I've put this in the disability and carers group also, i hope nobody minds.

I run a successful children's specialist sports coaching business for 2-8 year olds and already run a few classes a week for children aged 2-4 in various Sheffield Parks as ell as coaching in a number of schools in Sheffield.

I am interested in starting up another class for children with learning disabilities of a similar age group but have no idea where to start. The Playball program that we teach is currently being taught to children with learning difficulties in other countries and has proved very successful.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me of any toddler/parent groups specifically for children with learning difficulties?
We have grown mainly through word of mouth although initially we did advertise in a few toddler groups. My Wife who is also a Playball Coach is a Registered Nurse who has previously worked with both adults and children with learning difficulties all are coaches are fully CRB checked and are fully trained in the Playball Programme. I thInk are website details are below so you can call me or email me. Thanks for your time, Jack

sorry cant help but good on you. nice to know you want to get children with disabilities/ special needs involved :D:thumbsup::thumbsup:

I guess it depends on the nature of disability as to where you advertise. Physical difficulties, I know there is a motor skills group held at Ryegate. There are also portage playgroups. Other than that I have no idea, as a parent of a disabled boy I can tell you we're pretty much ignored and not catered for by a lot of groups.

hi i feel the same i have a son with ASD and learning disability and feel am on my own and hes 15 nearly 16

Thank you for changing the title its much clearer now and for the replies. We are pretty flexible about who we teach, We can adapt our programmes to the child/children in the class although as we do a number of movement courses it would be necessary for children to have some independent mobility. If anyone was interested we would be happy to meet with the parents first in order to discuss the childs capabilities and we always give the first session free so as to ensure both the child and parents are happy before they commit.
My Brother in Law also runs Playball in Dublin and runs a number of classes specifically for children with Downs syndrome he also works in some special needs schools but there is a different system in Ireland with regards to integrated schools.
I must mention that children with disabilities or learning difficulties are welcome to join the classes we have running at the moment but we had thought it would be nice to have classes for this specific group as well. For parents with children with learning disabilities or physical disabilities, do you mind me asking what you would what would you prefer? Or if you are bothered.

Thank you for changing the title its much clearer now and for the replies. We are pretty flexible about who we teach, We can adapt our programmes to the child/children in the class although as we do a number of movement courses it would be necessary for children to have some independent mobility. If anyone was interested we would be happy to meet with the parents first in order to discuss the childs capabilities and we always give the first session free so as to ensure both the child and parents are happy before they commit.
My Brother in Law also runs Playball in Dublin and runs a number of classes specifically for children with Downs syndrome he also works in some special needs schools but there is a different system in Ireland with regards to integrated schools.
I must mention that children with disabilities or learning difficulties are welcome to join the classes we have running at the moment but we had thought it would be nice to have classes for this specific group as well. For parents with children with learning disabilities or physical disabilities, do you mind me asking what you would what would you prefer? Or if you are bothered.

My son doesn't have independant mobility so sadly would be unsuitable for him, but I agree it would be nice to see more groups like this, especially as a lot of kids are unable to join in mainstream groups due to lacking in many abilities that would allow them to join in.

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but they may be able to help you with more info.

Through where I teach i know of S.A.N.D see ability not disability. This is a sports club which is based in Worksop for disabled young peeople from 3 to 16yrs. The S.A.N.D Sports club offers the opportunity to increase the number of young disabled people actively involved in sports at a level appropriate to them and focuses on promoting the health and well being of all individuals. The sports sessions comprise of Boccia, Zone Hockey, Badminton, Swimming, Kwik Cricket, Basketball, Football, S.A.Q, T Ball, Table Top Games and Social Activities to name just a few.

Here is a link to their website, someone involved with it may be able to put you in touch with relevant contacts in Sheffield.
http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/services/leisure__culture/sports_development/sand_club.aspx

Thanks for that Sue.