Festive sensory fun

Posted on: Friday 9 December 2022
Sencom staff and kids

Children attending a sensory playgroup turned up in festive outfits for this year's Save The Children Christmas Jumper Day. 

Two-year-olds Cooper and Aarayah-Hope and three-year-old Antoni also enjoyed playing with a range of festive-themed multi-sensory equipment.

They are among a number of children who attend the Little Sparklers Sensory Playgroup  for pre-school children who are visually impaired, run by the Sensory and Communication Support Service, based in Cwmbran.  

Lorraine Flack, playleader, said: "We set up the rooms and equipment so that they engage and encourage the development of the children’s senses, especially vision, hearing and communication. The colours used in the rooms and on the floor are contrasted to help the children navigate around the equipment and different areas.

"We cover five local authority areas and during Covid we had to provide virtual sessions to the children and when we returned to in-person playgroups we had to combine some of our previous groups.

"We are now hoping to develop the group and after Christmas we will be extending the time of the Little Sparklers Sensory Playgroup, so it's easier for parents who have to travel and the children have longer to experience the facilities at SenCom."

The SenCom service, which covers Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Newport and Caerphilly, also provides a playgroup for hearing impaired children, as well as social events for young people with hearing loss aged between seven and 18.

The centre, in Llantarnam, Cwmbran, features indoor and outdoor play areas, a sensory room and soft play area. 

On Thursday, as well as celebrating Christmas Jumper Day, eight children who recently completed an Arts Award Discover qualification with Trinity College of London were presented with certificates. 

The course took them on an artistic journey as they explored different art forms, researched an artist, and shared their discoveries with others. 

Children receiving certificates included: 

Mai Godfrey, aged 9 attends Ysgol Y Llawnt School in Caerphilly

Joseph Hancock, aged 10 attends Coed Y Brain Primary School in Caerphilly

Luke Thomas, aged 12 attends Ysgol Cwm Rhymni in Caerphilly

Rubin Morgan, aged 7 attends Monnow Primary School in Newport

Louise Taylor, aged 15 attends Lliswerry High School in Newport

Inshal Raza, aged 13 attends St Julian’s Comprehensive in Newport

Bailey Taylour, aged 14 attends Islwyn High School in Caerphilly

Jade Pepper, aged 17 attends Steiner School in Cardiff

Debra Parry, Habilitation Specialist, at SenCom said: “I am very proud of these young people who have gained this award and look forward to completing their Bronze awards with them in the future."

For more information about the Sensory and Communication Service, email sencom@torfaen.gov.uk or call 01633 648888. You can also follow SenCom South East Wales on Facebook.

Last Modified: 09/12/2022 Back to top