Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Very Inclusive Play Club For?
The VIP club provides to support to pre-school children and babies aged 0-6 with Additional Support Needs based in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
We provide support for children with a range of conditions including Down Syndrome, Autism, Global Developmental Delay, chromosomal differences, in addition to those without a diagnosis.
My child finds it hard to settle / be still in a group environment - is the group suitable for them?
Absolutely! We aim to provide a welcoming, nurturing environment suitable for all children. Many children find it difficult to settle in the first few sessions but our structured and understanding approach means that almost without exception children are able to integrate and participate within the groups. Groups are carefully organised to balance children's needs and abilities and all activities are carefully differentiated to be accessible to everyone in the group. Children are free to move around the room whilst in the session, with some children preferring to watch from a distance at first. As their confidence grows within the group, they may then start to take part in the activities.
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My child finds it hard to be around other children, can we still attend?​
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Absolutely! Many children who attend the groups can struggle to be around other children, we give all the children time and space to process this and get used to the environment and other children. Groups sizes vary depending on the children's needs, maximum group size is 7 children, other groups may be smaller, depending on the children, and what is best /manageable for each of them. At the VIP club we fully accept every child for who they are, it's a space they can be themselves! We are mindful in the group to support you and your child to manage this.
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I feel anxious about bringing my child to a group? What's different ​about these groups?
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The VIP club is a safe space for children with additional support needs, we celebrate each child for who they are! We all have different needs and behaviours and this is ok. We are a non-judgmental community where everyone is welcome. Many parents who have joined our community feel this way, we give all families a warm welcome. We all laugh and cry in the groups and celebrate each achievement of every child! Its a big step to take to come along and we all appreciate that!
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​Can I refer myself (as a parent)? ​What is the process?
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Yes! You can contact us directly at thevipclub17@gmail.com. Leanne (the founder and facilitator) will then send you a link to an 'All about me form' which can take 5-10 minutes to fill in. You and your child will then be invited to visit, to explore our Bothy and garden and meet Leanne. This is very relaxed and can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. You will then be invited to attend a free taster session.
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We can also get referrals from social work, health visitors, paediatricians and other professionals.
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Is there parking onsite?
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Yes! We have parking right outside the Bothy building, the VIP club has priority parking.
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My child can run away, is it an enclosed space?
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Yes! The Bothy is in a walled natural sensory garden with 1 exit which has a high handle on the gate (at adult height).
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I have never taken my child to a cafe to eat with others and worry about if this is manageable for them?
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On Tuesday both our groups are invited to join together for lunch, this is a great way to have a cafe experience with your child and get a chance to meet and chat with other parents. This is fully funded and is usually a delicious homemade soup. We appreciate not all of the children may eat this, so you're welcome to bring their own food into the cafe. The cafe is only open to the VIP club, so allowing the children to move around the cafe is ok. The door of the cafe can be closed if needed, and we can make adjustments to ensure this is manageable for your child. The staff in the building are aware this could be challenging to some of our children too.
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Where do the sessions take place?
Our sessions take place at:
The Bothy
Bridgend Farmhouse
41 Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4TE
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The site is easily accessible by public transport, and there is parking available onsite for VIP club families.
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There is a cafe onsite which is open to the public Thursday to Sunday.