Stay and Play Consultation Report 2025

 

Between the 7th of May and the 13th of June 2025 customers were invited to complete our annual Stay and Play consultation survey. Customers were invited to complete this in paper format when attending Stay and Play sessions or were invited to complete on Facebook via a link to a Google Form.

 

Our Response to the feedback which can be seen below.

 

We are thankful for the wonderful feedback relating to our “welcoming and friendly team” and are delighted that this has been recognised as one of the key reasons why people choose Stay and Play. We are equally grateful for those who have recognised many of the other positives about Stay and Play, including the cleanliness of the facilities and toys, the range of toys and equipment available, our pre-loved sales corner and regular book, tots and toys sales, the fact that we run Stay and Play throughout the year. Including School holidays, and how much people enjoy our Wellbeing menu, that fact that it is affordable and that food and drink can be ordered and delivered directly to the room.

 

Whilst we acknowledge that everyone has different opinions, and we cannot please everyone all of the time, we are equally grateful for those who have made constructive and honest criticisms of the sessions so that we can continue to improve our Stay and Play sessions for all those that attend. With this in mind, alongside maintaining all of the positive things that our customers love about Stay and Play, we make the following commitment:

 

• We will create a Stay and Play charter, available on every table at every session, which will outline all of the things that we commit to doing, alongside the expected behaviours of all parent/carers to make the sessions feel safe and fair for all children attending.

• We have already removed the Balance Bikes. Sadly our outside play area is not big enough to accommodate these, and they “create havoc” inside, causing those with smaller children to feel unsafe or nervous. Thanks to some recent funding other suitable ride-ons or replacement toys will be sourced soon. This also makes the sessions feel less chaotic when busy.

• To keep our “tummy time” area safer for babies and crawlers, thanks to some recent funding, we will be adding a large play pen to the area. In the meantime we have returned our large chalkboard to the front of the “Tummy Time” area. This provides a barrier between smaller customers and older toddlers and provides some creative play for all.

• The activity room is a multi-use room, which needs to be cleared of all equipment and furniture at other points in the week, with limited storage. We also want to maintain as much play space as possible, making the addition of more chairs, sofas and tables difficult. We will however seek funding to replace some chairs with more comfortable (stackable, padded, easy clean) chairs. In the meantime, our comfortable chairs will be spread around the room to make them more equitably available to all attendees and will ask customers not to store bags/coats etc on chairs as part of the Stay and Play Charter.

• Messy play and crafts are quite divisive, with some parent/carers loving them and others finding them very stressful. During good weather we will provide outside messy play. Alongside our water wall we have recently added a water kitchen, which children appear to be really enjoying. We have also recently added an easel for drawing and painting. Inside craft will appear from time to time, more so during the winter months when outside messy play/crafts are not available, and will mainly include gluing, cutting and stickers and creating things as shown by the templates that we add.

• One person said, “Adding a clock would help so you know how much of the session is left without getting your phone out”. We very much advocate staying off phones during Stay and Play and using the opportunity to spend quality time with your child/ren, so we have recently added a clock to the room, which we have chosen so that it can also be used for some “telling the time” teaching for older toddlers.

• We commit to having different creative play options available on our tuff trays. This includes our new colour sorting activity and flower garden building set. We have added some more blocks to our Duplo set and now have interlocking construction discs and a new threading game. We will also continue to bring our puzzles and Montessori busy boards from time to time.

• We have recently upgraded our Sensory Room. This now includes a fully functioning water wall, fibre optics, a large light tube, An alphabet/number bench, crawl through bean bag, Peanut ball, Rhapsody wall, soft play cubes and small sensory toys. This is multiuse Sensory Room and must remain accessible for all, including wheelchair, so more floor padding would not be appropriate, and we believe there are enough toys in the main play area for it not to need more “toys”. An additional light activity will be added in the coming weeks.

• We have recently replaced all of our “Kidz” Cutlery and will continue to maintain and replace as required. We have also added some smaller snacks to our “grab” range. Sadly our supplier has discontinued our popular gingerbread men and the Maryland Mini’s have increased horribly in price, however we now have mini bags of Party Rings and Jammie Dodgers alongside mini packs of Haribos and throughout the Summer we have our toddler friendly, PIP Organic Ice Lolly available. Sadly we have looked into the cost of things like baby food pouches and the Organix baby and toddler food range, however these are cost prohibitive for the amount that we would sell. Whilst we have a policy of only allowing food and drink purchased from the Wellbeing Café to be consumed on site there is an exception for baby food and bottles. A microwave is provided in the Cafe for customer use if required. We have previously tried “healthier snacks” such as fruit, but these did not sell and ended up being wasted. We would be keen to hear of other ideas of healthier snacks that could be produced with minimal waste or that would be affordable for all.

