A CHILDREN’S charity based in Ross-on-Wye-has been awarded £15,000 from BBC Children In Need to provide specialist sessions for those with special educational needs.

WyePlay was established in 2018 and currently runs up to five stay- and-play sessions each week in and around the Ross area.

Through this provision, the charity became aware of the lack of specific provision for families with children with additional learning needs.

The funding, which will be spread over three years, will allow WyePlay to run an additional two sessions per week for children with special educational needs.

The financial support will enable the charity to meet the running costs of these new, additional sessions, which will start later this month.

WyePlay’s experienced leaders will design these stay-and-play sessions to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for parents and carers to bring their babies and pre-school age children who require additional support or have specific learning needs.

No formal diagnosis is required to attend the sessions and children who struggle with communication and social situations will be welcomed to attend these sessions with their parent or carer.

The activities and resources available will be inclusive and tailored to suit the needs of the children, ensuring all children can participate, socialise and enjoy themselves in a safe and welcoming environment.

These sessions will promote social interaction, sensory development and communication skills in an entirely relaxed and inclusive setting and the emphasis is on ‘free play’ so children can enjoy and interact in whatever way works for them.

Parents and carers will also benefit from meeting other adults, building networks and sharing experiences. The aim is to provide an open and friendly environment for all to feel comfortable and particularly those parents who may also struggle with social anxiety.

The play leaders can provide additional support and guidance as needed. The additional sessions will be offered each week during Herefordshire school term time and will take place at Tudorville and District Community Centre on Mondays and Walford Village Hall on Fridays during term time.

These sessions will be available to book online via the online booking system bookwhen.com/wyeplay.

Louise Clarke, WyePlay leader said: “We’re so pleased to be able to add specific sessions for babies and young children with additional needs to our offering and we’re grateful to BBC Children In Need for giving us this opportunity. This is a positive development for families with special educational needs children in and around Ross. We’re really looking forward to welcoming families to our new, specially designed sessions later this month.”

BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. The charity will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.

BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 2,500 projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.