Support and Activities

We appreciate how difficult it can be to find sources of advice, support and recommendations. With this in mind, we have created this resource page. It is a collection of websites and pages that have been recommended by the family and friends of Fountaindale School. We thank the contributors so far and hope that it can be useful to others. Please let us know if there are things that you would like to add.

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Short Breaks

Short Breaks is a service provided by the LA that supports families but only after they have been approved through the application process.

The services listed in the directory below are available to those families whose disabled children and young people are eligible for a short break service. This may have been through completing a short break application online at http://www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk or through an assessment carried out by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children’s Disability Service or Short Break Assessment and Review Team.

Short Break Provider Directory

Places to Visit

Here are some places that have been recommended that try to cater for young people with additional needs. Another good search tool is Accessible places to go search: Home | AccessAble

Notts have a webpage that lists things to do in the local area. It is part of their local offer webpage: Nottshelpyourself | SEND Local Offer - Things to do

Moorways sports Village and water park (swimming): Moorways Sports Village and Water Park | Gym & swim | Everyone Active
Arc cinema Hucknall: Home | Arc Cinema Hucknall – Cinema listings, times and online tickets
Jump in SEN sessions: Home Page Derby | Derby (jumpinfun.co.uk)
Brooke Farm, Linby - Support people with Learning Disabilities and Autism: Information Page
White Post Farm near Mansfield White Post Farm – Family Size Fun!
Portland College Arts Events and disabled climbing wall Portland Events - Portland Charity
Rufford Abbey Country Park has some disabled access play equipment Welcome to Rufford Abbey Country Park
Gloworm Festival once a year in August, a family based festival promoting disability inclusion Gloworm Festival 2024 | The Ultimate Family Festival
Twycross Zoo Twycross Zoo & The Gruffalo Discovery Land
A bit further afield

Wet wheels boat trips Great for disabled access. Some sites along the South Coast: Wet wheels Webpage

Changing Place Toilets. A website for listing places that have hoist accessible toilets Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org)

Clubs and Activities

Here are some clubs and organisations that might be worth considering. Please follow the links for additional information.

Bridging club swimming run by the council: Bridging Club | NCC Schools Portal (nottinghamshire.gov.uk)
Core Aquatics: Core Aquatics – Delivering the best swimming experience for both adults and children.
Little Glow Ashfield and surrounding areas: Little Glow - Ashfield The Little Sensory
Every sensation hydrotherapy pool: EverySensation
Clay Cross Town FC (near Chesterfield) Check out their Facebook page: Clay Cross Town FC
S.E.Nsation Minds Playgroup- A welcoming Special Need Playgroup with various sensory play, soft play and swimming session in Warsop, Warsop vale and the Mansfield area Facebook Info Page
Spirit of the Phoenix Equine Assisted Therapy May be suitable for ASD, Learning difficulties and some physical disabilities Webpage
Nottingham MENCAP clubs and activities MENCAP Webpage
Nottinghamshire Down's Syndrome Support Group - Dance Warriors
DLA Children Fun Days Out UK (20+) Children DLA days out Discounts tips and advice Disability Living Allowance | Facebook
Bramcote College Inclusive Football CLub on Saturdays. www.footballactive.co
Equine Assisted Therapy in Nottingham | Pet a Pony Nottingham based Community Interest Company, providing horse experience and equine therapy sessions.
Water Babies run a group out of Portland College. Find them through: Water Babies | Confidence starts with baby swimming

Parent Support Pages

Here are some Facebook pages that might be of interest to some families.

Little Legs with Lauren: Facebook
Derby SEND information advice and support service: Facebook
DWP PIP DLA Disability Information Support Group Facebook
M&S and Me. Special Needs Clothing for Children Facebook

Support Groups

Here are some support groups that have been recommended by families or friends of the school.

CONTACT: a massive online resource helping families with disabled children CONTACT
Spectrum wasp: Spectrum Wasp | – We are special people
Ashfield play forum: Ashfield Play Forum – Promoting the Importance of Play
TuVida -Supporting Your Life www.tuvida.org
Bluebell Wood Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
Rainbows Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
Swan UK SWAN UK (Syndromes Without A Name) - Genetic Alliance
Callum's Voice: Supporting autistic children to achieve and maintain positive mental health so that they can lead happy, healthy lives. https://callumsvoice.org.uk/
Young Minds: Offer tailored information, advice and support to parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/
Notts Special Educational Needs and Disabilities SEND Local Offer: Information about things available in the Notts area including links to short breaks NOTTS LOCAL OFFER