Children's play and learning centre makes good sens-ory

05-03-2010

Children are benefitting from a totally unique play and learning experience thanks to new Cardiff play centre, Bambeans.  Bambeans opened in October 09 and is the brainchild of Nicola Johnson, a former children’s intensive care nurse for 12 years.  The centre encourages learning and development and provides multi-sensory therapy and stimulation through its special ‘Snoezelen’ multi-sensory room, usually only available in special needs schools. 

The ‘Snoezelen’ is a Dutch concept which means to enhance the five main senses.  At Bambeans children up to the age of 12 can experience the therapeutic effects of light, sound, colour and smell using specialist equipment such as fibre-optics, interactive Wi-Fi light panel, bubble tubes, interactive star carpet, vibration cushion, infinity mirror and astro ceiling tiles.  The sensory room enables children to experience both relaxation and stimulation whilst also encouraging growth and development.  Bambeans owner Nicola Johnson explained, “As a nurse I gained good awareness of the benefits of using multi-sensory rooms and I wanted to introduce the concept into the play centre so that the equipment would be available to the community as a whole. The Snoezelen is also a place where parents can completely unwind and it has proved extremely popular with both children and parents alike.” 

Bambeans offers a wide range of facilities and activities suitable for babies and children up to 12 years old.  The designated ‘zone’ areas include a soft play jungle area and toddler push along for under 5’s, Einstein’s science corner for 7 – 12 yr olds, a theatre arena, bi-lingual library, and karaoke party room available for hire.  The café zone has a ‘chill out’ lounge where parents with babies can meet up with friends and relax with a freshly roast coffee and homemade snack from the healthy options menu.  The centre also runs baby massage classes and plans to add arts and crafts, and dance classes in the near future.  Membership is available which entitles children to reduced entrance costs and other benefits such as 25% off birthday parties.   

The play centre has just taken on extra staff due to growing popularity taking the total number of staff up to 6.  There is a secure electronic door locking system, and all staff are CRB checked and trained in basic first aid, health and safety, and catering.  Nicola Johnson said, “Bambeans has become a real community and is like a home from home for both children and parents.  It has been a challenging new beginning but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and direction provided by my Business in Focus business adviser, Jane Way which has proved invaluable; and also my husband David who has been a total inspiration especially during the hard times.” 

Bambeans can be found at 307 – 315 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff and contacted on 029 2034 4411 or via the website at www.bambeans.co.uk.