Sensory play sessions
What happens at Sensory Play sessions?
Multi-sensory sessions with free play in a small friendly group.
Ages: 0 to 12 years
Day: Saturday
Time: 10am to 12pm
Address: Beechgrove House, Upton Road, Haylands, Ryde, PO33 3LE
Price: £4
Contact: Clare
Telephone: 07773 570505
Email: clareanne21@btinternet.com
Booking: bookwhen.com/sensoryspacecic
Provider: Sensory Space CIC
Facebook: Sensory Space CIC
Date of inspection
1 December 2024
Overall rating - 2 stars
Report summary
Fun and Enjoyment – 2 stars
The Inspectors were greeted upon arrival by Clare and had all been to this activity before. There was a range of equipment set out in the main room including a sensory light area and a craft room with a couple of activities to choose from including coloured rice and a colouring activity. One of the inspectors liked playing with the magnetic darts with his dad. A couple of the children made a tent in the sensory room with some blankets and put equipment and lights inside and were supported by a member of staff to create this. Another young inspector particularly enjoyed the activities in the creative room.
Accessibility – 2 stars
The session is inclusive and is on a ground level making it fairly accessible for a wheelchair, however there are lips on the main door frame which could make wheelchair access more difficult. There is a fully accessible toilet, and the venue is easy to find with adequate parking outside. The session time was considered to be too early by all 3 of the young inspectors with a 10 am start on a Sunday. A couple of them said that they usually prefer to lie in on a Sunday and would not go back because of this. All the inspectors said that the session was good value.
Safety and surroundings – 2 stars
The children and parents were not shown around the building upon arrival and given any safety advice. The resources were presented well encouraging the children to explore the rooms and they could do this independently. The children were not able to go into the kitchen as it was shut off with a stair gate. All of the inspectors said that they were not given any safety advice but they all said they felt safe in the session. They also all said that the staff were friendly and helpful.
Feedback from the Young Inspectors
One of the young inspectors aged 7 years old said that they would like to have more messy play activities in the session.
Actions required
To explore the possibility of some afternoon sessions and providing a safety briefing at the start for all children even if they have previously attended. This could be done by asking any returning children if they remember what the rules around safety in the session are and where to find the toilets and facilities as a recap.