Why Soft Play Is Great for Children with Special Educational Needs

Sensory Stimulation

Soft play centres provide a wealth of sensory experiences that can be particularly beneficial for children with special educational needs. The soft textures, bright colours, and varied sounds and textures can help to stimulate the senses of children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, or developmental delays. By providing a safe and fun environment where children can explore and engage with their surroundings, soft play can help to develop children's sensory processing skills and encourage them to feel comfortable and confident in new sensory situations.

Social Interaction

Soft play centres are also a great place for children with special educational needs to develop their social skills. For children who may struggle with social communication or find it difficult to make friends, soft play provides a structured environment where they can interact with other children and build relationships. Soft play activities such as ball pits, tunnels, and slides can encourage children to work together and develop their social skills through play. Soft play centres also provide a unique opportunity for children to meet other children with similar experiences and develop a sense of belonging and community.Physical Activity

Soft play centres provide a safe and supportive environment for children to engage in physical activity, which can be challenging for some children with special educational needs. Soft play encourages children to climb, crawl, slide and jump, which can help improve their strength, coordination, and balance.

Physical Activity

Many children with special educational needs face challenges when it comes to physical activity, such as limited mobility, low muscle tone, or coordination difficulties. Soft play centres offer a safe and supportive environment where children can engage in physical activity and develop their motor skills. By providing a range of activities that cater to different abilities, soft play can help to build children's strength, coordination, and balance. Climbing, crawling, sliding, and jumping in a soft play centre can be a great way for children to work on gross motor skills and improve their overall physical health.

Improving Concentration

For children with attention deficit disorders, it can be difficult to focus on tasks and stay engaged in activities for extended periods of time. Soft play centres provide a stimulating environment that can help to improve children's concentration and attention. Soft play activities such as ball pits or sensory walls provide a multi-sensory experience that can help to focus children's attention and improve their ability to concentrate. By engaging in play in a soft play environment, children can improve their concentration and learn to focus their attention on tasks for longer periods of time.

Encouraging Independence

Soft play centres allow children to explore and play independently, which can help them develop their independence and self-confidence. This is particularly important for children with special educational needs who may require additional support in their daily lives.

In conclusion, soft play is a great way for children with special educational needs to develop their social, physical, and cognitive skills. Soft play centres offer a supportive and inclusive environment that can help children build confidence and independence while having fun. By providing sensory stimulation, social interaction, physical activity, improving concentration, and encouraging independence, soft play centres can have a positive impact on the development of children with special educational needs.

SEN Sessions at Crazy Club

At Crazy Club, we run dedicated sessions for children with SEN every Tuesday (4-5:30pm) and Thursday (2-3:30pm). Make sure you book in advance to secure your spot!

Book Tuesday sessions here

Book Thursday sessions here