Welcome to Ruby’s
Ruby’s was founded in 2009 by Alison Parr when she identified a gap in support for children with SEND and their families after her daughter Ruby was born and diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder. In 2013 Ruby’s became a charity and company limited by guarantee. In 2014 we proudly opened the doors to our Congleton centre. The facilities at the centre include a community cafe which is open to everybody, a sensory room with hoist, soft play frame, sensory garden and changing room with hoist.
“You should be super proud of your charity – you are CHANGING LIVES!”
Alakie, Parent
Our Centre and Café
Find SEND groups and activities
Support for you and your SEND child
Since 2021 we have supported the following people:
SEND Children
Siblings
Parents and carers
Watch our video
The video shows the difference our SEND service can make to families in Cheshire East.
Calendar of Events
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2 events,
 Join us for Open Play in our community café and soft play area, where children of all abilities can explore, play, and have fun in a welcoming environment. New ‘Pay What You Can” Model for open play To ensure all families can continue to access our services, we are introducing a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation model for open play sessions starting on 1st May 2025. A suggested donation of £2 per child will help us to keep Ruby’s running. With monthly running costs of £19,500, your generosity enables us to provide a safe welcoming space for children with SEND and their families. Key Information: • Soft Play for Ages 0-8 – featuring a two-tier play structure, toddler area, slide, and ball pool. Click here to read more about our soft play area • Sensory Wind Down – 2-3.30pm, we dim the main lights and switch on our sensory lights, creating a calming space for little ones to relax. • Sensory-Friendly Features – Our swing area (available during SEND sessions) includes an enclosed padded space and cocoon swings for self-regulation. • Café Open to All – Enjoy hot and cold food, drinks, and refreshments available for purchase. Click here to read more about […]  Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […] |
2 events,
 Little Ruby’s is a session for 0-18 month old babies and their grown ups. It’s a great opportunity for little ones to enjoy the soft play area and the sensory room is included in this session too. There will be a couple of sensory tuff trays to explore with your little ones. The café is open for hot and cold food. For more information, click here Book here Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […] |
1 event,
 Telephone support is available between 10am -12pm for any SEND related enquiries. Please ring 01260 277666 |
2 events,
Join us for Open Play in our community café and soft play area, where children of all abilities can explore, play, and have fun in a welcoming environment. New ‘Pay What You Can” Model for open play To ensure all families can continue to access our services, we are introducing a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation model for open play sessions starting on 1st May 2025. A suggested donation of £2 per child will help us to keep Ruby’s running. With monthly running costs of £19,500, your generosity enables us to provide a safe welcoming space for children with SEND and their families. Key Information: • Soft Play for Ages 0-8 – featuring a two-tier play structure, toddler area, slide, and ball pool. Click here to read more about our soft play area • Sensory Wind Down – 2-3.30pm, we dim the main lights and switch on our sensory lights, creating a calming space for little ones to relax. • Sensory-Friendly Features – Our swing area (available during SEND sessions) includes an enclosed padded space and cocoon swings for self-regulation. • Café Open to All – Enjoy hot and cold food, drinks, and refreshments available for purchase. Click here to read more about […] Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […] |
3 events,
The sensory room is available for private hire for one hour. Please note the cafe is not open today. We recommend a room limit of 10 individuals - babies, children and adults per session. The hourly cost is £10 plus 0.95p booking fee for the booking of up to 10 individuals. Please note the following sensory room rules of hire Booking times have been introduced please keep within these times so we can prepare for the next room booking Supervise your child/ren at all times in all areas of the centre including sensory room Please leave the sensory room as you found it and return the balls back into the ball pool at the end of your session Please do not eat, drink or change your baby/child in the sensory room. Access to the toilets and baby change is available If you have any questions please email: alison@rubysfund.co.uk before purchasing tickets. Thank you for your support Smile Group is a registered perinatal mental health charity in Cheshire East founded by two mums, Ruth and Natalie, who had personal experience of postnatal depression and spotted a glaring gap in community support. Smile’s Family Sessions take place on the first Saturday of each month. They are an opportunity for families affected by perinatal mental health challenges to come together at Ruby’s Fund between 10-12. It’s a drop-in and mums, dads, non birthing partners, little ones and siblings are all most welcome. There’s no cost to attend but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Smile Group using the link below or visit the Facebook page. The Saturday Family SEND Social is for registered families with children with additional or emerging needs. The session is supported by our trained staff. The session is an opportunity to meet other families and enjoy the soft play area, sensory garden (weather permitting) and sensory room. We have a disabled changing toilet with a tracking hoist and a changing table. Flor more information click here | ||
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3 events,
