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Jelly and cooked spaghetti were just a couple of the items on offer at the outdoor sensory group run over the summer by our Early Years Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy team.
The group focuses on providing multi-sensory play – including different smells, textures, sounds and visual stimulation – to young children with additional needs.
Helen Johnston, a Physiotherapist at Ryegate Children’s Centre, said: “The group was set up as we have previously run a sensory group for many years, but this became more difficult due to COVID. As a parent I found COVID quite isolating and a lot of our families – even before the pandemic – struggle to attend mainstream parent/carer/baby/toddler sessions with their children with additional needs.
“I decided to run an outdoor sensory group for it to be a positive experience of meeting other families with children with additional needs in a safe environment.”
Blake (left) and Mia (right) were two of the young children who enjoyed the activities which also included baby massage, learning about new positions of play and – in the summer party session – lots of singing!
Blake’s mum Amy said: “We are really thankful for the group and the energy the team have put into it. Blake and I are also grateful for the WhatsApp group where we have got to know other families and babies. We really needed to be part of something where we weren’t ‘that baby with disabilities’ but part of an open minded group where we feel really supported.”
Heather, Mia’s mum, added: “The group is run by a lovely team and it provides a great chance to meet babies who had a different start to life and mums who have had a different start to motherhood.”
Other parents and carers commented that the group had given them a boost when they needed it, especially when they felt isolated during the pandemic.
Thank you so much for your feedback, and we’re very happy everyone enjoyed the group.
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