Daisy Chains is a group for children with additional learning needs, running at Upton Methodist Church every Thursday during school holidays. It’s completely free and it has no age limit, but most children that come along are aged 2-14.
Karen Mildren, Preschool Manager, explains: “Daisy Chains is a great place for parents to catch up together. They can have a coffee and cake while relaxing while that their children are completely safe and secure – they don’t need to be in a public space where people are judging them or their child.
“We applied to TVT’s funding as it would hit upon so many areas of our work, from Daisy Chains to Preschool, toddlers, and the Methodist Church. We wanted to improve our useable space all year round, which impacted everyone using the church.”
The church applied to us for funding to improve their outdoor spaces as their garden often becomes water-logged during the Winter. New decking would provide the church and groups operating from it more useable outdoor areas.
Karen adds: “Children learn so much better outside; it’s such a different thing to being inside where there are so many rules – don’t run, don’t shout… Outside, children relax, and they learn so much better. Our new decking is under cover so we can use it all year round – it’s amazing! Parents come through the door and then there’s a wow factor where they can really see the space.
“We make sure there’s a quiet space, with stories and blankets so that children can have some time out too, as well as a role-playing area with shops and kitchens, and a construction area with a hard surface to build on.”
“My kids have been coming here since they’ve been tiny. Sometimes they struggle with transitions and interacting with people can be very hard, but as soon as I say we’re coming to Daisy Chains, they’re straight out of the door – it’s a safe space and they feel very supported."
— Hayley, Daisy Chains parent
