Spotlight on…Nature Explorers

Nature Explorers is an outdoor stay and play session run by Mencap Family Engagement Project in partnership with LEAP at their incredible allotment, for families of children 0-6 with SEND or emerging needs. The session is held fortnightly on Thursdays 10am-11.30am at Leap Allotments, Community Green allotments, Meadow Lane, Dukinfield, SK16 4AN. The LEAP allotment has a dedicated play space for early years children.

Children attending can safely explore the outdoor world in an inclusive and secure environment. The dedicated play space is designed with young children in mind and has a range of appropriate resources. All sessions are free-play and the children are able to explore and experience the outdoor world using their own ideas and interests, at their own level.

Parents attending the sessions can access their peer support and meet other parents going through similar experiences. All of their team have lived experience of being a SEND parent and have been through many shared experiences. They can offer a listening ear, validation, support and advice in a relaxed environment.

Families who regularly attend Mencap’s Nature Explorers group have told them how the group is “a lifeline to them and other families like them”.

Other quotes include:

“Me and the kids loved it! It was brilliant to be able to bring my son to a group where I wasn’t constantly worried about how his behaviour was being perceived. The unstructured play was perfect for him and there were so many opportunities to explore different types of play. I really appreciated the opportunity to speak with parents who face similar challenges as I have much to learn.”

Any parent or carer of a child under six years old with SEND or emerging needs can come and join them. None of their sessions require booking and they are free. Families are asked to register in order to access Mencap’s full offer, but there is no need to complete this before their first session as it can be done in person or following the session if they feel the project would be useful to them. The registration form can be found here.

Contact details:

Jennifer Watson: Family Engagement Worker 07977162375 Jennifer.watson@mencap.org.uk

Project email address: familyengagementgm@mencap.org.uk

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/familyengagementtameside