FAQ
.When / where are your sessions?
Click here for info!
Do I need to book?
Nope! We run on a drop-in basis, you can just roll up at any time during the session and stay as long as you like. You will need to register your child the first time you come (this is so we can provide feedback to our funders).
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Our sessions are completely free to everyone.
If you'd like you can give a donation to help us buy resources and equipment.
We are also always happy to receive any donations of actual stuff - recycling for junk modelling, wood, art & craft bits, old sheets, anything you think we could make use of!
What age are your sessions suitable for?
All ages! We're big fans of mixed-age play and think brilliant things happen when kids of all ages play unsegregated. During our term-time sessions we do have mainly under 5s but also some home educated children, and during school holidays we make sure there's plenty to appeal to the older ones.
There's no minimum age - we've had lots of younger babies at our sessions and there's plenty to engage them. But be aware there may be small bits and pieces around the space such as little craft materials, so obviously just watch out for what littles might be shoving in their mouths. Activities with tools or fire will never be left unattended by a playworker. Waterside Adventure Playground boasts challenging play structures, swings and slides designed for children aged 6+. We know that plenty of toddlers are capable of navigating these spaces and we love to see it, but little ones will need your close supervision.
What sort of activities do you offer?
We don't have organised activities as such, children are free to explore the space and materials however they wish. We will always have some loose parts (these are open-ended everyday objects that can be played with in a multitude of ways - otherwise known as junk!) and we try to vary what's on offer each session, with other things including more recognisable toys, mud kitchen, sensory baskets, art & craft materials, junk modelling, den making, face painting, campfire, dressing-up clothes, swings, hammocks, slackline and rope ladders, woodwork with real tools, and messy sensory play - for instance paint, slime, potion making, water, shaving foam, playdough and clay. At Waterside Adventure Playground children can also explore the play structures, swings, slides, boulders, tunnels and sandpit.
What if it rains?
We'll still be outside playing! Pop your child into their waterproofs and enjoy the muddy puddles, We have some waterproofs to borrow if needed (and welcome donations of more). At Waterside Adventure Playground we will also provide activities inside if the weather is very cold or wet. We do not have an indoor space at Tollyrise Happiness Garden so we take a winter break for the colder months December - February. And in the unlikely event we do need to cancel (because for example a storm) we will update everybody on our Instagram.
Are your activities safe?
As playworkers, we believe children of all ages should be given the chance to engage in risky play. 'Risky' doesn't mean 'dangerous', and if we let children explore independently then they are very adept at assessing their own risk and learning how to keep themselves safe. A few bumps and grazes are all part of childhood! Some of our activities do contain elements of risk, such as woodwork, campfires, rope ladders and building small climbing structures with loose parts. Waterside Adventure Playground also has challenging play structures with climbing nets, underground tunnels, a fast slide, a high zipwire and steep ladder - so it's important that you keep a close eye on your child, suppotrt where needed and remember that you are responsible for your children during our sessions. Both Dom and Kerri have worked in adventure playgrounds and are experienced in supervising these kinds of play. Risky play empowers children and builds their confidence and sense of self.
Are your paints non-toxic / 'taste safe'?
We only ever use children's paints, so they are non-toxic and there's no need to panic when it inevitably ends up in their mouths. We don't tend to make natural paints out of food as we're not fans of food waste and don't see the need. Our own children have eaten a lot of paint over the years and it doesn't seem to have done them any harm!
I'm worried about my child getting messy
We're not gonna lie, sometimes our sessions get VERY messy, and paint is unlikely to wash out so we don't recommend you dress in your best clothes. We appreciate however that not everyone comes prepared or has the means to allow clothes to get ruined. We don't want this to be a barrier to anybody so we do have some spare messy clothes available at our sessions for you to borrow or keep, and welcome any donations of rain-suits or outgrown stained clothes you can't give away. We also know that mess isn't for everybody and we are not specifically a messy play group - there won't always be things like paint out. We do our best to let everyone know on our Instagram what we plan to have out at upcoming sessions (although this isn't guaranteed as we never know what the children might request).
