I don’t know if you have heard of this book, ‘We’re all wonders’ by R J Palacio. 

Well, the six weeks' holiday are upon us! For some it's a time of dread and for some a time of joy and not having to do the school run every day. But for everyone it is a time where you have to think of more activities to do.

On our last Play Plus of the year someone inspired me to write this blog post as they realised that tuff trays are something that you can do at home and not just only at children's centres and nurseries. So, I have compiled 6 tuff trays that would be easy to recreate at home – that's one a week for the holidays and one less activity to think about.

You know you have the best job in the world, when you get to read the books you love. And this weeks one is no exception! 'Robot Rumpus' by Sean Taylor, is a great book, and 7 robots that are left to babysit and the inevitable chaos that ensues! 

We had a gardening theme today, so it felt very summery. The sun definitely made us all feel so much happier. Our gardening theme was inspired by a new book that came out in May called 'Errol's Garden'. Its such a lovely book with beautiful pictures. Errol loves growing things, but runs out of space in his flat and one day comes across something that might solve his problem, but I won't give the ending away. 

The sun was out so we celebrated by having a bit of a beach/rock pool theme today. We even had the sound track to Moana playing to really get that sun, sea and sand feel going! 

Our story was 'Sharing a Shell' by Julia Donaldson (I promise we do read other authors). 

The images in this book make you feel relaxed just by looking at them and you can imagine dipping your toes in a deliciously cool rock pool especially on a day like today!

This is one of my all time favourite story books. The pictures are gorgeous and the story is brilliant, about how even if you are small/young you can still achieve great things. Which is a great message for the kids who come to Play Plus, because they are all brilliantly capable of achieving things, like signing for the first time in a session (there was a slight tear in my eye when this happened today). So if you have never read it before grab a copy and read it with your little ones. (Don't worry I haven't completely given the story away!) 

Meet our Snail and Whale, they helped us with our story today. We had magnifying glasses to find the snails 'itchy foot'. 

We had a very interesting morning at Play Plus. Our Paramedic friend came a week early, so to fit into our theme of clothes he showed us some of the uniform he wears when he is working, we tried on his helmet, (which is actually quite heavy) and Hi Vis jacket, and we used a thermometer in our ears to see what our temperature was. The adults also became a little competitive when having their blood pressure taken. 

What a great time we had today. Super worm was the story we explored and we we did this in loads of ways...

We had our tuft tray filled with slimy spaghetti and tweezers, as the children arrived that was the thing they all headed for. We had some worm play dough mats, where we had to make long worms and short worms. We also had a wonderful time with our new bug hunting equipment, looking for bugs outside. We found little jumping flies and worms and looking at a shiny spider web through a magnifying glass is so fascinating. 

Our sensory area was lit up with fish tubes and our disco lights. But what we all loved was the animals coming to visit. Colin the cockroach and Marvin the Millipede. We even fed some beaded dragons. 

SEND Morning - Monday's 10am - 12pm  (Term time only)

Who are we....

Play plus is a calm and friendly Music and Arts community project for parents and children under the age of 5, who have a SEND diagnosis or additional needs.

It’s a safe place, which is non-judgemental and our team are supportive and have experience in this area from their own journeys.

We have a calm environment for both children and parents with access to a secure outside space.

Each week we theme our session from great children’s books and include story telling, sensory play and different entertaining and educational activities that support your children's development, communication and confidence. 

We have local artists and therapists join us too - from Relax Kids, Cathy Walker - interactive Story Teller and Dan from Theatre Bugs. It's great to have so much fun together.

It has been nice to meet other parents with children who have additional needs, it’s nice not to feel like people are trying to work out what’s wrong with your child. people are comfortable to ask questions or just to accept without judgement. 

Our Team...

Lydia - Play Plus Coordinator

Lydia has worked for Big Red Bus Club for a few years now, and is responsible for coordinating Play Plus. She has her beginners and foundation Makaton qualification and is passionate about learning and being inspired by play, music and arts. She also loves creating play activities that can be recreated at home. 

Elena - Plus Plus Support 

Elena is our resident artist, she's very creative and takes on most artistic challenges that we throw at her. She loves messy play (so remember to being some spare clothes!) Elena is also trained in Makaton and has completed her level 2 follow on training. 

Wendy - Play Plus Administrator

Wendy is the administrator for the team, but is also creative and loves coming up with new ideas for activities. She is in the process of learning Makaton and welcomes all parents and carers with a smile and a cup of tea. 

Now you've met the team, it would be great to meet you, so feel free to come along on a Monday morning. There is no charge for the session as we are funded by Children In Need.

Where are we...

Near the Cemetery Lane Entrance of Charlton Park. There is a free car park near the play park, and we are on the 422, 486, 53, 54 & 380 bus routes.

Our timetable>>>   What you say>> 

Play Plus is kindly funded by Children in Need. 

This term the Big Red Bus Club weekly stay and play for children and their families, Play Plus, has hit the jackpot. With a fantastic grant from the Postcode Lottery, volunteers and families at the Big Red Bus Club have been able to expand the whole group, get some great equipment for children with additional needs and work with a range of therapists to create a mindful and enriching environment.

Play Plus is here to support families with children under five, to make friends and get the support they need before, during and after diagnosis.