Creating inclusive play experiences for children with special needs requires thoughtful design, trained staff, and a genuine commitment to accessibility. At Fun Street in Glasgow’s Silverburn Shopping Centre, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore, and develop in a supportive environment. This comprehensive guide explores how Fun Street accommodates children with various special needs, ensuring memorable summer play experiences for all families.
Our Inclusive Play Philosophy 💭
Fun Street’s approach to inclusive play is built on core principles that guide our facility design, staff training, and operational procedures.
Foundational Beliefs
Our inclusive approach is based on these key values:
| Principle | Description | Implementation at Fun Street |
| Universal Design | Creating spaces usable by all children | Wide pathways, accessible play elements |
| Dignity in Play | Respecting each child’s unique needs | Flexible approaches to rules and expectations |
| Equal Participation | Ensuring all children can engage meaningfully | Multiple ways to interact with each play feature |
| Family Support | Recognizing the needs of parents and carers | Comfortable observation areas, supportive staff |
| Continuous Improvement | Regularly enhancing accessibility | Ongoing staff training and facility updates |
Benefits of Inclusive Play
Research shows that inclusive play environments benefit all children:
•Social Development: Learning to appreciate differences and similarities
•Empathy Building: Developing understanding of diverse experiences
•Reduced Isolation: Creating community connections for families
•Skill Development: All children learning from each other’s unique approaches
Physical Accessibility Features ♿
Fun Street’s design incorporates numerous features to ensure physical accessibility for all visitors.
Facility Design
Key accessibility elements throughout our venue:
•Level Entry: Step-free access from Silverburn Shopping Centre
•Wide Pathways: Spacious routes between play areas
•Lift Access: Where different levels exist within the play structure
•Accessible Toilets: Fully equipped facilities for visitors with disabilities
•Changing Places Facility: Available within Silverburn Shopping Centre
Play Structure Accessibility
How our play equipment accommodates different physical abilities:
•Ground-Level Activities: Engaging play options without climbing
•Transfer Points: Designated areas to access elevated play features
•Supportive Seating: Various options throughout play structures
•Adaptive Equipment: Available upon request for specific needs
•Clear Sightlines: Allowing carers to maintain visual contact
Sensory Considerations 🔊
Understanding and accommodating various sensory processing needs is essential for truly inclusive play.
Sensory-Friendly Features
Elements designed with sensory sensitivities in mind:
•Quieter Zones: Areas with reduced noise levels
•Visual Calmness: Sections with less visual stimulation
•Tactile Variety: Different textures for sensory exploration
•Proprioceptive Input: Activities supporting body awareness
•Vestibular Options: Controlled movement experiences
Managing Sensory Overload
Strategies for families when sensory challenges arise:
•Quiet Spaces: Designated areas for sensory breaks
•Predictable Environment: Consistent layout and expectations
•Gradual Introduction: Ability to ease into busier play spaces
•Staff Awareness: Team members trained to recognize sensory needs
•Flexible Duration: Understanding that session length may vary based on individual needs
Staff Training and Support 👥
Our team members receive specialized training to support children with various needs.
Training Programme
Key elements of our staff preparation:
•Disability Awareness: Understanding different types of disabilities
•Communication Techniques: Alternative methods for effective interaction
•Behavior Support: Positive approaches to challenging situations
•Family Collaboration: Working effectively with parents and carers
•Emergency Procedures: Specialized protocols for children with additional needs
Staff Approach
How our team supports inclusive play:
•Person-First Attitude: Seeing the child, not just their disability
•Flexible Expectations: Adapting rules when appropriate
•Proactive Support: Anticipating potential challenges
•Respectful Interaction: Age-appropriate communication regardless of ability
•Continuous Learning: Ongoing professional development
Planning Your Visit 📅
Preparation is key to a successful visit for children with special needs.
Before You Arrive
Steps to take when planning your Fun Street visit:
•Contact Us: Discuss specific needs with our team
•Choose Timing: Consider quieter periods for sensitive children
•Prepare Your Child: Use social stories or visual schedules
•Share Information: Let us know about effective strategies
•Consider Duration: Plan for an appropriate visit length
Optimal Visiting Times
When to visit for different needs:
| Need Type | Recommended Times | Why This Works |
| Sensory Sensitivities | Weekday mornings, first session | Quietest period with fewest visitors |
| Physical Disabilities | Mid-week afternoons | Less crowded, full staff complement |
| Learning Disabilities | Consistent weekly slots | Builds familiarity and routine |
| Autism Spectrum | Regular, predictable visits | Develops comfort through repetition |
| Multiple Needs | Arranged visits with advance notice | Allows for personalized preparation |
Communication Supports 🗣️
Effective communication is essential for an inclusive play experience.
