The idea
Our dream is to run an indoor soft play area (with pack-away equipment) opening out onto an under 5s playground in our spacious garden. We will be open on termtime weekday mornings and the outdoor equipment will be available for under 5s during our normal opening hours after school, on term-time Saturdays and during the holidays.
We will transform our downstairs hall into soft play heaven with slides, tunnels, rockers, steps, ball pools, mini trampolines, balance beams and other things we'd all like to have a play on.
Outside will have mini cars and trikes, an outside mud kitchen, slide, music making, water and sand trays and all sorts of messy play you wouldn't do at home.
This will be in the safety of our newly built child-friendly premises, which has a buggy store, toilets and secure garden area. Parents and carers can enjoy a well-earned sit down, a cuppa and free wi-fi. What's not to love.
What we'll deliver
- Purchase and install a storage shed for portable equipment.
- Undertake marketing of the Explorers Club in local areas.
- Build fencing and install outdoor play equipment in part of our garden.
- Purchase outdoor play and indoor soft play equipment.
Why it's a great idea
Under 5s will have a great new all-weather play space which will support their cognitive development, improve their health through exercise and build their social skills.
Parents and carers will have a place to build connections with other local people and get involved in the other community activities run by Somerville.
The Explorers Club will make use of our fantastic new building during school hours.
It will enable us to generate some income to support the charity and keep the core service free.
The outdoor space will provide a safe area for younger children whilst older ones play in our big kids' adventure playground during our after school and holiday sessions.
Steps to get it done
- Begin marketing and promotion online and through local networks
- Open the doors to under 5s!
- Select indoor soft play equipment
- Select outdoor play equipment
- Build outside fence and gate and install shed
Over 1,100 children and young people age 5+ are registered with Somerville, but until now we've not been able to provide for younger children. This project will help us to be a place for families with children of all ages to come, have fun, feel a part of a thriving community and let off steam!
We will try and source the best value equipment, including using E-bay and second hand websites to purchase used equipment in good condition, where appropriate. Any surplus raised would go towards purchasing additional play equipment.
