About The Yard
The Yard runs adventure play services for disabled children, young people and their families in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.
The Yard Description
Visiting The Yard is a unique and dynamic adventure experienced every year by around 2000 disabled children and young people annually. Our doors open daily throughout the year to schools, families, disabled children and young people, their siblings and friends.
Our role in the lives of children and families is an ambitious one. We aim to provide care, support, fun and friendship in equal measure, whilst encouraging families to let go and promote challenge, personal growth and supported independence for their children.
Our services for families have grown over the 30 years since The Yard’s inception in 1986. Parents and social workers came together and recognised the need for a safe space for their disabled children to play. Three decades on, our flagship centre is thriving and we have begun to expand our services to other locations.
The Yard of the 80s was established as a play space that would become a family and community centre to support children, siblings, parents and carers. In spite of its growth, The Yard has retained this holistic approach, and its ethos of a child centred, child led play service.
We offer a daily diet of play sessions for special schools as an integral part of their curriculum and weekly our soft play is taken over by pre-school children and chattering parents. Our family sessions couple respite with peer support for mums, dads and siblings alike. Our youth groups and young adults clubs run throughout the year and are the starting point for friendships that extend outwith The Yard. They give disabled young people the chance to socialise and try out new things with support from the play team but independent from parents and carers.
We aim to share our knowledge and skills with other professionals through our national training programme. In-house we offer a weekly programme of disability training on autism awareness, challenging behaviour, Signalong and inclusive play.
In the delivery of all our services, we think creatively and carefully, and use materials and junk that others would cast aside. This recycling and upcycling sits well alongside the natural curiosity of children and the creative nature of our staff. It results in a flexible play experience that is child centred and stimulating for all abilities. Our team stand back and reflect as much as they step in to encourage and facilitate inclusive play. Only then can children and young people discover the next level for themselves.
Each and every session is reflected on and recorded, and this consistent practice has allowed The Yard to build a library of experience that we willingly share with other organisations.
Our greatest accolade is a sea of smiling faces across the playground, and children and young people sharing space, time and playful laughter together. Our service is inspected with rigour by the Care Inspectorate and their latest review described our strengths as a family service.
Our vision for the future extends beyond our humble beginnings and we are working with other organisations in other areas of Scotland to share our experience and open similar centres nationwide. We are now running weekly adventure play services for disabled children and young people in Dundee and Kirkcaldy, Fife. We aim to grow these services by working with local families and communities to create The Yard that they need and want to support them.
Reviews
Exciting news! Sunday Funday is a 2018 Family Favourites Finalist in the under 5s category @DOWTK. Please take a moment to vote for us and share. You also get a chance to win £100 Amazon voucher at the end – win win! #DOWTKFFAs http://ow.ly/uoG930mnQ6T
New Projekt 42 mindfulness, meditation and relaxation workshops in November. The workshop is suitable for all fitness levels and you don't need any prior knowledge of mindfulness or meditation. https://www.projekt42.co.uk
Thanks to Lesley for the fab baby massage course and to Hannah for this glowing recommendation - we couldn't have put it better ourselves! Please let your friends know about The Yard - Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife - as we are open to all children with disabilities and their families. Anyone can visit The Yard Edinburgh every Sunday to play here too. www.theyardscotland.org.uk #play #disability #autism #adventure
We are looking for a cleaner to work Friday to Monday mornings, 6am to 8.30am, at The Yard Edinburgh. Please email jobs@theyardscotland.org.uk with your contact number so we can arrange an informal chat. https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/weeken d-cleaner
We are looking for a cleaner to work Monday to Thursday mornings, 6am to 8.30am, at The Yard Edinburgh. Please email jobs@theyardscotland.org.uk with your contact number so we can arrange an informal chat. https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/weekda y-cleaner
At The Yard, even a cardboard box can be transformed into an amazing place to play! We love how our young adventurers have so much imagination that brings every session to life! #creativity #imagination #anythingispossible
A lot of Halloween fun going on at The Yard Dundee! Our members enjoyed a fun-filled weekend of painting and collaging with a spooky twist. Lots of ghosts, spiders, and witches featured in our children’s masterpieces. We love our time with our Dundee families! #autumn #sensoryplay #creative #dundee
This #charityTuesday we are celebrating the incredible achievements of one of our fundraising superstars, Ella, who decided to cut off her 10 inch ponytail and donate it to the The Little Princess Trust whilst raising money for The Yard. She has already raised over £2,250 and joined us at The Yard Edinburgh on Saturday to present the cheque. Thank you so much - we love your new hair!