Join us for Open Play in our community café and soft play area, where children of all abilities can explore, play, and have fun in a welcoming environment. New ‘Pay What You Can” Model for open play To ensure all families can continue to access our services, we are introducing a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation model for open play sessions starting on 1st May 2025. A suggested donation of £2 per child will help us to keep Ruby’s running. With monthly running costs of £19,500, your generosity enables us to provide a safe welcoming space for children with SEND and their families. Key Information: • Soft Play for Ages 0-8 – featuring a two-tier play structure, toddler area, slide, and ball pool. Click here to read more about our soft play area • Sensory Wind Down – 2-3.30pm, we dim the main lights and switch on our sensory lights, creating a calming space for little ones to relax. • Sensory-Friendly Features – Our swing area (available during SEND sessions) includes an enclosed padded space and cocoon swings for self-regulation. • Café Open to All – Enjoy hot and cold food, drinks, and refreshments available for purchase. Click here to read more about […] Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […] SEND Teatime Club @ Ruby's is exclusively for SEND children and their families living in Cheshire East! The SEND team facilitate this session and offer an exclusive SEND space for families to enjoy. No diagnosis is needed to attend- we would love to see you there. Please note that we are unable to offer one-to-one family support appointments during these sessions and full supervision of children in attendance is required at all times. |
3 events,
Little Ruby’s is a session for 0-18 month old babies and their grown ups. It’s a great opportunity for little ones to enjoy the soft play area and the sensory room is included in this session too. There will be a couple of sensory tuff trays to explore with your little ones. The café is open for hot and cold food. For more information, click here Book here Join us for Open Play in our community café and soft play area, where children of all abilities can explore, play, and have fun in a welcoming environment. New ‘Pay What You Can” Model for open play To ensure all families can continue to access our services, we are introducing a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation model for open play sessions starting on 1st May 2025. A suggested donation of £2 per child will help us to keep Ruby’s running. With monthly running costs of £19,500, your generosity enables us to provide a safe welcoming space for children with SEND and their families. Key Information: • Soft Play for Ages 0-8 – featuring a two-tier play structure, toddler area, slide, and ball pool. Click here to read more about our soft play area • Sensory Wind Down – 2-3.30pm, we dim the main lights and switch on our sensory lights, creating a calming space for little ones to relax. • Sensory-Friendly Features – Our swing area (available during SEND sessions) includes an enclosed padded space and cocoon swings for self-regulation. • Café Open to All – Enjoy hot and cold food, drinks, and refreshments available for purchase. Click here to read more about […] Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […] |
1 event,
Telephone support is available between 10am -12pm for any SEND related enquiries. Please ring 01260 277666 |
3 events,
Join us for Open Play in our community café and soft play area, where children of all abilities can explore, play, and have fun in a welcoming environment. New ‘Pay What You Can” Model for open play To ensure all families can continue to access our services, we are introducing a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation model for open play sessions starting on 1st May 2025. A suggested donation of £2 per child will help us to keep Ruby’s running. With monthly running costs of £19,500, your generosity enables us to provide a safe welcoming space for children with SEND and their families. Key Information: • Soft Play for Ages 0-8 – featuring a two-tier play structure, toddler area, slide, and ball pool. Click here to read more about our soft play area • Sensory Wind Down – 2-3.30pm, we dim the main lights and switch on our sensory lights, creating a calming space for little ones to relax. • Sensory-Friendly Features – Our swing area (available during SEND sessions) includes an enclosed padded space and cocoon swings for self-regulation. • Café Open to All – Enjoy hot and cold food, drinks, and refreshments available for purchase. Click here to read more about […] Enjoy exclusive use of our Sensory Room at Ruby’s, a calming, interactive space designed for babies, children, and adults to explore and relax in a supportive environment. Booking Details: • Private hire for up to 10 individuals (babies, children, and adults). • £10 per hour plus a £0.95 booking fee. • Additional places available (maximum of 4) at reception for £2.50 per place (one adult & one child count as two places). Sensory Room Rules of Hire: • Booking times must be adhered to so we can prepare for the next session. • Children must be supervised at all times in all areas, including the Sensory Room. • Please leave the room as you found it, returning balls to the ball pool before you leave. • No food, drinks, or nappy changes in the Sensory Room—toilets and baby changing facilities are available. • Café opening hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We cannot guarantee entry to the cafe during busy periods. Booking an open play ticket is advised to avoid disappointment (check the timetable for any changes). Parking: There are three public car parks nearby for your convenience. Parking:. Click here to see where to park. About Ruby’s Ruby’s is a […]
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Ruby's Volunteer Fundraising Committee are hosting the Summer Lunch fundraiser at the Lion & Swan. So book your ticket and enjoy an afternoon of music, good food, and great company. We have added tickets with dietary requirements. If you have any other dietary requirements please email: alison@rubysfund.co.uk At checkout you are asked to add the names for all the attendees so we can seat your booking together. Please contact alison@rubysfund.co.uk with any changes or questions Tickets are £40pp | |||