• Highchairs are available from the Wellbeing Café. In future we will ensure that some are left in the Stay and Play room to make it easier for customers to get them, however some need to be left in the Wellbeing Café for other centre users. These can be taken through to Stay and Play if needed but will be returned to the café once they have been finished with.

• We have noted the comment about filling up the outside water. We are always happy to do this, but sometimes it can be emptied by one exuberant child in seconds and other times it can still be pretty full towards the end of the session. Whilst we will check on it from time to time, we are always happy for customers to request a top up at any time.

• We have noted the comment concerning more role play kitchen equipment. Thanks to some recent funding we will be replacing the kitchen and adding more equipment in the coming weeks.

• We are considering a “Play It Forward” scheme, where customers will be able to support those in our community who might be unable to afford to, but could hugely benefit from the opportunity to socialise with others and develop their parenting skills.

 

Whilst we would like to address all of the feedback provided, there are some situations and circumstances that we cannot change.

• We have limited parking at the front of the building and other spaces in the bays opposite. Sadly we cannot create any more parking. Once full the nearest available parking is on Belvedere Road (Behind Taunton Pool/Council Offices), where Stay and Pay parking is available about a 5 minute walk from the centre.

• Stay and Play is a Parent/Carer led session and priced accordingly. Sadly we do not have the resources or skills to offer led play such as singing or story time, the inclusion of which would increase the associated costs and therefore the price we would have to charge for the session.

• Sadly we are restricted on space and do not have the opportunity to move the toilets any closer to the Activity room.

• As a charity that receives no government funding, all of our sessions need to be financially viable, and meet our aims of being inclusive for those who might otherwise be isolate or excluded. With affordability being one of the biggest barriers to inclusion, particularly in current times, we do not want to increase our prices. Maintaining our numbers at a maximum of 25 adults, firstly helps those with multiple children to attend and keeps the sessions financially viable. We are hopeful that other changes that we are proposing above will make sessions feel calmer and less chaotic for those attending.

• During warm weather windows and doors will be open and we have a fan going in every corner of the room and in the Sensory Room. Last year we installed a canopy over the outside play area, which provides some shade and keeps the room cooler. Sadly air conditioning would not be financially viable. In VERY warm weather we have been known to turn the lights off. There is adequate light from outside and this can cool the room considerably and provide a bowl of cool water and cloths to help keep little ones cool. We are always happy to provide cool tap water for drinking and staying hydrated and a range of other cool drinks and smoothies are available to purchase.

• When installing our outside play area we had to consider that this was also a fire escape. This means that we cannot lock the gate at the end, however we have placed a plate over the bolt from the inside so that the gate can be easily opened by an adult but less easily by a child. We know that some customers have a little Houdini, so they will still need to be watched closely and heavily discouraged from opening the gate during sessions.

• At present the centre is used for other adult related activities on Tuesdays to Thursdays inclusive, and we do not have any intentions of opening at the weekends as things currently stand.

 

 

Consultation results and feedback

 

85 responses were obtained.

43 lived in a TA1 postcode (Living closest to the venue)

26 lived in a TA2 postcode.

2 lived in a TA3 postcode.

3 lived in a TA4 postcode.

3 lived in a TA6 postcode.

4 lived in a TA21 postcode.

4 lived in postcode outside of the TA area.

 

95.3% of responders were female.

4.7% were male.

 

64.7% brought 1 child.

29.4% brought 2 children.

5.9% brought 3 children.

 

82.3% were parents.

15.3% were grandparents.

1.2% were professional carers.

1.2% were other family members.

 

32.9% were regular attendees (at least once every 2 weeks)

40% were occasional attendees (at least once per month)

27.1% attended rarely (Less than once a month)

 

17.6% of responders live on a low income.

5.9% of responders are disabled or live with a long-term condition.

1.2% of responders had a disabled child.

7.1% of responders needed a safe space to develop their parenting skills.

A total of 27.1% of responders fell within our targeted demographics.

 

When asked for their reasons for choosing Stay and Play at Compass Wellbeing

94.1% of responders identified Compass Wellbeing as a safe and welcoming space for them and their child/ren.

84.7% said It provides an opportunity for their child/ren to develop social skills as they grow.

