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Supportive play structures Ball pools
- these can be any shape or size, consisting of vinyl covered foam wedges or blocks, some of which have wooden reinforcements. Additional sections are often available if the pool needs to be extended
- they can be part of a soft play area or multi-sensory environment
- the balls are available in different diameters - the larger size for adults or able-bodied children, the smaller size for children
- they provide support and deep pressure stimulation to the child and may enable them to move more freely
- the deep pressure sensation can provide a calming effect for over active children
- some very physically disabled children may not enjoy the sensation and become scared if they begin to be submerged into the balls and feel themselves to be drowning
- children should not be left unsupervised as throwing the balls around can be painful and dangerous to other children and adults
- children who dribble and are incontinent may cause the balls to become unhygienic. They can be put into large net bags and washed in disinfectant solution in the bath and allowed to dry in the net bags
- the deep sides of the pools may make it difficult for physically disabled children who are unable to walk/crawl up the foam steps/ramp into the ball pool to get in and out. A slope inside the pool may make it easier
- a portable hoist is not usually suitable as the walls of the ball pool rest on the floor, and so the base of the hoist cannot be wheeled underneath. A gantry, overhead hoist or wall fixed hoist may be a possible option
- individual ball pools for immobile children can be made from a large cardboard box filled with balls to give an increased feeling of security.
Large inflatable structures
- these are useful for more physically able and ambulant children to develop balance and saving reactions
- however, care must be taken as boisterous children may injure themselves or others by landing awkwardly or falling onto other children
- shoes should not be worn in case they cause a puncture. Bare feet are preferable as socks can be slippery
- the structures usually require a powered air compressor for inflation, which can be a noisy process and take time. They are heavy and cumbersome to handle and store when deflated.
Mattresses - inflatable, foam and water
- these are suitable for group play and therapy activities
- the inflatable mattresses can be inflated to various air pressures depending on use; when partially inflated they provide a more supportive and contouring surface for a child with limited movements
- an immobile child should not be positioned on their front unless they are able to easily turn their head to the side to prevent suffocation
- mattresses can be used to encourage movement and used also for developing listening skills as sound is transmitted through the air in the mattress when it is tapped on etc.
Foam playing shapes
- these are available either as geometric shapes or as animals and vehicles etc
- they are usually covered in shiny PVC material which is water and urine resistant
- when playing on them, children should remove their shoes and socks to prevent damage to the PVC covers and to prevent slipping over
- they are useful for developing creative and imaginative play as well as gross motor skills
- they may form part of a large soft play environment, but can also be used individually for positioning e.g. rolls and wedges
Soft play environments
- these are usually designed for a specific room or area and purchased as modular units to meet the needs of the children using it
- they usually consist of a ball pool, foam/air mattresses, foam playing shapes and wall mats
- some of the foam playing shapes can be joined together into structures by velcro fastenings
- all the pieces are covered with washable, urine resistant PVC cover; some may be removable
- they provide a relatively safe area for ambulant children to explore movement in a creative environment
- children require adult supervision for their own safety to prevent accidents from dangerous behaviour e.g. jumping from a height onto peers, throwing large foam shapes at other children etc
- children should not wear shoes or socks whilst playing on them, to prevent damage to the PVC covers and sliding over on the shiny plastic material.
Indoor modular play environments
- these are durable plastic or wooden play units that can be assembled in groups as a large structure to provide different activity areas requiring a variety of motor skills to explore
- they provide creative activities and can be added to overtime to suit the needs of the children using it
- they are often found in nurseries, play groups and junior schools and are used in movement and free play sessions and during wet playtimes
- floor mats placed under and around the activities may reduce injuries from falls
- adult supervision is required during play sessions, especially for children with learning difficulties and/or coordination, as they may try to do things beyond their physical/visual perceptual abilities
- it is preferable for children of similar levels to play together to ensure more vulnerable children are not put at physical risk for their safety.
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