Fantastic news about today's launch of the national Position Statement on Outdoor Play and Learning from Inspiring Scotland and The Scottish Government at Muddy Buddies outdoor nursery in Drumchapel Woods by Maree Todd MSP #ScotOutdoorPlay
A massive thank you to TK Maxx for donating an incredible £2,000 to The Yard Dundee. Kelly from TK Maxx visited The Yard Dundee on Saturday to present the families with the cheque. Thank you so much!
Take a tour of The Yard Edinburgh from the comfort of your screen! You can find out about all the fun that lies ahead on your first visit here: http://ow.ly/DyvB30miAxi
Rain or shine - Sunday Funday is open to everyone 10-4 at The Yard Edinburgh today - come and play! We have indoors and outdoor fun, hand and foot sensory painting, and visitors from Bitrex with special activities and treats. http://ow.ly/2RHD30miDpl
Tomorrow we welcome Bitrex Bitrex to Sunday Funday. Celebrating 60 years of safety means taste tests, funny photos, games, activities and cake for us! Plenty of spaces available without booking - come down in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. http://ow.ly/P4h230miyhJ
As you might know, the space where we run The Yard #Dundee every weekend is in need of a few important updates. Our friends at Balfour Beatty are stepping up to help us out, which is why The Yard Dundee will be closed on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November. The team, led by Grant Arnott, are tackling vital work to improve our plumbing, heating and the building itself, making it a better space for our families to enjoy. We thank them so much for their help! Could you offer any assistance..? #building #plumbing #heating #electrician #plumber #tradesmen
Lots going on at The Yard this weekend! At family sessions in Fife, Dundee and Edinburgh we are creating spooky Halloween and autumnal art. Think everything from ghost, spider, witch and cat silhouettes, to paintings and collages that glow in the dark, and even some big tree art. Sensory fun with hand and foot painting at Sunday Funday in Edinburgh, along with activities from our guests Bitrex. https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/family -sessions
Remember The Yard Edinburgh is closed for essential maintenance and staff training on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd October. We then go back to term-time hours. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Did you know baking for others has a whole host of benefits? Interesting read! A great way to support The Yard and feel good - host a Brew and Bake one Sunday. Get in touch at fundraising@theyardscotland.org.uk. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/…/baki ng-for-others-psycho…
We are looking forward to this evening's event as finalists in the SME category at the national final of the Institute of Directors UK awards. Best of luck to all our fellow finalists! Hoping we might event get to meet Claudia Winkleman!! #DotYA
What do you think of our clay creations? All credit to our 10-14s club for these wonderful pieces!
Went yesterday to Sunday Funday for the first time. What a wonderful place for kids. I took my 2 year old and there was more than enough to keep him occupied and full of adventure for 2 hours. The time just flew by and we had so much fun. Friendly, helpful staff and a wonderful kid friendly space indoors and outdoors. Will be recommending to anyone who will listen and will definitely be coming back! Well done to everyone involved!
We went the Sunday Funday today with my 21 month son and had a fantastic time. Would def recommend this for anyone with little ones
We visited here today for a few hours before catching our plane home to London. We were SO glad we did. What an incredible place you have - the staff were all so friendly and welcoming. Particular thanks to the lovely lady on reception and the equally lovely chap who pushed our little one for ages on the boat swing. I only wish we lived closer - we would be back as often as we could!
