WIREDGOV

PlayTalkRead service for children with additional needs continued.

Following a successful pilot in 2014, the PlayTalkRead sensory bus Bertie will become a permanent feature around Scotland.

Bertie is the first mobile unit of its kind in Scotland as it is specially designed for children with additional support needs and disabilities. It provides a therapeutic environment for children aged 0-18 and their families by adapting the colours, sounds and images in the sensory room to suit their individual needs.

The announcement was made by Acting Children’s Minister Fiona McLeod ahead of visiting the bus in Inverclyde.

More than 800 people visited the sensory bus during a six week pilot in 2014 as it toured the country. Of the parents and carers asked, 100 per cent said they would like to visit the bus again.

Ms McLeod said:

“We know the early years are a crucial point in a child’s life where they develop essential skills and it’s important we give children with additional support needs the same opportunities to improve these skills in environments that suit them.

“The pilot surpassed expectations last year and I’ve heard some wonderful stories of children’s and parent’s delight with their visits to the sensory bus.

“I’m delighted even more children and young people will be able to benefit from the specialist staff and facilities on board Bertie as it joins PlayTalkRead’s other two buses, Bessie and Benji, touring the country year round.”

Notes To Editors

To find out where the three PlayTalkRead buses will be click here: http://playtalkread.org/bus/timetable

PlayTalkRead encourages parents and carers to play, talk and read with their young children every day to give them the essential skills, motivation and abilities that will make it easier for them to keep learning throughout their lives.

2014 was the most successful year for the PlayTalkRead campaign with 122,965 visits to the website (+50 per cent on 2013) and more than 43,000 people visiting the Benji and Bessie buses (+11 per cent on 2013).