What is Playaway
Playaway provides developmental programmes during the Summer holidays that are tailored for children with complex motor disorders. They are professionally run by a multi-disciplinary group of specialists to ensure that each child can access the full range of activities arranged. Most importantly the programmes provide a fun interlude in what for our children can be a lonely time during the Summer holidays.
Our Aims
Playaway has successfully operated for over 20 years. We offer places for up to 60 children with complex motor disorders and learning difficulties. These programmes have been specifically established in recognition of the fact that:
During the Summer holidays many children with complex disabilities regress as they have limited physical input to keep their bodies and minds active.
By the time they get back to school they have lost many weeks of hard earned developmental skills.
Many parents struggle to find and fund relevant support during this period and as a result the child spends a great deal of time in a wheelchair.
Many children with such disabilities do not interact with friends during this period and as result become lonely and isolated.
More detail on the Programmes we run to meet these objectives is set out below.
Videos. We have made a video about the Stayaway Programme which we would love you to watch. We are in the process of making a video about Playaway.
Student to Staff Member
Joel REYNOLDS
Joel has attended Playaway and stayaway programmes for a number of years and has really progressed well. He loves attending the programmes and over the last couple of years we have noticed him taking time to help other students overcome challenges and get the most of the activities. Joel has now been a staff member for the Programmes since 2021. He remains such an inspiration and role model - we are very proud of what he has achieved. Joel has also made the videos we are showing on the website - he is very talented.
2024 Programme Update
With the help of our dedicated and hardworking staff teams Playaway and Stayaway programmes created 40+ places for children and adults with complex motor disorders. All those who attended had great fun, were challenged and continued to develop skills and mobility. We ran 2 non-residential programmes and one residential programme. The feedback from parents and staff alike was exceptionally positive and they underlined the importance of these programmes to them. Many highlighted that there was no other comparable programme in the area that could effectively support their sibling’s complex needs.
Donations continue to be challenging and we are indebted to our donors without whom these programmes would not exist. like all our costs have increased and we have tried hard to balance this between parental contributions and donations. we are blessed with some very dedicated volunteers who govern and manage the charity at no cost.
Can you help us reach our Fundraising Target?
We rely on generous donations from Charities that support programmes for children and young adults that have complex motor disorders. thank you for your dedicated support
Partnership with Action for Children
Our close partnership with Action 4 Children (a Bucks Council initiative to support those will additional needs) continues to flourish and they supported 9 children through Playaway. Any parents who live in Bucks should consider registering their child or young adult as they are able to provide a range of support throughout the year including a funded place at Playaway or Stayaway.
How can you support
“It allows E to play, remain physically active and be stimulated. The 6 week holiday is a long time for E. I work and we have 3 kids which makes it hard to give E the attention he needs throughout the day. E is fully reliant on others for everything. We feel as though Playaway bridges the gap between school and no school. We feel happy knowing that E enjoys Playaway.”
Programmes
We will offer 2 one week non-residential programmes for children from 2 to 12 years old (Playaway) and a 4 day residential programme for older children (Stayaway). We challenge the children by offering a range of different experiences such as archery, swimming, raft building, climbing and allow plenty of time for them to interact with each other. Our programmes also help to build parental support networks. All these programmes are appropriately staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals (specially trained teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists etc) using techniques the children are used to from school.
Stayaway
We run one 4 day residential programme using the facilities at Green Park near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. These programmes are for 12 - 25 year olds and run towards the end of August each year and we aim to generate 12 places each year. Children are joined by their parents and family on the Thursday evening and the whole family are encourage to join in the activities together on Friday. The children will experience a variety of activities including swimming, raft making, obstacle courses, climbing, archery etc. Click here to find more about Green Park.
Playaway
We run 2 one week non residential programmes using PACE Special School facilities in Aylesbury. These programmes are for children aged 2 - 12 years and run from 0900 to 1500 each week day on the last week in Jul and first week in Aug each year. The programmes is run in small groups of 6 each with a team leader and then one to one care for each child. During the week the children will enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, bake off, music making, pottery making and performing. We generate upto 20 places per week and many children elect to take part in both weeks.
Cant Decide which Programme is right for your child?
Please use the Contact Form leaving a contact e mail and telephone number and one of the team will make contact to discuss further.
Would you like to find out more information about Playaway and Stayaway? Register Interest Here
“There are so few activities truly geared for children like C that this two weeks is invaluable to us and to her.”
“Stayaway provides Dan with a rare opportunity to fully participate in some of the activities he loves. Staff have been wonderful. Looking forward to next year”
“Huge difference to my child to have the stimulating environment like he has at school with the social interaction from staff and peers. Without this his behaviour and happiness really deteriorates.”
“G loved being invited to Stayaway- he felt grown up and independent and I was very proud of him being there”
“It’s a real gem and makes such a difference to our son and his summer. Playaway staff are so skilled and experienced at creating a fun and welcoming place for him to play. We know that we are sending him somewhere safe where all his needs can be met.”
“Loved Stayaway- our first time - would like it to be longer”
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us