Challengers Play Scheme’s ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Report And New Policy Introduced

Published on: 11 Sep, 2015
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2015

Challengers, the Guildford-based play scheme for disabled children and young people throughout Surrey, has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted report.

And following a hugely successful programme during the summer holidays, it has now introduced a new policy that means any child, disabled or otherwise, is welcome to go, play and have fun.

Having fun with Challengers.

The Ofsted report noted: “Children enjoy a wide range of activities with expertly tailored play support from experienced and well-trained staff. Staff follow children’s lead in play, and make sure that children are safe and having fun at all times.”

Challengers says: “Play is a crucial part of any child’s life. Children learn, socialise and express themselves through play which is vital to any child’s upbringing and development.

“Disabled children and young people need the opportunity to do all of these things, with the correct support provided.”

Along with the huge benefits that Challengers offers young people, it also provides short breaks for families.

Short breaks are essential to families who often struggle with the demands of having a disabled relative.

One Challengers parent said: “Challengers for us is a godsend, it is a safe, happy place for me to leave one of the most precious things in my life for a few hours, worry free, to look after the other precious things in my life.”

This summer’s holidays Challengers delivered 34,000 hours of play to disabled children and young people.

During this summer’s holidays Challengers delivered 34,000 hours of play to disabled children and young people across all of its schemes.

They got up to loads of fun activities including visiting Chessington World of Adventures, pub lunches, chill-out days, mini golf, visits to Thorpe Park, Harry Potter World, music workshops, messy art, petting zoos and much more.

Challengers quotes figures that reveal that across the UK 86% of disabled young people do not have regular access to play. It says: “Why not come and join Challengers in our fight to make vital play opportunities available for everyone.”

Challengers has received a glowing report from Ofsted.

To find your closest Challengers schemes and its autumn programme of events, and get in touch with the team contact Hannah Woollven on 01483 230060 or email hannahwoollven@disability-challengers.org

Challengers is based at Stoke Park, Guildford GU1 1TU.

It is a charitable company limited by guarantee.