Family Support Service
Our whole-family support helps give children with special educational needs the best start in life and their families the support they deserve
We’re here for children and families
We understand that parents/carers, grandparents and extended family might need advice, support and information too.
Our Family Support team is there to help you with the ‘maze’ of who’s who and what’s what for children with special educational needs aged 0-5 across Staffordshire, Stoke and South Cheshire. Things Kirsty and Demi can help with include:
Events and social activities
Each month we host a range of social activities for you and your child to get involved in, from Stay and Play groups to swimming trips or weekend socials at our centre.
SEND Stay and Play
Our SEND Stay and Play groups are for families with young children aged under 5 who require extra support. We have three groups running in Newcastle, Burslem and Fenton, where parents can meet other parents and access guidance and support from our friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteer team. Each group offers sensory play and activities for parents and children to enjoy together.
Booking is essential. For more information or to book please email: familysupport@thepeterpancentre.co.uk
Spotlight on SEND Stay and Play at
Hazel Trees Nursery, Fenton
This session runs on alternate Thursdays, 1-3pm
Our sessions at Hazel Trees benefit from a playroom, sensory room and a large multi-purpose outdoor space with a birds nest swing, climbing frame with slide and in floor trampoline. It is a great venue for outdoor adventurers! There is free car parking on site and within the local area.
During any of our Stay and Play sessions you can ask the session lead for advice on a range of topics i.e. toileting, eating, sleep or education to name just a few.
SEND Stay and Play
Newcastle Family Hub
Alternate Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon
Newcastle Family Hub was where Peter Pan Stay and Play started out just over 2 years ago. Catering to Staffordshire Local Authority families only, the venue is fully accessible and has a large main room which can be left as one room or split into two, meaning that if a child is feeling overwhelmed, we can easily create a quieter space. We also benefit from an enclosed outdoor area with a small climbing frame and slide and have sole use of a fully equipped sensory room during the whole of the session.
The Staffordshire Free Pass Card is accepted at this venue, which covers the cost of the session. If you feel you may be eligible for a Free Pass Card, please speak to Kirsty or Demi.
Spotlight on SEND Stay and Play at
Bescura Family Hub, Burslem
This session runs every Monday, 10am – 12 noon
The Bescura Family Hubb is situated within Port Vale FC. There is a large free car park available. The session is led by Demi Our Family Support Practitioner and supported by our lovely Graduate Parent Volunteer Claire. Both are on hand to help and to answer any questions you may have. This session benefits from a large playroom with lots of toys and resources, a small sensory area which has recently had a new bubble tube and a covered outdoor space which can be used the whole year round. Bescura Family Hubb is all on one level and accessible to all.
As with all of our Stay and Play sessions, you do not need to have a diagnosis to attend. All of our Stay and Play sessions are designed to help families who have a child who needs extra support.
Family Meet-ups
Our Family meet-ups are an opportunity for families to spend time with their children and try new things with expert support on hand. It’s also a chance for families to meet each other and for their children to make new friends.
Previous meet-ups have included trips to soft play, cinema, swimming and Trentham Monkey Trust.
Email familysupport@thepeterpancetnre.co.uk for more information or to book.
Weekend family fun sessions
One Saturday morning each month we hold a Family Fun session at the Peter Pan Centre. Sessions are often themed (Christmas/Halloween), each session begins with a group activity like a welcome song or parachute game and all activities are planned dependent on the needs of the children attending. We ensure activities are available for siblings too.
Email familysupport@thepeterpancetnre.co.uk for more information or to book.
Meet the Team
Kirsty Perry
Family Support Manager
Kirsty joined Peter Pan in August 2015. She has a Bachelor of Arts with honours first class, in the study of early childhood. Kirsty’s passion for supporting our families has grown over her time at the Centre and she offers invaluable support and advice in her Family support role.
Demi Cooke
Family Support Practitioner
Demi has almost completed her BA Hons Childhood and Youth Professional studies with the University of Chester and has over 5 years of experience working within Early years. Demi has a passion for supporting children with SEND because she has a little brother who has a diagnosis of additional needs.
Useful Links:
The local Offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their families, information about what support services the council thinks are available in their local area. Councils are responsible for writing a Local Offer and making sure it is available for everyone to see.
Contact, for families with disabled children. Their website has advice and information about concerns you might have about raising a child with additional needs.
National Autistic Society, provide a wide range of services to support autistic children and young people.
The Sleep Charity, provides advice and support to empower the nation to sleep better, with information specifically for disabled children.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, a charity specifically focussed on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour may be described as challenging, and their families.
Eric, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, has lots of information to support children with additional needs and sensory issues who may take a little longer to become toilet trained.
Ipsea, the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND.
Cerebra, helps children with brain conditions and their families in many different ways and has an excellent guide to completing DLA application forms.
Family Fund, provides grants and services that make life easier for families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child.