Children's centres

The SWC runs play and stay sessions for children aged 0 to 5 with SEND.

These are called 0 to 5 Little Explorer Groups. The child does not need a diagnosis to attend the group but will have identified additional needs.

0 to 5 Little Explorers is a drop-in group, where families with under 5’s can attend and receive support and information in a play environment, from staff at the SWC.

The structure of the session includes free-play, song-time, and snack-time with all activities differentiated to ensure all children can access them.

There are 2 sessions per week during term time, on Wednesdays, 12pm to 2pm and Fridays, 10am to 12pm.

There is also a session at Old Oak Children's Centre on Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon.

This session is delivered jointly with the staff from Old Oak Children’s Centre and SWC and follows the same structure as the group at SWC.

Being a carer can be rewarding, but also physically and emotionally challenging. Short breaks provide carers an opportunity to take a break.

Short breaks also give children and young people the same opportunity as others to develop new friendships, take part in new experiences, learn new skills, and have fun whilst achieving positive outcomes.

Find out more about short breaks for Disabled children.

Short breaks programme

We deliver short breaks to children after school and during school holidays. Depending on the needs of the child this support may be accessed without a needs assessment.

Our approach to short breaks is:

• to carefully plan activities to make them fun for children with a range of needs
• to employ staff who are well trained and can meet the needs of children we support
• to ensure the premises are fully accessible, providing quiet spaces, hoists, as well as sensory and other engaging toys
• working closely with families to identify which children will work best together and where friendships might develop to ensure all children can have freedom within the space but also have any risks well managed.

Short breaks available without an assessment

H&F residents with a child aged 8 to 18 may be able to access the SWC core offer, without an assessment.

This depends on the needs of the child which are considered by a suitable social care worker. 

We are exploring delivering 0-8 stay and play sessions. Further information will be available in the New Year.

The core offer includes:

• 6 days of holiday club during school holidays
• 1 after school club every fortnight.

Action on Disability also provide a core offer and they can be contacted directly about their short breaks.

Short breaks requiring an assessment

A wider range of services may be available after school, weekends and during the holidays for children with higher levels of need, aged 8 to 18.

The choice of support under the SWC targeted offer is a decision between the family and allocated worker.

This could be a Social Worker from the Disabled Children’s Team, a Short Breaks Review Worker or an Integrated Keyworker who are family support specialists for children with SEND. They complete an assessment and request the support to be funded via a panel.

They complete an assessment and request funding through a panel. This could include an offer of direct payments or other funded short breaks.

Please visit Guide to direct payments for parents and carers for further details

The SWC is located near the ground of Fulham Football Club. A list of match days at Fulham Football Club can be seen by visiting Match day parking at craven cottage.

Parking restrictions apply on these days in zones X and Y. View Parking zone times and charges for more information.

We want parents and carers to be involved in the development of the centre and we welcome any feedback.

Any organisations wanting to run workshops, trainings, or surgeries for parents and carers, or young people with SEND are welcome to use the centre. Contact the centre for further information.