My child has an allergy
We tend not to use food but if we do we will never use any of the 14 allergens. If your child has any other allergy or sensitivity you'd like us to be aware of please contact us before you come.
Can I drop my child off?
No! Please don't leave your child with us! Your child remains your responsibility the whole time they are here.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Tollyrise Happiness Garden: The entrances to the garden and to the church are step-free. The garden itself is mainly flat but there may be areas that are uneven or stony. There is a basic accessible toilet inside the building.
Waterside Adventure Playground: All entrances are step free, as is the building. Some of the playground surfaces are flat (and we will always have some activities set up in these areas), other areas are hilly and muddy. The main playground structures are currently only accessible via a ladder but Waterside have plans to add sloped access too. There is a basic accessible toilet inside the building.
Are sessions suitable for children who are disabled and/or neurodivergent?
We certainly hope so! Both Dom and Kerri have a lot of experience working in inclusive settings and directly supporting disabled and neurodivergent children. We understand that some children's activities can be stressful if you feel that your child may not do what is expected of them or be judged for how they behave. Our sessions are completely free-flow, allowing your child to explore at their own pace and play how they choose to, and we have a lot of sensory materials. We also recognise that some children may appreciate a bit of help with ideas for what to do, and we're always on hand to play. Everybody is welcome. Sometimes we can get pretty busy and as our sessions are drop-in we can't predict how crowded/noisy they might get, but we often find that the last hour is much quieter if it would suit you better to arrive later. If you would like to chat before you come please contact us. We always endeavour to do better in our provision so we welcome any feedback or suggestions about ways we can make our sessions more inclusive.
Is the venue secure?
Both venues are completely fenced with a gate that opens onto the pavement. As our sessions are drop-in, the gates will not be locked. We will be trusting everyone to shut the gate behind them!
Are you qualified and DBS checked?
Yes! Both Dom and Kerri have DBS checks, Safeguarding training, and are qualified first aiders. The sessions have been risk assessed and we have the relevant insurance.
Click here for info!
Do I need to book?
Nope! We run on a drop-in basis, you can just roll up at any time during the session and stay as long as you like. You will need to register your child the first time you come (this is so we can provide feedback to our funders).
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Our sessions are completely free to everyone.
If you'd like you can give a donation to help us buy resources and equipment.
We are also always happy to receive any donations of actual stuff - recycling for junk modelling, wood, art & craft bits, old sheets, anything you think we could make use of!
What age are your sessions suitable for?
All ages! We're big fans of mixed-age play and think brilliant things happen when kids of all ages play unsegregated. During our term-time sessions we do have mainly under 5s but also some home educated children, and during school holidays we make sure there's plenty to appeal to the older ones.
There's no minimum age - we've had lots of younger babies at our sessions and there's plenty to engage them. But be aware there may be small bits and pieces around the space such as little craft materials, so obviously just watch out for what littles might be shoving in their mouths. Activities with tools or fire will never be left unattended by a playworker. Waterside Adventure Playground boasts challenging play structures, swings and slides designed for children aged 6+. We know that plenty of toddlers are capable of navigating these spaces and we love to see it, but little ones will need your close supervision.
What sort of activities do you offer?
We don't have organised activities as such, children are free to explore the space and materials however they wish. We will always have some loose parts (these are open-ended everyday objects that can be played with in a multitude of ways - otherwise known as junk!) and we try to vary what's on offer each session, with other things including more recognisable toys, mud kitchen, sensory baskets, art & craft materials, junk modelling, den making, face painting, campfire, dressing-up clothes, swings, hammocks, slackline and rope ladders, woodwork with real tools, and messy sensory play - for instance paint, slime, potion making, water, shaving foam, playdough and clay. At Waterside Adventure Playground children can also explore the play structures, swings, slides, boulders, tunnels and sandpit.
What if it rains?
