Facilities & Location
OaKley is a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to support children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN). It features a learning kitchen, a role play street for practicing real-life scenarios, chill-out zones, and an extensive outdoor space.
This inclusive and accessible environment focuses on individualised support, life skills development, and holistic well-being.
Location
Situated on a generous plot just outside the town of Stonehaven, 9 miles south of Aberdeen, OaKley is just two minutes from the AWPR roundabout at Stonehaven.
The town of Stonehaven boasts a variety of homes, schools, and a lively town center, offering diverse opportunities suitable for all ages, incomes, and needs.
Inter-generational opportunities for both the children and families using our services and the elderly residents of the community of Stonehaven will be fostered.
Indoor facilities
Activity Rooms
Designed as a versatile spaces these large, open rooms are dedicated to multipurpose play and activities for all ages. Opening directly onto the enclosed outdoor playground, they allow seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor activities.
Featuring a role play street with a supermarket, bank and post office, the space encourages cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skill development. Arts/crafts, games, messy play, sensory activities, games tables, and technology opportunities are cleverly integrated to cater to all age groups.
Sensory Room
A purpose-built sensory room enhances communication skills, learning, and sensory stimulation. It also promotes socialisation and understanding cause and effect. The room aids in improving balance, movement, and spatial orientation, fostering visual processing, fine motor, and gross motor skills.
Learning Kitchen
Our accessible kitchen facilitates safe and supervised cooking and baking experiences for children and young people of all ages. The space promotes socialisation, shared meals, and celebrating successes. The kitchen’s layout ensures suitability for individuals of all abilities – a vibrant hub of activity.
Family/GP and Staff Rooms
These quiet spaces accommodate therapy sessions, group and individual activities. They also serve as training and development spaces for facilitating training providers. A separate staff room offers a quiet space to enjoy a break or lunch away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.
Outdoor learning
Our enclosed and secure outdoor space allows families the freedom to explore a natural environment together.
With a large natural area in addition to a traditional playground, this naturally inclusive space encourages exploration, learning, and enjoyment for children and young people with sensory sensitivities. Being outside is not just a great way to burn off excess energy but also an effective strategy to alleviate tension and anxiety, benefiting both children and their caregivers.
Sensory garden
A tranquil area with barefoot sensory paths, water features, and space to unwind. The sensory garden includes plants and elements that stimulate all five senses, fostering relaxation and calmness.
Allotment
Designed to enhance the social, emotional, and physical health of young people, our allotment area encourages active participation. Young people are empowered to make decisions on what to grow, fostering independence and life skills.
Future plans include supporting children and young people in developing their enterprise, perhaps selling their produce at farmers’ markets or to parents.