Community café and soft play
Our community café and soft play is open up to 6 days a week and offers a varied timetable of sessions for the public, as well as specific sessions for families with special educational needs (term-time only). The 2-tier soft play is suitable for children up to 8 years old, and includes a toddler area, swing area, slide and ball pool. If you haven’t visited us before, you can take a sneak peek inside our centre.
Our menus offer affordable hot and cold food, monthly specials, snacks and drinks. We also understand that for some children, eating out is a challenge, so we have worked with children and families to develop ‘Pick Plates’, a sensory menu specific to your child’s preferences. Our Pick Plates have separate sections, offering a variety of textures to choose from and we have textured placemats to help children regulate whilst they graze.
Frequently asked questions
When can we visit?
Our ‘open play’ sessions are our public café & soft play sessions. Open play is usually every day 9am -3.30pm during term time, except Tuesdays mornings when we run Little Ruby’s for 0-18 months.
We also have calm bags available to borrow for the duration for your visit, if needed.
What does a session cost?
Entry is £2 for children, or £1 for babies under 12 months. Adults incur a 50p online booking fee. The money generated through our café goes back into our services, allowing us to continue providing support for SEND children and their families.
Do we need to book?
Although we do take walk-ins, at peak times it is advisable to ring ahead if you plan to pay on the door to avoid disappointment as we may be full. Call our reception on 01260 277666.
The best way to book a session is online.
Can I use the sensory room when I visit?
The sensory room is separate to the community café and soft play.
The room has a capacity of 10 people (adults, children & babies) for your safety and comfort. Admission to the café and soft play is included in all sensory room bookings.
Can we go into the sensory garden during our visit?
Yes, if the weather allows! The sensory garden has wheelchair friendly seating and flooring. To find out more click here.
Do you have disabled changing facilities?
Yes. Our spacious ‘Changing Places’ changing room has a hoist and changing bed.
CASE STUDY
Finding connection and support at Ruby's
Lucy, a solo parent, recently moved to the area with her 3-year-old son Beau who has SEND needs. Facing the challenges of isolation, financial strain, and settling into a new community, Lucy and Beau discovered Ruby’s and began accessing its services. Lucy shared with us that she was struggling financially and we offered the support of the Pink Card, which she gladly accepted.
Ruby’s Pink Card became a lifeline to Lucy and Beau, offering access to a warm, safe, and welcoming space with a meal and drink if required. It enabled them to be connected, reducing feelings of loneliness and helping them build new friendships and support networks.
“The Pink Card from Ruby’s has really helped my son and I feel less isolated during the holidays as we always have an opportunity to come to a warm and welcoming space. It’s helped my son and I to keep busy.” Lucy said.
During a particularly stressful time, Ruby’s provided a new mattress for Beau, reducing Lucy’s financial anxiety. The family also benefited from Ruby’s Christmas grotto, which provided extra gifts for Beau, helping to alleviate financial pressure and preserve the magic of Christmas.
Lucy said “Ruby’s have made a huge impact on our lives. In Ruby’s we found acceptance, kindness, love and understanding from all the staff. The soft play, the café, the garden, are all a perfect space for little people and their grown-ups. Without this place we wouldn’t have settled into the new town as comfortably as we have and cannot thank everyone enough for their support.”
Names have been changed for privacy
How you can get involved at Ruby's
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