Torbay Council funds inclusive play clubs for neurodiverse and home-educated children

Young people with special educational needs and home educated children will benefit from the reintroduction of three play clubs starting this week.

Torbay Council are funding Play Torbay to run the provision until the end of 2026.

ASRUS in Brixham and Mayfield School in Torquay will run two evening clubs aimed at children with autism.

Indigos Forest School in Brixham will host sessions on Wednesday mornings for young people who are electively home educated.

The schemes were running last year but ended when Play Torbay faced a funding shortfall.

The ASRUS and Mayfield sessions offer weekly outdoor play sessions tailored to the sensory and social needs of neurodiverse children. Activities include music, sports and crafts.

At Indigos, youngsters get a forest school curriculum under the guidance of a skilled forest school practitioner.

Councillor Nick Bye, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I’m absolutely delighted these clubs have been reinstated. Those of us who attended the Powered by Youth engagement event in the Spanish Barn in September were hugely impressed by the young people who highlighted how much these services were valued.

“We also had feedback from parents that these clubs were vital for families which is why we’ve listened to those voices and are pleased to fund them this year.

“All three premises will offer more than 65 children and their families specialist provision.

“In the case of ASRUS and Mayfield, it will mean children benefit from support tailored to neurodiverse needs, making it a truly inclusive service.

“In the long-term, this will mean improved outcomes for those children.

“Young people who attend Indigos will be accessing a natural wild space with biodiverse habitats.

“They will also have the chance to mix with other home-educated children, something which will support their social skills.”

Dan Rees-Jones, of Play Torbay, said: “We know this provision is needed and valued by parents and carers – as well of course by the children who benefit from the sessions.

“Our ASRUS and Mayfield clubs are safe, welcoming environments where children can make friends and develop their confidence. We also offer access to information and guidance to parents thanks to partners including SENDIASS.

“At Indigos, children receive a safe outdoor space for socialisation and the chance to take part in a forest school curriculum that’s structured yet playful. They develop a sense of community while their parents and carers get much-needed peer support.”

Stuart Heron, Headteacher of Mayfield School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Play Torbay’s clubs at both Chestnut and Mayfield School. This partnership enables us to offer safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where children can thrive.

“We know how much these clubs mean to our families and community, and we are thrilled to see children enjoying tailored activities, making friends, and building confidence. Working together with Play Torbay, we look forward to supporting even more children and their families through these fantastic opportunities.”

Becky Box, Chair of parent carer forum SEND Family Voice Torbay, said: “We’re delighted that funding has been secured for another year. These clubs are so much more than play sessions – they are lifelines for children, young people, and their families.

“Home‑educating families and parent carers of neurodivergent children often tell us how isolating their journeys can be. Safe, inclusive spaces like ASRUS, Mayfield, and Indigos offer not only opportunities for children to connect, grow in confidence, and simply be themselves, but also a sense of belonging that is deeply needed.

“The recognition of this need, and the commitment to sustaining it, means families can rely on support that truly understands and responds to neurodiverse needs. We are pleased to see Torbay Council acknowledge the importance of these clubs and the positive impact they have across our community.

“This investment ensures that children and young people continue to access nurturing environments where they can thrive, while their families benefit from connection, understanding, and much‑needed respite.”

Book a place on one of the afterschool clubs