We'll still be outside playing! Pop your child into their waterproofs and enjoy the muddy puddles, We have some waterproofs to borrow if needed (and welcome donations of more). At Waterside Adventure Playground we will also provide activities inside if the weather is very cold or wet. We do not have an indoor space at Tollyrise Happiness Garden so we take a winter break for the colder months December - February. And in the unlikely event we do need to cancel (because for example a storm) we will update everybody on our Instagram.
Are your activities safe?
As playworkers, we believe children of all ages should be given the chance to engage in risky play. 'Risky' doesn't mean 'dangerous', and if we let children explore independently then they are very adept at assessing their own risk and learning how to keep themselves safe. A few bumps and grazes are all part of childhood! Some of our activities do contain elements of risk, such as woodwork, campfires, rope ladders and building small climbing structures with loose parts. Waterside Adventure Playground also has challenging play structures with climbing nets, underground tunnels, a fast slide, a high zipwire and steep ladder - so it's important that you keep a close eye on your child, suppotrt where needed and remember that you are responsible for your children during our sessions. Both Dom and Kerri have worked in adventure playgrounds and are experienced in supervising these kinds of play. Risky play empowers children and builds their confidence and sense of self.
Are your paints non-toxic / 'taste safe'?
We only ever use children's paints, so they are non-toxic and there's no need to panic when it inevitably ends up in their mouths. We don't tend to make natural paints out of food as we're not fans of food waste and don't see the need. Our own children have eaten a lot of paint over the years and it doesn't seem to have done them any harm!
I'm worried about my child getting messy
We're not gonna lie, sometimes our sessions get VERY messy, and paint is unlikely to wash out so we don't recommend you dress in your best clothes. We appreciate however that not everyone comes prepared or has the means to allow clothes to get ruined. We don't want this to be a barrier to anybody so we do have some spare messy clothes available at our sessions for you to borrow or keep, and welcome any donations of rain-suits or outgrown stained clothes you can't give away. We also know that mess isn't for everybody and we are not specifically a messy play group - there won't always be things like paint out. We do our best to let everyone know on our Instagram what we plan to have out at upcoming sessions (although this isn't guaranteed as we never know what the children might request).
My child has an allergy
We tend not to use food but if we do we will never use any of the 14 allergens. If your child has any other allergy or sensitivity you'd like us to be aware of please contact us before you come.
Can I drop my child off?
No! Please don't leave your child with us! Your child remains your responsibility the whole time they are here.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Tollyrise Happiness Garden: The entrances to the garden and to the church are step-free. The garden itself is mainly flat but there may be areas that are uneven or stony. There is a basic accessible toilet inside the building.
Waterside Adventure Playground: All entrances are step free, as is the building. Some of the playground surfaces are flat (and we will always have some activities set up in these areas), other areas are hilly and muddy. The main playground structures are currently only accessible via a ladder but Waterside have plans to add sloped access too. There is a basic accessible toilet inside the building.
Are sessions suitable for children who are disabled and/or neurodivergent?
We certainly hope so! Both Dom and Kerri have a lot of experience working in inclusive settings and directly supporting disabled and neurodivergent children. We understand that some children's activities can be stressful if you feel that your child may not do what is expected of them or be judged for how they behave. Our sessions are completely free-flow, allowing your child to explore at their own pace and play how they choose to, and we have a lot of sensory materials. We also recognise that some children may appreciate a bit of help with ideas for what to do, and we're always on hand to play. Everybody is welcome. Sometimes we can get pretty busy and as our sessions are drop-in we can't predict how crowded/noisy they might get, but we often find that the last hour is much quieter if it would suit you better to arrive later. If you would like to chat before you come please contact us. We always endeavour to do better in our provision so we welcome any feedback or suggestions about ways we can make our sessions more inclusive.
Is the venue secure?
Both venues are completely fenced with a gate that opens onto the pavement. As our sessions are drop-in, the gates will not be locked. We will be trusting everyone to shut the gate behind them!
Are you qualified and DBS checked?
Yes! Both Dom and Kerri have DBS checks, Safeguarding training, and are qualified first aiders. The sessions have been risk assessed and we have the relevant insurance.