Kane’s World - SEND Soft Play centre

by Kelly knight in Darlington, United Kingdom

Kane’s World - SEND Soft Play centre

Total raised £1,729

£75,000 target 72 days left
2% 81 supporters
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 20th April 2025 at 7:35pm

Creating a safe, inclusive soft play centre for SEND children and families to play, explore, and connect without judgement or restrictions.

by Kelly knight in Darlington, United Kingdom

  • Kane’s World

A Safe Space for SEND Families


A Message from Kelly


Hello, my name is Kelly, and I’m a 45-year-old mum of four. My youngest child, Kane, is my greatest inspiration and the reason behind Kane’s World. Life has brought me plenty of challenges, but every single one has shaped me into the determined and resilient person I am today. Above all, I’m a proud mum.

Kane is 5 years old. He has global developmental delay, is non-verbal, and is on the autism pathway. Despite the challenges, Kane is the most incredible little boy, full of joy, curiosity, and love. As you can see from the photo above, he is beautiful—quite simply the most beautiful boy I have ever seen—and I feel blessed every single day to be his mum.

Kane’s journey has taught me so much about patience, strength, and the unique ways children with SEND experience the world. He loves the rain and the wind on his face; his belly laugh when the wind blows against his cheeks is absolutely infectious. Kane is a sensory seeker—he loves to climb, jump, and explore. These are the ways he regulates himself and finds peace. But his sensory-seeking tendencies often come with risks, as he has no awareness of danger or fear.

Traditional play centres simply don’t work for children like Kane. The restrictions, the judgement, and the lack of understanding mean we can rarely enjoy spaces that should be fun and freeing. This is why I am so passionate about creating Kane’s World—a space where children like Kane can thrive, and families like ours can feel safe, understood, and welcome.

The Vision for Kane’s World

Kane’s World will be a purpose-built soft play and sensory centre exclusively for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children and their families.

This will be more than just a play centre—it will be a place where children can be themselves without judgement or unnecessary restrictions. If they need to take their shoes off to feel the ground, they can. If they need to climb, jump, or stim, they can. And if parents need a break from feeling anxious or out of place, they can finally relax, knowing they’re surrounded by people who truly “get it.”

What Kane’s World Will Include

  • A Sensory-Seeker Play Area: Designed for children like Kane, with slides, climbing frames, trampolines, and balancing equipment to allow freedom and movement in a safe environment.
  • A Sensory-Avoider Room: A calming space with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing equipment for children who need quiet time.
  • Quiet Rooms: For children experiencing meltdowns, giving families a safe, private space to regroup.
  • On-Site Facilities: Fully accessible changing facilities, and a café offering snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks for families.

Activities and Services

Kane’s World will offer much more than just play. We’ll provide:

  • Workshops and Experiences: Tailored activities like dance therapy, massage therapy, sound baths, and animal encounters to support children’s development and wellbeing.
  • Parties: Specially designed birthday party packages to give SEND children the celebrations they deserve.
  • Support for Parents: Drop-in sessions with SEND professionals and organisations to ensure families can access the support they need.
  • Group Bookings for Schools: Regular sessions for SEND classes from mainstream schools, providing a safe, fun environment for outings.

Why Kane’s World Is Needed

SEND families in Darlington, surround areas amd beyond, currently have very limited options. There is only one soft play centre offering a SEND session, and that’s for just one hour per month on a Sunday morning. That’s it—one hour in an entire month.

The closest sensory play area is 15 miles away, with a capacity of just 14 people, including supervising adults. For many families, these spaces are inaccessible, impractical, or simply not enough to meet their needs.

Kane’s World will change this by creating a larger, fully inclusive space with a capacity for 40 children, designed specifically for SEND children and their families.

Why I Need Your Help

Creating Kane’s World is a big dream, but it’s a vital one. I’m asking for £75,000 to help turn this vision into reality. These funds will go towards:

  • Renting and outfitting a suitable space.
  • Purchasing sensory and play equipment.
  • Creating a safe, accessible environment for children and families.
  • Covering initial operational costs to get the centre up and running.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to providing SEND families with the space they so desperately need.

The Demand Is Clear

To understand the need for this centre, I ran a survey on social media, and the response was overwhelming. In just 30 hours, 329 people completed the survey, sharing deeply personal reasons why Kane’s World is so important.

One parent said:
"”Amazing—it would be the perfect place to chat to other parents and get advice, while our children can freely be themselves and not be judged."

This is just one example of the many heartfelt responses we received. The need for Kane’s World is undeniable.

Join Us in Creating Kane’s World

Kane’s World is not just for Kane—it’s for every SEND child and their family who deserves a space to play, explore, and belong. Together, we can create a space that transforms lives, builds community, and celebrates every child for exactly who they are.

Thank you so much for your support,
Kelly

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£10 or more

£10: Thank You Email & Updates

A personalised thank-you email from Kelly and a subscription to the Kane’s World newsletter to stay updated on the project’s progress. Recognition on a digital “Supporters Wall” on the Kane’s World website or social media.

£25 or more

£25: Early Access Pass

Everything in the £10 tier. A voucher for early access to Kane’s World once it opens, giving supporters the chance to experience the space before the official launch.

£50 or more

£50: Supporter’s Plaque

Everything in the £25 tier. The donor’s name included on a Founders Wall of Thanks displayed inside the centre, showing their support for SEND families.

£100 or more

£100: VIP Opening Event Invitation

Everything in the £50 tier. An invitation to a VIP opening event, where supporters can meet Kelly, tour the centre, and see their contribution in action.

£250 or more

£250: Sponsor a Play Feature

Everything in the £100 tier. The chance to sponsor a specific piece of sensory or play equipment (e.g., swings, climbing frames). The donor’s name or a dedication (e.g., “In Honour of [Name]”) will be included on a plaque near the feature.

£500 or more

£500: SEND Family Membership

Everything in the £250 tier. A free 1-year SEND family membership to Kane’s World, including unlimited play sessions for one family. A special thank-you letter from Kelly, including a photo of the finished centre.

£1,000 or more

0 of 10 claimed

£1,000: Gold Sponsor

Everything in the £500 tier. Prominent recognition as a Gold Sponsor on the Kane’s World website, social media, and printed materials. A behind-the-scenes tour of the centre during construction or just before the grand opening.

£5,000 or more

0 of 5 claimed

£5,000: Lifetime Sponsor

Everything in the £1,000 tier. Lifetime recognition as a Key Supporter of Kane’s World, with your name or organisation’s logo featured prominently at the centre and on all marketing materials. A private tour and lunch with Kelly to discuss the project and her vision.

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