Over the school holiday period Frimley Baptist Church hosts a free holiday playgroup for children with learning, communication, social and developmental difficulties (developmental age 2-10) and their siblings. This is held on a midweek afternoon, each half-term and one or two midweek afternoons over the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.
The afternoon includes:
sensory and exploratory play
arts and crafts themed activities
interaction with professionals and other parents
snack and a cuppa.
The playgroup is run by the Sparklers Charity (see below).
The Sparklers Charity has been set up to provide support for families of children and young people with Additional Needs, Autism and related conditions. It works closely with local authorities and link organisations to:
provide advocacy during diagnoses, EHCPs and School Application processes,
provide a supportive social network for families,
provide inclusive play opportunities for children with additional needs and their siblings,
educate families on specific needs and support strategies,
signpost families to appropriate services,
share information through the hosting of events and electronic means,
encourage an ethos of self-help and self-care among families.
Full details of the work of the charity and links to information about different additional needs conditions can be found on their website:
www.sparklers.org.uk.