Children and Family Centre

The Children and Family Centre provides inclusive play opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment for children with learning disabilities and additional needs. Through its wide range of groups, play sessions and SEN training courses, children can learn and play while parents can access a wide range of information and support. We tailor both the support and the groups to the children’s individual needs and ensure that numbers of those attending the groups are kept low to ensure each child gets the attention they deserve. The groups are all family based, with parents and carers joining their children for sessions.

Our Space

Along with the indoor space which features plenty of toys, games and crafts as well as lots of sensory equipment, The Centre also has a large garden. The outdoor space is fully secure, and there are lots of outdoor toys, games, and play equipment available.

Reverse inclusion

The Children and Family Centre is unique to the Stockport area with its strong ethos of reverse inclusion. This means that we welcome all children, including siblings and friends, to The Centre when it is appropriate, but those with additional needs and disabilities take priority

Groups and Activities

After School Club

There’s always lots to do at our After School Clubs, with a mix of games, toys and crafts, and the outdoor play area with plenty of bikes and play equipment to be discovered.

Weekend Boredom Busters

Our Saturday groups are a mix of fun play times with bikes, games, and outdoor toys, as well as arts, crafts, and sensory activities.

Sing and Sign (0 to 4 years)

Encourage your child to communicate through sign language and encourage speech development by signing and singing along to some of our favourite songs.

Parents Coffee Mornings

A chance to relax and meet other parents, share experiences, problems and ideas. Become a part of a support network of local parents and carers. Local professionals attend regularly to offer help and advice.

Sensory and Messy Play (0 to 4 years)

This group is all about exploring our senses with sensory toys to explore, as well as messy play with a variety of crafts, water play, and much more available.

School Holiday Clubs (various times and days)

Throughout the school holidays we make sure there are lots of fun and exciting activities taking place for you and your child. We have timetables available for more information, so please get in touch if you are interested in our holiday clubs.

Kevin's Story

Kevin uses Independent Options’ Short Breaks service. His Mum, Jude, tells of how the experience has helped her family.

“Having a disabled child totally changes the dynamics of family life. With all the meetings, hospital appointments and such it can be draining on everyone. When Kevin is at Hallfield guest house I am safe in the knowledge that he is with staff who genuinely care. I also know that he always has a great time and he can do what he chooses to do safely – and without his Mum there too! To have this service is so valuable as it gives me as a parent that time to do things I can’t when Kevin is at home, and I don’t feel guilty leaving him because I know that he really enjoys his time there with the staff and other guests.

“I adore my son and would not change him or his disability as then that would not be Kevin, but to have these respite breaks is wonderful for both of us as it means that I can recharge my batteries too. A service like the one offered through Independent Options is genuinely priceless.”

Read more of our stories

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Upcoming Events

We work with the local community to bring people with disabilities together and have fun. Click below to find more

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