HIVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS GROUP
This group is aimed at children (of any age) who have additional needs or disabilities and their siblings and parents/guardians
It’s aim is to be a safe space to come together for fun, friendship and support
We have sensory items, messy play, games, crafts and loads of fun! In the past we’ve had foam play, water play, jelly play, kinetic sand, playdough, dry pasta, biscuit decorating, pizza making, painting, foil craft and lots more! Plus there is always tea, coffee, squash, fruit and cake!
We occasionally take HIVE trips out, the last couple of times we’ve exclusively hired a local soft play. This provides the children with a safe space to play in an understanding environment.
We use visual timetables and choosing boards to support children’s independence.
Similar structure every session and safe environment – there is one way in and out of the church hall and this door can be locked if needed. Each session begins with free play, refreshments are available approximately halfway through the session, then 20 minutes before the end we do a quick tidy up (just clearing the floor) and then we spend the last of our time with the lights off and our sensory projectors and light up items on – this is always a lovely chilled time. Once the session has finished families are welcome to stay and help clear up if this would help with the transition between the group and home, or similarly if this wouldn’t help, families are welcome to head home.
UPCOMING DATES:
13th September
18th October
15th November
CLICK HERE TO BOOK FOR THE NEXT HIVE SESSION
FAQ FOR HIVE
Held? Sunday afternoon (monthly). Usually the 3rd Sunday but can depend on school terms.
Time? 2pm – 3.30pm
Where? St Mary’s Eaton Socon Church
Is it drop off? No – this is a family group so parents and siblings are more than welcome
I don’t have a diagnosis for my child – can they still attend? Yes! We are a mix of families at HIVE, some are still exploring potential needs and some are a number of years into the journey. We all help each other!
How old does my child need to be? All ages are welcome. We generally have pre-school and primary aged children attending but this does not exclude those younger or older.
My chld has neurotypical siblings, are they allowed to attend too? Yes! The whole family is welcome at HIVE. Siblings of children with additional needs are in a unique position, one which their friends may not fully understand, so we believe it’s important these siblings meet and spend time with peers who have this in common.
Cost? £4 per family. This covers all activities and refreshments as well as allowing us to replace/update items as needed. We recognise that having a child with additional needs sometimes comes with a lot of costs so if the cost of HIVE is one step too far, please do not hestitate to get in touch where we can provide you with a funded ticket.
Do I need to book? Yes and no. We prefer families to book in so that we can set up for the needs and age of the children we have coming however if you forget to book or suddenly find yourself free then do just turn up!
I want to take photographs of my child, is this allowed? Yes! It is always lovely to take “in the moment” photographs of your child having fun. However the photograph must be of your child only unless you have asked permission from the grown up of the other child(ren). You don’t know why another child may not be allowed to be in photographs and by taking a picture of them you may be compromising that child’s safety.
Who runs HIVE? HIVE is led by our Children & Families Worker whose own child has additional needs and staffed by volunteers who all have either personal or professional experience of additional needs. All volunteers have been through our safer recruiting process, are DBS checked and have had safeguarding training in line with both our own safeguarding policy and that of the local diocese.
What do I need to bring? Nothing except what you need for your own child. We will provide refreshments for both yourself and your child. You are welcome to bring drinks/snacks for your child in with you however please make sure they are sitting down whilst eating and they do not share with anyone who you don’t know – this is due to allergies. We do sometimes do messy craft and always do sensory activities so please dress your child appropriately for this.
What is your policy about bringing children who have been unwell? We do not have a set policy around illness as we recognise that sometimes additional needs comes with ongoing medical issues. However we ask parents to use sensible judgement and be aware that there may be children attending who are immunocompromised
Who can I email for further information? You can contact our Children & Families Worker here