Flexible Childcare Services Scotland run a number of holiday and out of school clubs, but in Inverness & Aberdeenshire, we offer something different.
Playscape, based in Inverness is aimed at 4-18 year olds and runs over the Easter, Summer and October holidays. Playscheme in Aberdeenshire, is for 5-18 year olds and operates over every school holiday, including Christmas and New Year. Both are specifically designed for children with Additional Support Needs. The activities and themes at the clubs change each day and are usually driven by the children at the clubs.
Typically, over the October break, our Playscape and Playscheme support 300 children providing them with unique activities including: team games, sports, sensory play and crafts all designed to improve problem-solving, self-esteem and motor and social skills.
Nicola Cunningham, FCSS Service Manager in Inverness explains, “This Summer we had a run of themed weeks. We had sports week where we had team games, ball games, golf. We had science week that involved a lot of sensory play, slime, experiments and general mess! We had book week were children could come dressed as their favourite character and we did some book making and book mark designing. At the end of the holidays we had party week where we played party games and baked some treats. As the children are different each day of the week this made sense for all the children to have the experience. We do have some planned activities as illustrated above, however our main aim is to give children choice and respect their individual needs and interests. So, we mostly plan in the moment and support children to pursue their individual interests.”
To join our Playscape clubs in Inverness, which run from 10th October – 21st October, children are referred, usually, through their social worker, but they can also refer themselves. Most of our families have a self-directed support package which can be used to fund their sessions.
In the Playschemes in Aberdeenshire, which run from 17th October – 28th October, all places are referred by Aberdeenshire Council’s Children and Families Team. If families choose group work, it can be part of their SDS package.
According to one parent in Inverness, “As a family we are very grateful that our child got a place at playscape. After his first visit in Easter he was happy to come back. This is the first time he has tried something new & has wanted to go back without any anxiety around it. The staff are all obviously meeting his needs. Thank you very much!”
Another said, “Fabulous service. All staff made my son very welcome and he can’t wait to come back the staff know the children and their mannerisms and traits and were very alert when it came to any issues.”
According to a parent in Aberdeenshire, “My son attends the Fraserburgh Playscheme. The staff are amazing at what they do and my son always looks forward to his club days. Communication from the management team is second to none. Cannot recommend enough!!”
Another said, “My son has been saying a few times this morning ‘friend today’ and getting all excited. He’s never mentioned friends before. So he must like his wee pals that are in at group today.”
In Inverness we run our clubs from Cawdor Community Centre and Cauldeen Early Years Department (ASN school nursery). Both locations are well equipped for all abilities.
In Aberdeenshire clubs will be running from Banff Family Centre / Banff Academy, Westfield School in Fraserburgh, Carronhill School in Stonehaven, Anna Ritchie School in Peterhead, Esslemont School in Ellon, St. Andrews School in Inverurie and Afford Community Campus
For more information on our clubs or the specific services we provide please Contact Us.