We have just taken our children to the Sunday Funday for the first time and it's amazing! I didn't imagine there could be so many things for our children to do! Our 4 children range from 3 to 12 years and there was loads of activities for them all. They particularly loved the river with real foamy bubbles, the net bridge and climbing tyres. There's even a bed swing! Indoors there's also a small soft play area, crafts, and loads of dressing up things. As parents we loved that the staff were so friendly and the whole place had a very informal feel to it. We were even allowed to eat our own snacks and help ourselves to coffee! My husband was hesitant to pay the £5 per child for a two hour session, but it was well worth the money and we can see that it goes to a very good cause. We will definitely be back very soon. The Yard is a hidden gem and we wish we had discovered it sooner :-)
Was here today and my little girl charlotte loved it.
It was raining so we spent some time outside but more inside and she loved just mixing with the other children and the choice she had avaliable to her. .she was dressing up, dancing, soft play, trampoline , sensory, books, painting, drawing, gluing, construction and that's only the things I seen her do. There was more.
I had a hot cuppa while she played, great that it's in a cup with a lid as I always have the fear about drinking hot stuff near kids (only cow's milk on offer but I understand it's alot to buy alternative milks such as soya etc for dairy free folk like myself, so just had tea black)
Plenty of staff to chat too and that were assisting adults and children with the facilities.
All very welcoming and friendly. I explained this was my first time here at sign in and I was guided round by a lovely member of staff too. Very good personal touch. (Unlike some other places for children where all they want is your money, certainly didn't feel like that here)
� Will definitely be back again.
Today was our first visit to the yard and I have got to say all my children had a great day not just my child with autism. I also was able to relax as even if Kyle wasn't in my direct eye line I knew that he was in a safe environment and wouldn't be able to leave the premises. Because it was dry the children only wanted to play outside so I don't think they even noticed all the resources the yard has to offer ! Although it's a bit of a car journey we will definitely be making it again 5 stars well deserved !
This place is fab! We went along with our two-year-old to Sunday Funday for the first time today and we will definitely be back soon! Beats any soft play! The staff are lovely and the space is amazing and so interesting. Recommend booking in advance as we arrived just in time before a 60min wait (it would have been worth it though!) xx
This innovative play facility is designed for children with additional support needs. It features interesting and soothing spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where kids can be themselves. Imaginative play, physical play, musical play, art play, sensory play, all of these can be found at The Yard. The space is open to children of all abilities on Sundays only. For a modest fiver, your children can enjoy this excellent facility and help support it. Staff are helpful and very friendly. Facilities include a wonderful kitchen area where cakes and hot drinks are available for reasonable prices. You can also bring your own snacks. On a Sunday with mixed weather, this is the place to be for kids from infant to pre-teens.
The yard open 30 TH
Very good and funny make people happy
Hannah was happy at the yard
Support my life at the yard
Young disabled people
The new Yard in Kirkcaldy is great, kids have a ball and always eager to return, Staff are so helpfully and friendly and are keen to give kids a great time tthere has been new things added each week and its now great the kids can play outside as the new fence is up cant wait to return xx
Recommend by a friend, it was our first time at the yard Edinburgh today for Sunday Funday and it was fab! My four year old enjoyed himself very much with lots to do inside and out, he particularly loved the water and sand pits. Not knowing exactly what we were going to it was nice to be put at ease with lovely staff members and welly’s provided for an even messier play! we will be sure to return! Thank you �
My son has been attending an evening club here for 4 years and he absolutely loves it. It's the highlight of his week and hates to miss it. The best thing about it is that he just gets to hang out with his mates and have fun in a safe supported environment. It gives me peace of mind to drop him off every Thursday. Keep up the good work!
Loved it, so much to do and lovely helpful staff! My 20 month and 6 yr old both had a ball.
Just visited on a rainy day since it's open to the public on a Sunday and what a fabulous place!! Kids had a ball from painting, soft play, the most amazing outdoor area Iv been to, banging on every musical instrument they could find and they even had face painting wince the weather was so bad! Can't wait to come back!! Kids are nearly 2 and 4 and plenty for them both to do!
