Children's Integrated Playschemes receives Tees Better Future Fund grant

Tees Better Future Fund is delighted to announce that CHIPS (Children’s Integrated Playschemes) in Bishop’s Stortford, is one of the projects in the second round of applications, to receive a Tees Better Future Fund grant.

CHIPS create safe spaces for children with additional needs to play together and support their parent’s/carers’ well-being by offering them short breaks from their caring responsibilities.

Founded by parents in 1994 as a pilot project by Herts County Council, CHIPS now supports over 200 families, of which there are some 230 children with additional needs and their siblings.

CHIPS now runs six different playschemes and various special interest clubs, across East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne for children aged 3-19 years. The children with additional needs who attend the sessions would likely not be able to access mainstream activities. CHIPS sessions provide the opportunity for them to try new activities safely and receive the personal/medical care they require.

Over the last 30 years, CHIPS has supported hundreds of children and that number continues to grow every day.

CHIPS will use the grant to fund additional hours of staffing, which will provide the 1 to 1 support that the majority of the children with additional needs require. The children will be able to attend the playscheme more regularly on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays, to meet up with their friends and enjoy fun and new activities.

The Playscheme is now based at Avanti School, in Bishop’s Stortford. CHIPS is looking for new staff and volunteers to help at sessions. 

Sally Powell Co-Chair of the Tees Better Future Fund commented:

“The vision of CHIPS for their play schemes and the valuable support they provide to families with children with additional needs has deeply inspired us. Recognising that access to activities is crucial for every child's development, we aim to assist those who may face difficulties during this period, boosting their confidence, nurturing their skills, and empowering them to thrive in the face of challenges. Additionally, this project aims to enhance support for families with children with additional needs, promoting both their physical and mental well-being.”

CHIPS Chairman Graham Nickson commented:

“CHIPS is very grateful to the Tees Better Future Fund for its generous donation which will enable us to run extra playscheme sessions for our children. Without the playschemes, too many children coming to CHIPS would miss out on the simple joy of playing with other children.”