Sunbeams is a charity registered as Sunbeams Play with an Outstanding Ofsted rating which provides a fun, safe and caring environment for children and young people and adults with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder to thrive. We understand how difficult it can be to engage in mainstream activities due to a variety of social needs and anxieties. Here at Sunbeams they can relax play and socialise in an environment that is suitable for them, alongside or with others who have the same/similar needs. From experience and meeting the children, young people and adults we've found they love attending because everyone is here for the same reason, they do not encounter ‘competition’ or the need to behave in a certain way, they can simply be themselves! All of our staff are fully trained and have relevant experience of working with children, young people and adults. Training about Autism and behaviour management are kept up to date at all times, as well as first aid and other relevant courses. Sunbeams works on a 1:3 ratio, this means for every 3 children/young people there will be 1 member of staff (accept the youth group, carers and adult support groups). We can have up to 15 children/young people in any one session, your child or young person will be invited to attend a two week introduction during the session appropriate to their age. This enables us to get to know them thoroughly before they start and also for them to get used to staff, the environment and the other children /young people. You will be asked to stay close to the premises for the first sessions until your child is comfortable with us. We understand it's not always just about those with ASD and sometimes parents and carers feel lost, frightened, confused, or alone so we've added a free fortnightly Parent Support group and Late Diagnosis Group. The groups provide the opportunity to meet other people diagnosed or facing diagnosis, parents and carers, share ideas, tips and experiences, ask advice or simply relax in each others company knowing that everyone understands. For those of you that need to talk privately we offer appointments to talk to one of our staff members who can advise on diagnosis, education, benefits, form filling and behaviour issues. If we can't help we will help you find someone who can. Although Sunbeams Play is registered with Ofsted to care for children and young people aged 5 (Yr 1) to 19yrs, our youth group supports up to 25 yrs old in line with EHCPs. Session Opening Times - please note there is a high level of support and depending on need we offer a free lead in period of two weeks. Term Time
Monday Evenings 5pm-8pm (14-18 yr olds)
Tuesday Evenings 5.30pm-8.30pm (18-25 yr olds)
Thursday Evenings Siblings/young carers group 4.30pm-7.30pm (6-16yrs)
Friday Evenings 4.30pm-7.30pm (5yrs-16yrs)
Saturday Mornings 9am-12 noon (10-14yr) olds
School Holidays
(Except Christmas)
With the exception of the youth group evening sessions will be moved to daytime with the Saturday morning sessions moving to Tuesdays. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-12pm (please note where funding allows longer sessions may be offered)
Discounts available if more than one child is attending, (Sibling discount available if more than one sibling attending). Free Parent Support Group (Term time only)
Alternate Wednesdays 9.30 - 11.30am refreshments available,
Free Pre School Stay and Play (Term time only) Fridays 9.30-11.30 am
Refreshments provided (please note all families welcome but the group is aimed at supporting those with concerns about their children's needs. Free Late Diagnosis Group for those diagnosed as adults alternate Wednesday mornings 9.30-11.30 and evenings 6-8 pm, refreshments provided. Donations towards refreshments welcome
