by Nicola Cunningham, Childcare Services Manager Inverness.
Playscape is a holiday club we organise for children with additional support needs. We run our clubs in Easter, Summer and October in three different locations around Inverness. We have been lucky enough to have been able provided a service throughout lockdown following the guidelines from the Scottish government. Which has been a life-line for the children and an opportunity for them to re-connect after such a long period of time with little interactions from their friends.
Playscape is a service that is fun packed and is an opportunity for children of all ages to socialise and make friends. In addition, it provides families with a little respite over the school holidays knowing their children are in safe and experienced hands.
During our sessions, BC (before Covid) we consult with the children and families to find out what activities and trips the children would most enjoy. This can range from a trip to the movies, a cruise down the canal or a day out to the cycling centre. We also invite other local services to come along and host sessions, like Pets for Therapy and Ross County football club. During the lockdown we have adapted by offering more in-house activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor play and local walks. We have really missed our trips and away days, however we have had ball over Easter. We have had easter egg hunts, baked some goodies, made potions, visited the park and even played in the hailstone showers!!!
We are all very much looking forward to our Summer Playscape clubs where we hope to be able to get out and about a little more.
