For parents of children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), finding a play environment that is not just fun but also safe, understanding, and accommodating can be a significant challenge. The loud noises, unpredictable crowds, and overwhelming sensory input of a typical soft play centre can be too much for many children, particularly those with autism, sensory processing differences, or anxiety.
At Fun Street, we believe that every child deserves the chance to play, explore, and just be a kid in a magical environment. We are committed to being one of the most inclusive and welcoming ASN-friendly soft play centres in Glasgow. This guide is designed for parents and carers to understand the specific features we have in place to support your child, and how you can plan a successful and enjoyable visit.
What Makes a Soft Play “Sensory-Friendly”?
A sensory-friendly environment is one that has been adapted to be less overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. This can involve managing noise levels, providing quiet spaces, and offering predictable, calming sensory inputs. It is about creating a space where a child can engage and play without feeling overloaded.
While we are a vibrant and exciting place, we have incorporated several unique features and strategies to help manage the sensory experience for our visitors.
How Fun Street Supports Children with ASN
We have thoughtfully designed our facility and operations to accommodate a wide range of needs. Here is how we address common challenges for children with ASN:
| Common Challenge | Fun Street’s Solution & Approach |
| Overheating & Discomfort | Scotland’s Only Climate-Controlled Soft Play: Our entire facility is fully air-conditioned, maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature year-round. This prevents overheating, a common trigger for distress. |
| Overwhelming Noises | Off-Peak Visits & Dedicated Zones: We recommend visiting during quieter, off-peak times (e.g., weekday mornings during term time). Our spacious layout and separate toddler play zone can also provide a calmer corner away from the main action. |
| Unpleasant Smells | Subtle Scent Diffusers: We use carefully selected, pleasant scents diffused at a low level to create a calming, magical atmosphere, masking the typical stale smells of other centres and avoiding overpowering chemical odours. |
| Anxiety & Need for Focus | The Storybook Playhouses: Our themed playhouses offer structured, goal oriented role play that can be highly engaging for children who thrive on focus. They provide a clear, individual activity away from the busiest part of the main play frame. |
| Feeling Overwhelmed | Quiet Corners & Storybook Village: Our storybook playhouses (like the Hospital or Garage) can serve as small, quiet retreats where a child can decompress for a few minutes. The area beside Erina’s Kitchen is also often quieter. |
| Anxiety About New Places | Online Photo Gallery & Virtual Tour: Our website features an extensive gallery. We encourage parents to look through the photos with their child before visiting to familiarise them with the environment and create a sense of predictability. |
Planning Your ASN-Friendly Visit to Fun Street
A little preparation can make all the difference. Here are our top tips for a successful visit:
1.Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Weekday mornings and afternoons during school term are typically our quietest periods. This provides a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer people and lower noise levels.
2.Call Ahead: If you have specific concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us before your visit. Our team can advise on the quietest times and prepare to welcome your child.
3.Use Our Website to Prepare: Show your child the pictures of our play areas on the website. Talk them through what they will see and do. This visual preparation can significantly reduce anxiety.
4.Bring Sensory Tools: If your child uses them, feel free to bring noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or other calming tools.
5.Take Breaks: Make use of the seating areas or our quieter zones if your child needs a break from the main play frame. A snack at Erina’s Kitchen can be a great way to reset.
Dedicated ASN & Special Needs Sessions
We are proud to have hosted dedicated sessions for children with special needs, such as our Summer Special Needs Sessions. During these events, we often reduce capacity, lower the music volume, and create an even more supportive environment.
Keep an eye on our soft play events page or sign up for our newsletter for announcements about future ASN-dedicated sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is your staff trained to support children with ASN?
Our staff are trained to be inclusive, welcoming, and helpful to all our guests. While they are not specialist ASN carers, they are here to help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Please speak to a manager if you have specific requirements.
Is there a designated quiet room?
While we do not have a separate, dedicated quiet room, our facility has several quieter corners. The toddler zone and the seating areas near Erina’s Kitchen are often calmer than the main play frame. We recommend an off-peak visit for the quietest overall experience.
Can carers get free or discounted entry?
We understand the importance of carers. Please see our prices page or contact us directly for the most current information on our admission policy for carers.
My child is non-verbal. How can your staff interact with them?
Our team leads with a friendly, gentle, and patient approach. Play is a universal language, and our staff are experienced in engaging with children of all communication styles through smiles, gestures, and by facilitating play.
Can we book a private hire session for a group of ASN children?
Yes, our private soft play hire is a fantastic option for community groups or a group of friends. This gives you exclusive use of the facility, allowing you to fully control the music, lighting, and number of guests to create the perfect sensory environm
At Fun Street, our goal is to bring the magic of play to every child. We hope this guide helps you feel confident in planning a visit. For more information, please explore our soft play page or get in touch with our friendly team.
For further advice and support for families of children with autism, we recommend visiting the National Autistic Society Scotland website.