I’m a regular mostly at Kirkcaldy although have been to Edinburgh on a few occasions.
Can’t compliment the staff enough, especially at Kirkcaldy- kids love them- Duncan, Sarah, Kirsten, Dan and Jennifer and Jim the volunteer.
Very welcoming, kind, thoughtful and kids love it as much as us adults!
Thanks loads � � �
It was our first time at the yard yest and the activities were amazing. Also the place is really well equiped. My son did enjoy it. The only downfall was no member of staff shown us around but we did navigate our way round.A Fun place for children with addional needs...if only there was a place like it in west lothian. But we will be back x
It was our family's first visit to The Yard Edinburgh today, and we shall definitely be back! The staff were all so friendly, knowledgeable, and really put you at ease. As parents of a child with additional needs, it's virtually impossible to let your guard down when you go on an outing anywhere, so today was such a breath of fresh air. My boy felt so comfortable in the environment he felt confident enough to explore by himself, and was happily interacting with the staff, he hardly gave me a second glance! A wonderful place clearly run by a dedicated and talented team - can't wait to use our new membership �
Had our first visit today... absolutely loved it my son loved it and I feel we all as a family will benefit a lot from going to the yard. � thank you to all the staff for a warm welcome. Xx
Enjoyed Sunday Funday at the Yard Edinburgh today. There was lots to keep the whole family entertained. They were having so much fun they didn’t want to leave.
Staff are also very welcoming and helpful.
Went yesterday to Sunday Funday for the first time. What a wonderful place for kids. I took my 2 year old and there was more than enough to keep him occupied and full of adventure for 2 hours. The time just flew by and we had so much fun. Friendly, helpful staff and a wonderful kid friendly space indoors and outdoors. Will be recommending to anyone who will listen and will definitely be coming back! Well done to everyone involved!
We went the Sunday Funday today with my 21 month son and had a fantastic time. Would def recommend this for anyone with little ones
We visited here today for a few hours before catching our plane home to London. We were SO glad we did. What an incredible place you have - the staff were all so friendly and welcoming. Particular thanks to the lovely lady on reception and the equally lovely chap who pushed our little one for ages on the boat swing. I only wish we lived closer - we would be back as often as we could!
We have just taken our children to the Sunday Funday for the first time and it's amazing! I didn't imagine there could be so many things for our children to do! Our 4 children range from 3 to 12 years and there was loads of activities for them all. They particularly loved the river with real foamy bubbles, the net bridge and climbing tyres. There's even a bed swing! Indoors there's also a small soft play area, crafts, and loads of dressing up things. As parents we loved that the staff were so friendly and the whole place had a very informal feel to it. We were even allowed to eat our own snacks and help ourselves to coffee! My husband was hesitant to pay the £5 per child for a two hour session, but it was well worth the money and we can see that it goes to a very good cause. We will definitely be back very soon. The Yard is a hidden gem and we wish we had discovered it sooner :-)
Was here today and my little girl charlotte loved it.
It was raining so we spent some time outside but more inside and she loved just mixing with the other children and the choice she had avaliable to her. .she was dressing up, dancing, soft play, trampoline , sensory, books, painting, drawing, gluing, construction and that's only the things I seen her do. There was more.
I had a hot cuppa while she played, great that it's in a cup with a lid as I always have the fear about drinking hot stuff near kids (only cow's milk on offer but I understand it's alot to buy alternative milks such as soya etc for dairy free folk like myself, so just had tea black)
Plenty of staff to chat too and that were assisting adults and children with the facilities.
All very welcoming and friendly. I explained this was my first time here at sign in and I was guided round by a lovely member of staff too. Very good personal touch. (Unlike some other places for children where all they want is your money, certainly didn't feel like that here)
� Will definitely be back again.
