At Fun and Play, we understand how it feels to be looking for that perfect space where your child feels truly included. When you are raising a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, it can often feel like you are constantly searching, navigating a maze of information and options, trying to find what fits. We know that feeling because we are living it too.
That is why we started Fun and Play, to bring together places, events and opportunities that feel welcoming, enjoyable and inclusive for all children, especially those aged 0 to 5. Our dream is simple. We want every child to have the chance to laugh, explore and grow through play.
While there is still a long way to go, play is something that we can embrace right now. And it is not just about keeping busy or having fun, although fun is definitely at the heart of it. Play is a powerful tool for development. For young children with SEND, play is how they make sense of the world around them, how they build skills and confidence, and how they connect with others.
🌟 Why play matters for SEND children
Play helps with learning, communication, motor skills, emotional expression and social connection, all in a natural, relaxed way. It does not need to be complicated or expensive, and it certainly does not need to be structured like a lesson. It just needs to be accessible, meaningful and joyful.
Here are a few of the many ways that different types of play can support your child’s growth and wellbeing.
👃 Sensory play
Many children with SEND experience the world in a way that is deeply linked to their senses. Sensory play can help them explore safely, regulate their feelings and become more comfortable with new experiences.
- Sensory rooms with calming lights and sounds
- Soft play sessions with lower noise levels
- Sensory storytelling with textures, lights or music
- Water play, sand trays or messy play at home
These types of activities can support children who are sensitive to certain sounds or textures, or who seek out sensory input like bouncing, swinging or spinning.
🏃 Physical play and movement
Physical play builds strength, balance, coordination and confidence. For children with mobility challenges, low muscle tone or joint differences, finding accessible and supportive activities is key.
- Trampoline parks with quiet sessions
- Inclusive football, dance or movement classes
- Swings, slides or adapted equipment at the park
- Bouncing on the bed or dancing in the living room
Movement helps children feel connected to their bodies and can be a brilliant way to let off steam or shift from a low-energy state to a more alert one.
🗣️ Social play and interaction
Play is a brilliant opportunity for children to connect, share and learn how to be with others, all without the pressure of formal interaction.
- Small, inclusive playgroups
- SEND-friendly stay and play sessions
- Toy libraries where children can explore together
- Shared games or activities in familiar spaces
These types of play give children the chance to build social confidence, develop language and practise things like turn-taking and listening, all at their own pace.
🎨 Creative and imaginative play
Through art, music and make-believe, children express thoughts and feelings that might be tricky to put into words.
- Drawing, painting or crafting at home or at a session
- Role play with dolls, toy animals or dress up
- Making music with shakers, drums or even pots and pans
- Creating small worlds with figures, blocks or sensory trays
Imaginative play is often a safe space for children to process emotions or experiences, and it is a lovely way to encourage communication and connection.
🧭 Exploratory play and outings
Exploring new places builds confidence and curiosity. Every outing is a chance to learn, even the ones close to home.
- Visiting local parks with accessible paths and sensory features
- Going to relaxed theatre shows or SEN-friendly cinema sessions
- Exploring petting farms, play cafés or children’s gardens
- Enjoying quieter times at soft play or local museums
Whether it is a big day out or a walk through the woods, giving children the chance to explore helps build resilience and awareness of the world around them.
🤝 Making inclusive play easier to find
The heart of Fun and Play is making it easier for families like ours to find joyful, inclusive opportunities. Whether you are looking for a stay and play group that really welcomes children with additional needs, or a calm space to explore as a family, we are here to help connect you with options that feel right.
We are proud to share places that offer SEND sessions or are especially thoughtful about access, and we are always adding to our directory. Our focus is local: Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and nearby areas, because we know that finding something close to home can make all the difference.
🧡 You know your child best
No one knows your child like you do. You know what sparks their joy, what helps them feel safe, and what makes them shine. Whether it is splashing in the bath, singing the same song on repeat, or climbing the same slide over and over, if it makes your child happy, that is what matters most.
Through play, we support our children’s development in a way that is natural, gentle and full of joy. And when we find those special places or sessions that just get it, it can feel like a little victory worth celebrating.
💬 Share the joy
Have you found a brilliant class, a calm café, a thoughtful group or an accessible playground? We would love to hear about it. By sharing your favourite finds, you help make it easier for another family to discover a space that works for them too.
📍 Visit funandplay.co.uk to explore our directory of places to go, things to do and upcoming events in your local area. Together, we are building a world where all children can enjoy fun and play, just as they are.