SideWays Play drop-in sessions for children of all ages

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. 

Drop-in sessions on Saturdays are open to children of all ages and their families. There will be a chance to share your thoughts and ideas at the end of your session.

Event information:

·       Drop-in sessions run from 11am – 1pm and 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

·       We recommend spending up to 45 minutes in SideWays Play.

·       Sessions are free and drop-in, with no booking needed, to make it easier for families to join us. 

·       There is a limited capacity inside the playspace, to make sure everyone has the best experience possible.  This means we cannot guarantee entry, and there may be a wait at busy times. 

·       There are free, bookable sessions for children with additional needs (gentle sessions) on Wednesdays and you can see details here: SideWays Play for children with additional needs (gentle sessions) - Special event at Young V&A · V&A
·       There are free, bookable sessions for children with additional needs (high energy) on Thursdays and you can see 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

 

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.  

·       Please use our buggy parks on entrance to the museum, as we don’t have a space for them in the studio and it can cause a potential fire or trip risk. 

·       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. 

·       We ask everyone to keep food items in their bags while in the workshop room in case of food allergies. Breastfeeding or bottle is allowed in the room anytime, or anywhere you feel comfortable in the museum if you prefer.

·       Ear defenders are always available on request at our reception.  

·       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.