Today was our first visit to the yard and I have got to say all my children had a great day not just my child with autism. I also was able to relax as even if Kyle wasn't in my direct eye line I knew that he was in a safe environment and wouldn't be able to leave the premises. Because it was dry the children only wanted to play outside so I don't think they even noticed all the resources the yard has to offer ! Although it's a bit of a car journey we will definitely be making it again 5 stars well deserved !
This place is fab! We went along with our two-year-old to Sunday Funday for the first time today and we will definitely be back soon! Beats any soft play! The staff are lovely and the space is amazing and so interesting. Recommend booking in advance as we arrived just in time before a 60min wait (it would have been worth it though!) xx
This innovative play facility is designed for children with additional support needs. It features interesting and soothing spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where kids can be themselves. Imaginative play, physical play, musical play, art play, sensory play, all of these can be found at The Yard. The space is open to children of all abilities on Sundays only. For a modest fiver, your children can enjoy this excellent facility and help support it. Staff are helpful and very friendly. Facilities include a wonderful kitchen area where cakes and hot drinks are available for reasonable prices. You can also bring your own snacks. On a Sunday with mixed weather, this is the place to be for kids from infant to pre-teens.
The yard open 30 TH
Very good and funny make people happy
Hannah was happy at the yard
Support my life at the yard
Young disabled people
The new Yard in Kirkcaldy is great, kids have a ball and always eager to return, Staff are so helpfully and friendly and are keen to give kids a great time tthere has been new things added each week and its now great the kids can play outside as the new fence is up cant wait to return xx
Recommend by a friend, it was our first time at the yard Edinburgh today for Sunday Funday and it was fab! My four year old enjoyed himself very much with lots to do inside and out, he particularly loved the water and sand pits. Not knowing exactly what we were going to it was nice to be put at ease with lovely staff members and welly’s provided for an even messier play! we will be sure to return! Thank you �
My son has been attending an evening club here for 4 years and he absolutely loves it. It's the highlight of his week and hates to miss it. The best thing about it is that he just gets to hang out with his mates and have fun in a safe supported environment. It gives me peace of mind to drop him off every Thursday. Keep up the good work!
Loved it, so much to do and lovely helpful staff! My 20 month and 6 yr old both had a ball.
Just visited on a rainy day since it's open to the public on a Sunday and what a fabulous place!! Kids had a ball from painting, soft play, the most amazing outdoor area Iv been to, banging on every musical instrument they could find and they even had face painting wince the weather was so bad! Can't wait to come back!! Kids are nearly 2 and 4 and plenty for them both to do!
I’m a regular mostly at Kirkcaldy although have been to Edinburgh on a few occasions.
Can’t compliment the staff enough, especially at Kirkcaldy- kids love them- Duncan, Sarah, Kirsten, Dan and Jennifer and Jim the volunteer.
Very welcoming, kind, thoughtful and kids love it as much as us adults!
Thanks loads � � �
It was our first time at the yard yest and the activities were amazing. Also the place is really well equiped. My son did enjoy it. The only downfall was no member of staff shown us around but we did navigate our way round.A Fun place for children with addional needs...if only there was a place like it in west lothian. But we will be back x
It was our family's first visit to The Yard Edinburgh today, and we shall definitely be back! The staff were all so friendly, knowledgeable, and really put you at ease. As parents of a child with additional needs, it's virtually impossible to let your guard down when you go on an outing anywhere, so today was such a breath of fresh air. My boy felt so comfortable in the environment he felt confident enough to explore by himself, and was happily interacting with the staff, he hardly gave me a second glance! A wonderful place clearly run by a dedicated and talented team - can't wait to use our new membership �
Had our first visit today... absolutely loved it my son loved it and I feel we all as a family will benefit a lot from going to the yard. � thank you to all the staff for a warm welcome. Xx
Enjoyed Sunday Funday at the Yard Edinburgh today. There was lots to keep the whole family entertained. They were having so much fun they didn’t want to leave.
Staff are also very welcoming and helpful.