In Your Shoes - Gill Thomson

Monday: Early Years Sessions

Our Early Years sessions are designed for younger children and their parents, focusing on play, exploration and early confidence-building. We encourage outdoor play wherever possible, helping children develop resilience, coordination and independence from the beginning. 

At this stage, many parents carry worries about whether they’re doing things “right.” The session gives them space to step back and observe. They can see how their child interacts with others, responds to staff and explores the environment in their own way. 

We provide soft play, sensory stations and open-ended activities, with staff nearby to support without taking over. Progress at this age often looks small: playing alongside another child, trying something new independently, but those moments build strong foundations. 

Tuesday: Supporting Young People Approaching Secondary School

Our Transitions programme supports primary school pupils who may find moving to secondary school particularly challenging, often because of additional support needs such as autism or ADHD. Schools identify young people who might benefit from extra support before that change happens. 

For many of them, the biggest difficulty isn’t academic. It’s the unknown. New routines, new teachers, new social dynamics. We bring pupils together in a relaxed, play-based setting where they can meet others who will attend the same secondary school. There are sensory activities, shared snack time and space to build connections naturally, without pressure. 

Over a few months, we see small but important shifts. Pupils become more comfortable. They recognise familiar faces. They start choosing to sit next to the same people. By the time secondary school begins, they aren’t stepping into it completely alone. 

Wednesday: Family Sunday Sessions

Our Sunday Family Sessions, which I was organising with the team today, are open to children with additional support needs and their siblings, from early years through to teenagers. No diagnosis is required. 

Weekends can be isolating for families when inclusive spaces are limited. At The Yard, children can move, explore, regulate and play in ways that suit them, without judgement. We offer outdoor space for those who need movement, a quieter sensory room for calm and a transition room to make leaving easier. 

Parents often describe these sessions as the one place they can fully relax. They can have a coffee, talk openly and know their child is safe and understood. For many families, that consistency makes a real difference to the week. 

Thursday: Training

Alongside our direct work with families, we provide training for schools, nurseries, and local clubs across Dundee. The focus is on practical inclusion and helping professionals feel confident supporting children with additional support needs. 

We look at what inclusion actually means in real settings. That might involve small environmental adjustments, clearer communication or rethinking routines that unintentionally create stress. 

The aim is not to overwhelm with theory, but to build understanding and curiosity. When professionals feel more confident and informed, families experience that change in everyday interactions beyond The Yard. 

Friday: Volunteers

Volunteers play a significant role in the development of The Yard. From renovation and maintenance days to fundraising events like the Kiltwalk, their support has helped us grow and sustain our services. 

Some volunteers are families who have used the service themselves. Others are community members who believe strongly in creating inclusive spaces locally. Their contributions increase our capacity and enable projects to move forward more efficiently. The space we have today has been shaped by that collective effort.