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.
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.
2023 Programme Update
With the help of our dedicated and hardworking staff teams Playaway and Stayaway programmes created 42 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. Louise Gardner left her role as Programme Lead for Stayaway after many years and she will be sorely missed. We are delighted that Abbey Wilcox and Maria Burns were able to step in and take the reins. We purposely kept the programme small this year but it was run excellently and abbey has agreed to be the ongoing lead.
Donations continue to be challenging and we are indebted to our donators without whom these programmes would not exist.
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
“We like Playaway because my daughter can enjoy 1 or 2 weeks of the long summer holidays doing different activities mixed with therapy and most importantly with familiar people. Also she enjoys swimming in the hydrotherapy pool which is included each week which otherwise we as a family couldn’t access”
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 - 21 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 Friday evening and the whole family are encourage to join in the activities together on Sat. 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 1600 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 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
“Very friendly, supportive staff who have worked as a team to make the programme extremely enjoyable”
“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”
“The activities definitely improve Flo’s independance and she always enjoys attending”
“I found it very good and challenging but very tiring”
“Great to meet up with friends and family”
“Loved Stayaway- our first time - would like it to be longer”
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us