Kidz’n’Co is a group for children with Special Educational Needs and their families or carers and has been meeting since 2011 when the group was first established in Beeston. Now meeting at a new location in Cottingley the group is looking to encourage new members to attend and enjoy the excellent activities and facilities they offer.
The group is aimed at children aged 5-19 who have Special Educational Needs and their families or carers. Run by a group of volunteers and parents, Kidz’n’Co runs on a stay and play basis, which provides the parents and carers of the children invaluable peer support and companionship while their children play and socialise in a safe inclusive environment.
Kidz’n’Co offer a variety of activities which the children can choose whether to join in with or not including a Nintendo Wii; laptops which can be used to surf the internet or complete homework; and a variety of colouring supplies and board games. The building also offers a large garden space where children can burn off energy or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings and gardens maintained by the Community Centre.
As well as the physical support the group offers the older children the opportunity to learn practical skills with the volunteers such as safe internet use and how to connect with social media sites in an appropriate way, something that in this day and age is all too important. They are also offered an appropriate level of independence by being encouraged to join in cooking lunch for the participants. Everyone enjoys lunch cooked by the children and qualified chef Matt who not only helps the children cook but has provided the group and Community Centre with useful baking equipment which will benefit the group for years to come.
The school holidays provide an opportunity for the group to take the children out and some of their trips so far have included seeing Disney on Ice, Scarborough beach and the cinema. Ultimately the parents attending the group decide where the holidays will take them and anticipate some exciting trips to come.
If you would like to get involved with this group or know someone who might benefit from the services offered, contact Suzanne Jackson Bailey on 07807 486937 or suzanneejackson@aol.com. The group meets every Saturday during term time at the Cottingley Community Centre 10:30am-12:30pm. There is a £5 charge per family but this goes towards keeping the group running and contributing towards the costs of providing lunch for the whole family.
