Community café and soft play

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soft play area

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.

Book a 1 hour slot here.

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 Placeschanging room has a hoist and changing bed.

social cafe and sofy play area
soft play area
social cafe and sofy play area

How you can get involved at Ruby's

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Volunteer for us

Do something amazing!
Volunteer to support a local family.

the ruby's team celebrating around large freestanding white ruby's letters

Fundraising events

Come and have fun while raising funds to support our vital work.

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Make a donation

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