SideWays Play for children with additional needs (gentle sessions)

Sensory theatre pioneers Oily Cart are creating a new playspace and would love your family to help shape their ideas. 

What does a texture sound like? How do colours feel? In the SideWays World there are more than five senses, and the fun begins when you mix them up. Side-by-side(ways), children and grown-ups will explore an accessible, immersive sensory landscape, where everything’s sort of the same… but a little bit more.

These relaxed, self-led play-testing sessions invite families to tune into their senses and each other. There are no right ways to play, just your ways. 

The Wednesday sessions are designed for children with additional needs who enjoy a quieter, calmer experience, and their families. There'll be a chance to share your thoughts and ideas at the end of the session.

Booking information:

·       Each session lasts for 45 minutes.

·       Sessions are at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm.

·       This event is free, but requires booking. 

·       One booking includes up the three people: a child with additional needs accompanied by a responsible adult, plus another child or adult. 

·       Children will be supported to enter and leave at a pace that suits them. 

·       The Wednesday sessions are designed for children with additional needs who may seek a gentler energy. 

 ·       There are free, bookable sessions for children with additional needs  who would prefer a higher energy environment on Thursdays and you can see booking details here: SideWays Play for children with additional needs (high energy sessions) - Drop-in at Young V&A · V&A
·       There are drop-in sessions on Fridays for children under 5 and their families and you can see details here: SideWays Play drop-in sessions for Under 5s - Drop-in at Young V&A · V&A
·       There are drop-in sessions on Saturday that welcome children of all ages and their families and you can see details here: SideWays Play drop-in sessions for children of all ages - Drop-in at Young V&A · V&A
 

 

Access information:

·       Our visual story shows you pictures of the museum and how to access our spaces. Please check our Access page for further information. 

·       There will be a visual story about SideWays Play available on the day of your event.

·       This session will be held in the Play Studio on the lower ground floor in the Learning Centre at Young V&A. Our building has step-free access to all public areas.  

·       This is a family event. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the SideWays Play space. 

·       This is a relaxed session. Attendees will be welcome to move around, make noise and leave or re-enter the session throughout.  

·       There will be a quiet space available in the Design Studio near by.

·       Ear defenders are always available on request at our reception and at the entrance to the Learning Centre.  

·       We know that visiting a museum as a family requires lots of planning. If you would like further information or would like to tell us about your child's needs in advance of the session, please contact us by email: young@vam.ac.uk

·       On the day, our friendly team will be available to help with your access needs. Please feel free to approach us to make your visit more comfortable.