A PLAY centre has won an award for providing sessions for children with special educational needs.

Earlier this year Go Bananas in Colchester teamed up with Autism Anglia to provide autism and special education needs friendly sessions.

Now the play centre in the Cowdray Centre is celebrating after winning the 2018 Essex Mum’s Award for the Special Contribution to the Community category.

Since Go Bananas came under new management in February last year, owners Frankie and Daisy Bailey are striving to make sure it is as inclusive as possible.

Their special sessions are designed to provide a calm and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those children who would love to come to Go Bananas but the noise and activity of a usual day would be too much for them.

During these sessions the centre is closed to the general public and only open to those who have pre-booked on to the session, and numbers are kept to a minimum.

Daisy said: “We noticed there was such a need for children with additional needs, such as autism, to have some time to play in an environment that was calmer and not overwhelming.

“In the same way, their parents needed the time to see their children happily playing whilst knowing they were in a safe and secure environment, also being able to join them in having fun.”

Staff had special training with Autism Anglia to prepare themselves.

Daisy added: “The response has been fantastic, we make a personalised name card for every child who attends.

“It is designed with their favourite things to welcome them and with there being no music, they feel relaxed whilst here.

“Being nominated and then winning this award is incredibly special to us and our team who really do care about giving every child the best play experience possible.”

Go Bananas also has an Ofsted registered after school club which was also highly recommended at the awards.