Visual Supports
Tools to enhance understanding:
•Visual Schedules: Pictorial representation of the visit sequence
•Now/Next Boards: Simple visual prompts for transitions
•Choice Cards: Visual options for activities
•Directional Signage: Clear, simple wayfinding throughout the venue
•Symbol Support: Key information presented with symbols
Alternative Communication
Supporting diverse communication methods:
•Staff Awareness: Basic knowledge of common AAC systems
•Simple Language: Clear, concise communication
•Processing Time: Patience when awaiting responses
•Multiple Formats: Information available in different forms
•Consistent Approach: Predictable communication patterns
Adaptive Play Strategies 🧩
Creative approaches to ensure all children can engage meaningfully with play opportunities.
Adapting Standard Activities
Making regular play accessible:
•Graded Challenges: Multiple difficulty levels for the same activity
•Hand-over-Hand Support: Physical guidance when appropriate
•Peer Modeling: Encouraging cooperative play with typically developing children
•Modified Rules: Flexible expectations based on ability
•Alternative Goals: Different success criteria for various needs
Specialized Play Approaches
Techniques for specific requirements:
•Sensory Play: Activities focusing on sensory input
•Motor Skill Development: Targeted physical challenges
•Social Skill Practice: Structured interaction opportunities
•Cognitive Engagement: Problem-solving at appropriate levels
•Emotional Regulation: Activities supporting self-calming
Parent and Carer Resources 📚
Supporting the adults who know the children best.
Information Sharing
Resources to enhance the visit experience:
•Pre-Visit Information: Detailed facility descriptions and photos
•Accessibility Guide: Comprehensive overview of features
•Staff Communication: Direct contact with knowledgeable team members
•Feedback Mechanism: Opportunity to share experiences and suggestions
•Community Connections: Links to local support organizations
Practical Support
Tangible assistance for families:
•Carer Admission Policy: Clear information about accompanying adults
•Rest Areas: Comfortable spaces for family breaks
•Storage Solutions: Secure places for specialized equipment
•Refreshment Options: Accommodating various dietary needs at Erina’s Kitchen
•Extended Support: Flexibility with session times when needed
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Do you offer specific sessions just for children with special needs?
While we don’t currently offer exclusive sessions, we recommend weekday mornings (especially the first session of the day) as these tend to be quieter and more suitable for children who may be sensitive to crowds or noise. Our standard sessions last 1 hour and 30 minutes as mentioned on our website, providing access to all areas including soft play, toddler play, playhouses, climbing wall, and augmented reality zone.
How should I prepare my child with autism for their first visit to Fun Street?
We recommend using visual supports like photographs of our facility (available on our website) to create a social story about the visit. Explaining the sequence of events, arrival, play time, departure, can help reduce anxiety. Consider a shorter first visit during a quieter time, and let our staff know about your child’s specific needs when you arrive. Many families find that regular visits help build familiarity and comfort.
What training do your staff receive regarding children with special needs?
Our team members receive training in disability awareness, communication techniques, and positive behavior support. This includes understanding different types of disabilities, alternative communication methods, and strategies for supporting children who may find the play environment challenging. Our staff approach is flexible, respectful, and focused on ensuring every child can participate meaningfully.
Can carers or support workers attend without paying an entrance fee?
Yes, essential carers or support workers accompanying a child with disabilities can enter free of charge. We recognize the vital role these individuals play in facilitating play and ensuring safety. Please mention this requirement when booking your visit so we can note it on your reservation.
What if my child becomes overwhelmed during our visit?
Our staff understand that children with sensory sensitivities or other special needs may sometimes become overwhelmed. We have quieter areas where children can take a break, and our team is trained to recognize signs of distress and respond appropriately. If you need to cut your visit short, please speak with our staff who will do their best to accommodate your needs.
At Fun Street, we believe that inclusive play isn’t just about physical accessibility, it’s about creating an environment where every child feels welcome, understood, and able to participate in their own way. Our commitment to accessibility and inclusion is ongoing, with regular staff training and facility improvements based on family feedback and evolving best practices.
We recognize that parents and carers of children with special needs are the experts on their children’s requirements, and we value your input in helping us provide the best possible experience. Whether your child has physical disabilities, sensory processing differences, communication challenges, or other special needs, we’re committed to working with you to ensure a positive play experience.
For more information about accessibility at Fun Street, or to discuss your child’s specific requirements before visiting, please contact our team directly. We also welcome feedback after your visit to help us continuously improve our inclusive approach.
Looking for more information about Fun Street? Explore our main play area or check our pricing details to plan your visit.
Find Us 📍
Silverburn Shopping Centre
Barrhead Rd
Glasgow G53 6AG
United Kingdom
