Short Break Stories

Stanmore Playscheme

A story by Stanmore Playscheme

We provided a playscheme 3 days per week during the Spring, Summer and October school breaks, and some special themed days for children and young people with additional support needs. Parents/carers enjoy their respite while their youngsters enjoy themselves in a safe environment.

Now in our 20th year Stanmore Playscheme provides appropriate fun and safe activities for youngsters who have additional support needs. It is administered by a small group of volunteers and staffed by experienced personnel during holiday breaks.

What Stanmore Playscheme did

This year we offered playscheme days 3 days a week during Spring, Summer and October break. We also had a few special days which had special themes.
Our environment is appropriate to meet the needs of our youngsters, physiotherapists and Occupational Therapy staff offer them individual sessions which ensure mobility and positioning allowing the youngsters to access their fun activities, music, sports, stories and arts and crafts in safety.

Trained staff including a health practitioner is always on duty. Local authority social work department can refer youngsters to our playscheme.

Grandparents of K approached us to apply for K to attend. He was introduced in short periods until he relaxed and interacted with staff and fellow participants. Grandparents experienced for the first time, leisure, relaxation and shopping opportunities on their own.

Most of the children receive sessions from therapy staff, supervision to ensure them access to their leisure activities are appropriate ensuring good positioning and total involvement.
Teenagers from local high school and children and staff join the playscheme and interact with our youngsters to promote disability awareness and social interaction.

What Stanmore Playscheme has learned

We have learned to liaise more with our local social work department and therefore more respite at our playscheme has been available. The fund has allowed us to pay more staff to accommodate an increase in our numbers.
Top tips Stanmore Playscheme's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Have a comprehensive leaflet describing your service.
Tip 2:
Offer opportunities for parents/carers to visit playscheme.
Tip 3:
Ensure that young people all have their communication diaries to be completed by staff and parents.