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Loan a Play Pod

Play Pods are boxes of sensory toys that we provide to any family with a disabled child. Inside each Play Pod is a range of sensory play resources, including tactile toys, light-up items, and auditory materials. You can keep the Play Pod for up to 8 weeks.

Our Play Pods encourage sensory play at home. Through play children can build relationships and develop new skills while having fun.

What’s included in a Play Pod?

In each Play Pod you’ll find a selection of sensory toys suitable for disabled children. We offer two sensory Play Pods, including:

  • Early Explorers –  suitable for children 1 year + 
  • Sensory Adventures – suitable for children 3 years+

The Play Pods contain age-appropriate materials to help your child play, learn and communicate. 

You can request a Play Pod for 8 weeks. We try to make things as easy as possible for families, and offer flexible delivery and collection options.

Image shows a young girl sitting playing with toys.

Can I apply to loan a Play Pod?

To be eligible for a Play Pod, your child child must:

  • Be aged between 1 and 18 years old
  • Live in the UK
  • Have a disability or health condition
  • Not have received more than 2 Play Pods within the past 12 months
  • Have returned any previous Play Pods before applying again

These rules keep things fair and enable us to help us help as many children as possible.

Applying for a Play Pod

Early Explorers Box
Contains toys that have been tested for safety and are suitable for children aged 1 year and over.

Apply for early explorers box (opens in new tab)

Sensory Adventure Box
Contains toys that have been tested for safety and are suitable for children aged 3 years and over.

Apply for Sensory Adventure Box (opens in new tab)

What happens after I apply?

Once we receive your application, your chosen Play Pod will be prepared for delivery.

When your Play Pod arrives, you’ll be able to enjoy the toys at home with your child for 8 weeks.

Inside the box, you’ll also find a QR code linking to helpful information and guidance. This includes ideas on ways to use the toys to get the most out of your Play Pod experience.

As your loan period comes to an end, our team will be in touch to arrange a convenient collection.

Once we’ve received your box and checked it, you can apply for a play grant voucher. You can use it to buy a toy for your child, ensuring the fun can continue!

Families are eligible for one toy grant per year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY GRANTS (opens in new tab)

FAQs

We’ve tried to make the application process as simple as possible. You can find answers to common questions below:

We lend sensory toys to children and young people to use at home.

Each loan includes a range of toys designed to support different sensory needs.

There is a QR code inside the box with helpful information about the toys and ideas for different ways to play with them.

Families can borrow the toys for up to 8 weeks.

To be eligible for a Play Pod, your child child must:

  • Be aged between one and 18 years old
  • Live in the UK
  • Have a disability or health condition
  • Not have received more than two Play Pods within the past 12 months
  • Have returned any previous Play Pods before applying again

To Apply:

  • Complete our online application form 
  • Read and sign our terms of loan
  • Choose a delivery day that works for you

After that, we’ll take care of the rest, making the process as easy and enjoyable as possible for your child!

Families can apply for up to two loans per year.

The Play Pod is usually loaned for eight weeks. If you need it for longer, contact us to discuss an extension or alternative arrangement.

Each Play Pod is carefully cleaned and checked to MHRA clinical standards before we send it out.

All items are inspected for damage, and anything worn or unsafe is replaced. Hard and soft items are thoroughly cleaned using steam, specialist wipes, and (where needed) machine washing. Everything is done according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A final UV clean is also used to help remove any remaining germs.

This process ensures every Play Pod is safe, hygienic, and ready for use at home.

You should contact us as soon as possible so they can arrange a collection time with you.

No, the equipment must only be used by the child or young person it was intended for. This is important for safety, hygiene, and ensuring the toys are used appropriately.

Families are responsible for looking after the Play Pod during the loan period and keeping them clean and in good condition.

Families are responsible for checking that the toys are suitable for their child and anyone else who may be involved in play. This includes considering factors such as flashing lights, loud sounds, and any other sensory features.

If the Play Pod or its contents become unsuitable due to changes in needs or circumstances, you should let Newlife know as soon as possible.

Families must:

  • Take reasonable care of the equipment and all contents of the Play Pod.
  • Ensure the toys are suitable for their child and anyone else who may be involved in play (for example, considering flashing lights, sounds, or sensory effects).
  • Use the equipment only as intended and for the child or young person it was provided for.
  • Let Newlife know as soon as possible if anything becomes unsuitable, unsafe, or damaged.

We understand that toys can sometimes get damaged through normal use. However, we ask that families inform Newlife as soon as possible if any items are lost, stolen, or damaged.

If items are not returned, this may affect your ability to access future loans or grants.

If we don’t receive a response from you, the Play Pod may be offered to another family on the waiting list.

We use trusted courier services, including DPD and EDS, to deliver our Play Pods, offering both home delivery and drop-off point options where available.

Families can choose a delivery date that suits them. For returns, we encourage using drop-off points, which offer flexibility so families can return items on a date and time that works best for them.

Yes. Newlife may contact families for feedback about their experience, including the impact of the Play Pod. This may include asking for photos, testimonials, or short reports.

Any feedback shared may be used to help promote the service or support reporting on its impact.