part in ways that work for them. We focus on connection, play, confidence and positive relationships, while recognising and respecting each child’s individual needs.
What experience and training does the Kids at Play team have?
Our team brings together qualifications and experience in teaching, child development, child psychology, early childhood care and education, and play-based practice. We have many years of study and hands-on experience supporting children with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and epilepsy. We also take part in ongoing CPD throughout the year to continue developing our knowledge, skills and understanding.
How do you support each child as an individual?
At Kids at Play, we understand that every child is unique. We take the time to get to know each child’s strengths, needs, interests and ways of communicating so that we can support them in a way that feels right for them. Our approach is flexible, relationship-based and focused on helping each child feel safe, included and able to enjoy their time with us.
What services does Kids at Play offer?
Kids at Play provides a preschool service for children aged 3 years and up, and an afterschool service for children up to 15 years. We also offer interest-based clubs, along with play and social skills support, in a warm and inclusive environment for children with diverse needs.
What does the enrolment process look like?
My child is not toilet trained yet.
Can they still attend?
What is the staff/child ratio?
Do you implement a healthy eating policy in Kids at Play?
Before a child begins attending Kids at Play, we invite them to visit us with their parent or guardian for a short settling visit of around 20 minutes. This allows the child to become familiar with the environment while having the reassurance of mam or dad close by. It also gives us an opportunity to begin getting to know the child and to learn more about the support the family is looking for ahead of their first session.
Absolutely! We understand the challenges toilet training involves for some children. We do not require your child to be toilet trained to enrol with us. If and when you decide to toilet train your child, we will happily work with you to achieve this.
According to the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018 All school age services must implement a ratio of 1 adult to 12 children. However, this does not satisfy our need in Kids at Play. We operate a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 5 school age children.
For us, fed is best! We understand that there are often dietary restrictions to consider when working with children who have additional needs. We believe that a fed child is a happy child, so children are welcome to bring foods they enjoy. We currently do not allow and foods containing nuts into Kids at Play.