Monday 22 February 2016

The Wingate Centre....

Around 18 months ago, I discovered a little gem tucked far away in the Cheshire countryside.

You would be forgiven for not knowing it was there really but when I discovered the Wingate Centre, then our 'Funday's really did change for the better!

I have kept this wonderful place to myself for far too long that I think it's time I made other families aware if you didn't know about it already.

So after the most scenic drive there down lots of country lanes and passing through pretty little villages you arrive at the centre.

The centre offers residential accommodation and recreational activities for children and young people with special needs.

I have never used the accommodation side of it so I am only going to talk about the fab services I have used with DS.

When we book, we always start off with some time in the gym.
Now the gym is something else and most definitely DS favourite part of our visit.
There are trampolines galore, balance beams and soft play items to say the least.
DS is always taken care of to a very high standard by the awesome gym instructors who I have to mention have a fantastic way about them and good awareness of autism!


I particularly like how the instructors ask me how he is and what sort of few days has he had and what more, they listen to what I say :)

Since using the gym, DS has learnt some new positions on the trampoline as well as how to balance and walk along the beams - including the high beam!


From the gym, we will eat our lunch in the dining area and then go up to the fab sensory room.



What I love about this sensory room is that you make your child's sensory experience as dark or as light as you like with an optional black out curtain. There are comfy bean bags and some interactive colour programmes that DS enjoys at every visit.

From here, we will then go out into the lovely 3 acre outdoor area.

Again, DS loves having a play outside whether it's wind, rain or snow!


There is an extensive trim trail that DS makes a beeline straight for as well as swings and lots and lots of space!

The view is stunning from here which is something I never fail to enjoy.


Also the garden is very safe and secure which is something that is very important to us as DS has very little awareness of danger.

From here we always head towards the front of the centre as there is a small sensory garden.

As DS loves the sensory feedback he receives from smells and scents then as you can imagine he is in his element smelling all the herbs in the garden.

Needless to say, that the Wingate Centre have thought of literally everything! There are lots of accessible toilets within the building as well as disabled changing rooms.

When we visit, we are pretty much there for the whole day as there is so much to do and play there.
As a parent, I can relax as I know that the building is safe and secure for my child :) as well as the understanding that staff have due to the nature of the centre.

We never fail to have a fun, interactive and educational visit here and it's something we enjoy as a family.


Check out the website: http://www.thewingatecentre.co.uk/

I know that there is much more that The Wingate Centre offers but I have only talked and commented on things that we have personally used.

I would be interested to know if you have used the centre and if your young person enjoyed it, leave me a comment if you have :)

Hope you have had a lovely weekend, back to school tomorrow for us!

Love Amanda xx



5 comments:

  1. Hi, this sounds wonderful, thankyou. I'm going to check it out now! x

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  2. Cool Sarah! Let me know what you think and/or if you go :) xx

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  3. I will Amanda. My son is 16 and he may think he is too old but Im sure he would love it, especially the sensory room. His big sensory thing is touch, ie he loves fur, silk, velvet etc. the sunken trampolines look great too!

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  4. Ps - can I post an appeal here to see if anyone can recommend an autism friendly private taxi service in the weaverham/Northwich area please???? Thankyou

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    1. Course you can and I will make some enquiries myself :) xx

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