Kids rule at the new Cannock play center and cafe

The Kids Rule play center, formerly a nursery, opened about six weeks ago and has been growing ever since.

Sharna Hann, with the support of her husband Jon, is building on the success of a previous play center in Birmingham, which she set up with her sister-in-law.

The full-time training co-ordinator at Birmingham Children’s Trust has two children of her own with Jon after IVF treatment, Bobby and Charli-Rae, who has just turned one.

Charli-Rae has Down syndrome and Sharna wanted to create an environment where all the children could play together and learn while having fun.

The center features sensory areas that promote light touch and sound, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, plus a purpose-built ‘village’ that includes a hairdressing salon, doctor’s surgery, theater and more, children can immerse themselves downtown while their parents enjoy food and drinks at the downtown cafe.

Different sessions can be booked, from general play to quiet ones without music, some specific for children with special educational needs (CES) and even pajama parties after school.

Sharna called the new center a “maternity project” after Charli-Rae was born.

She said: “Charli-Rae was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome just two weeks after she was born and that kind of triggered our thought process towards opening the cafe as we realized there was no such facility available in the area for similar children.

“In addition, we have set up the cafe and center to host general play sessions, sensory play sessions and for children with SEN. It’s a bit of a work in progress at the moment as we look to expand it further but we’re happy with the results of the opening, it’s a lovely building with bright colors and it’s welcoming for families and their children.”

Kids Rule is located at Martindale off Hawks Green Way, Heath Hayes – for more details visit www.kidsruleplaycafe.co.uk