Playschemes
4 to 18 year olds
At Leeds Mencap we run week-long playschemes in the school holidays for children and young people aged 4 to 18 with learning disabilities. Playschemes are about having fun, trying new things and spending time with friends!
Our specialist staff are happy to support the children and young people with any activities they’d like to do. If they can think of it, our staff can help make it happen! We have a Changing Places toilet onsite and our staff undertake any training needed around feeding or personal care to make it possible for all children and young people to take part.
Over the course of the week, children will get to enjoy a wide range of activities and games including our sensory and soft play rooms, cycling outside on the adapted bikes, taking part in visiting workshops (animals are always a popular choice), and activities like ping pong, cooking and discos.
Each playscheme has a trip that takes place on the Thursday - this is to a local venue such as the farm, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster Dome, Eureka or Lotherton Hall.
*With thanks to Warburtons Community Grants who have funded switch adapted resources for playscheme.
Key information
Our playschemes run at The Vinery Centre from 10am to 3pm.
If you're new to our playschemes, we'll invite you to visit our centre before the playscheme starts. This will help us to know more about what your child needs to be able to come along safely and for you to understand how we will support your child and keep them safe.
Playscheme is open to all young people in Leeds with learning disabilities and additional needs, including those without a diagnosis.
Bookings open for each playscheme 8 to 10 weeks before the start date. Future playscheme dates are yet to be confirmed.
Costs and how to pay
Costs for 2024/25 are £20 per day per child (with an additional cost to attend the Thursday Day Trip).
Payments can be made:
- via BACs or Faster Payments,
- by debit/credit card over the phone or in person at The Vinery Centre,
- or by cheque.
Please only pay once you receive confirmation of your place from Leeds Mencap.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss payment further, including our hardship scheme.
Upcoming playscheme dates
Future playscheme dates are yet to be confirmed.
What people say about our playschemes
"This playscheme has enabled us as a family to enjoy new and familiar activities. Well organised and led, [it] enables parents to fully enjoy their day too!"
"My son really loves playscheme and asks everyday to come (even out of holidays). Leeds Mencap have been outstanding."
How to apply and book a place
You can book a place at one of our playschemes by completing a booking form to select which dates you would like your child to attend. Booking forms are available 8 to 10 weeks before each playscheme. Future playscheme dates are yet to be confirmed.
Please complete an application form before your first playscheme and then once a year after that. If you have any additional information about your child from school (e.g. behaviour and support plans) please include these in your application.
Once the deadline for applications closes, we will allocate places and inform you of this via email. Please note that due to demand for our playschemes we cannot always offer you all the days you request so please check this email carefully. Places are not allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Everyone who completes both forms before the closing date will be allocated a day of playscheme. From the date you receive details of your place allocation, you will have 7 days to either accept or cancel these sessions. After this, any cancellations will be dealt with in line with our cancellations policy.
Additional support
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Leeds Mencap run youth groups for children and young people aged 7 to 25 with learning disabilities during term time.
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Our family services team are here to help, including discussing other services across Leeds. Call us on 0113 235 1331.