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1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
2 events,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
|
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
2 events,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk  We’re hosting 5 relaxed, SEND-friendly mornings at Congleton Paddling Pool on the following Wednesdays from 10am–1pm: 📅 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August These sessions are designed especially for SEND children and their immediate families, with limited spaces to help keep the environment calm and enjoyable 💙 🎟️ Tickets go live each Monday at 7pm for that week’s session. 👉 Register your interest to get notified when tickets are released: https://app.tickettailor.com/events/rubysfund/1266380 Please book considerately—spaces are limited and in high demand. 💬 For general paddling pool enquiries, please contact Congleton Town Council. |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
2 events,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk
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 🎨 Sibs Club is back — and it’s time to get creative! 🎉 Are you a brother or sister of someone with additional needs (SEND) and live in Cheshire East? Then come along to our awesome Sibs Club session — it’s just for you! 🖌️ This time, we’re heading to Café Glaze in Sandbach where you’ll get to: Pick something cool to paint 🎨 Chill out upstairs (we’ve got it all to ourselves!) 😎 Enjoy tasty snacks while you create 🍪 Take home your glazed masterpiece the week after — how cool is that? 🧒👧 This session is for children aged 5 to 15 who are happy to be dropped off and join in with the fun. ⏰ Drop-off: 12pm 🕑 Pick-up: 2pm 📍 Location: Café Glaze, Sandbach (not at Ruby’s Fund Centre this time!) ✨ All our Ruby’s staff are super friendly and DBS checked, so you’ll be in safe hands. 👉 If you’re new to Sibs Club, ask your grown-up to email sendteam@rubysfund.co.uk to register or get the code to book your place. 💌 And if your sibling also has SEND and wants to know more about joining in with Ruby's activities, email sendteam@rubysfund.co.uk. We can’t wait to […] |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
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1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
2 events,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk We’re hosting 5 relaxed, SEND-friendly mornings at Congleton Paddling Pool on the following Wednesdays from 10am–1pm: 📅 23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August These sessions are designed especially for SEND children and their immediate families, with limited spaces to help keep the environment calm and enjoyable 💙 🎟️ Tickets go live each Monday at 7pm for that week’s session. 👉 Register your interest to get notified when tickets are released: https://app.tickettailor.com/events/rubysfund/1266380 Please book considerately—spaces are limited and in high demand. 💬 For general paddling pool enquiries, please contact Congleton Town Council. |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
2 events,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
1 event,
Planned building works in progress. We are delivering sessions at other venues. Please see the full timetable here on the website. For email support email: info@rubysfund.co.uk |
Book a session
We have a large range of activities at our centre in Congleton and across venues in Cheshire East which are available to book online. Browse the calendar to see all the groups and activities.
Our blog
I’m on a treadmill – by Claire
At our summer lunch Alison invited Claire, one of our parents to share her experiences about Ruby’s. Here is what she wrote. It’s an insightful piece of writing and we are Ruby’s are privileged to be part of Claire and Luna’s journey. “I have written a short reflection of my own experience of being a send parent and the memories and effect of being supported by the wonderful people at Rubys Fund. I hope you enjoy”. I’m on a treadmill. I can’t get off. I’m not even sure it’s even me on there anymore. It’s still dark outside and there’s…
Golf Day Raises Funds and Spirits for Ruby’s at Astbury Golf Club
On Thursday 3rd July, Ruby’s held a fantastic fundraising Golf Day at the beautiful Astbury Golf Club raising £3923.50, bringing together supporters for a day of friendly competition, good food, and generous giving – all in support of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. The event teed off with bacon sandwiches to fuel the teams ahead of 18 holes of golf across the scenic course. Competitors had the chance to win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as for the longest drive and nearest the pin, adding excitement to an already brilliant…
William’s walk for Ruby’s
On 22nd June 2025 William was joined by his closest friends and families to complete a fundraising walk around Astbury Mere to raise funds for Ruby’s. This is the second year that William, his friends and family have organised this walk for Ruby’s. We are humbled and proud to have supported William and his family in this amazing fundraiser. Thank you to everybody who participated and those who donated. Your support will help us to continue to make a difference. Here are some words written from William’s mummy: William is a bright, kind and determined little boy with a love…
How you can get involved at Ruby's
Volunteer for us
Do something amazing!
Volunteer to support a local family.
Fundraising events
Come and have fun while raising funds to support our vital work.
Make a donation
We couldn't deliver our services
without your help – can you donate?
How to find us
We have a small forecourt with disabled parking directly outside the centre.
There are four Cheshire East car parks within a few minutes walk. There is on-street parking nearby.
Our supporters
We’re so lucky to have so many supporters and funders.