62.4% said It provides an opportunity for them to socialise and connect with others.

83.5% identified Stay and Play as affordable.

77.6% said they enjoy being able to get good quality, affordable food and drink from the Wellbeing Café

68.2% said The Kidz menu offers a good choice and is affordable.

83.5% said the range of activities, toys and equipment is clean, safe and fun for their child/ren.

78.8% enjoy access to the Sensory room.

69.4% enjoy access to the outside space in good weather.

 

Other reason for choosing Stay and Play were.

• Love the Pasta!

• Always very clean

• Children have always enjoyed their time here and us as adults love the atmosphere.

• Dressing Up

• Friendly and helpful staff and the ability to buy second-hand books and clothes.

• Friendly staff!

• Friendly, warm welcoming people are working there.

• I think everything is maintained well here. Thank you.

• It is offered on Monday and Friday, big bonus for us as we do different things throughout the week and it means we can come on either day.

• It's a good place for people and children of all abilities.

• Relaxed atmosphere! Ilaria really enjoys the space.

• The clothes and toys that are available to buy.

• The friendly and welcoming staff

• The staff are all lovely

• The staff are friendly and welcoming.  The sale bit is handy too. Having an art activity has been a great addition.

• The staff are interactive with both adults and children.

• The staff are welcoming, and I feel part of the community here.

• They take your order for food and drink, so you don’t have to leave your child and order it yourself. Different craft activity each time

• Very helpful that you still run during the school holidays. Good facilities, baby change and toilets always clean. Lovely staff, welcoming and friendly. Affordable second-hand shop.

 

When asked what they did not enjoy about Stay and Play customers responded as follows:

• A few times we have attended and parents do not resolve issues such as lack of sharing or hitting/kicking. One time I attended I told a child not to hit mine in the face and the parent really yelled at me for telling her child what to do, she was very aggressive about it and after that i stopped coming for a while.

• For me the craft area is stressful. I'd rather not have this area as I believe there is already plenty to do for children which is mess free.

• It can get too hot in the Summer.

• It's perfect for what it is but it can be too busy especially the morning sessions and keeping the toys like bikes out of the sensory room but that is for parents to control.

• Meeting other people.

• No it is amazing.

• No it’s great, also handy in school holidays because this is under 5s.

• No, it's brilliant.

• No. Everything is great. My sons both always have a great time and enjoying playing with different toy.

• Not knowing how many children will be there. When you book you can only see how many adults have booked so it could be 15 tickets have sold but there's over 23 kids.

• Not really, it's pretty perfect.

• Occasionally it is too busy. Washable paints Ha ha

• On rainy days it can be very crowded

• Only when it is overcrowded.

• Parents not watching their children as they're too absorbed in their phones, which has led to biting and nasty behaviour as recently as my last visit. Being stricter on parent supervision and/or the ability to anonymously raise concerns with a X strikes policy would be good.

• Parking can be difficult, and the booking system is complicated. Apple Pay would make it easier.

• Sometimes there's a lack of tables.

• The parking can be a bit tricky

• The second-hand toys and clothes to buy.

• Unfortunately parking

• Parking is the only tricky thing sometimes.

 

When asked whether there was anything that could be added or changed at Stay and Play to improve the child/rens or adults experiences customers said the following.

• Add some more Kitchen Role Play Equipment

• A child safe trampoline, a peddle bike/trike.

• A few healthier snacks such as fruit on the menu

• A singing activity at the end of each session would be good.

• Closer toilets for emergencies

• I wish It was available on weekends and school holidays as I work in the week.

• It is brilliant and there is very little I would change about Stay and Play. Is there an option to pay if forward for others who struggle to attend? Also maybe paper hand towels in the bathroom, my kids are scared of hand dryers.

• Knowing how many children will be there. Few more comfortable seats, especially as the more comfortable breastfeeding seats have often been taken by people's things. Adding a clock would help so you know how much of the session is left without getting your phone out, I have heard this every time we've visited.

• Messy/Sensory play on the tuff trays, swap the toys over or even change their positions promotes interest.

• More craft activities - not always available

• More days. I work term times so can only attend in the school holidays.

• More dolls prams and dolls

• More foam mats in the Sensory room

• More messy play activities

• More organised activities like song time at the start or end of a session or reading a book with the children.

• More tables and quicker food/drink service (e.g. maybe option to order immediately so it's brought out quicker)

• Music/Singing time. Painting

• Music? Lock the outside gate?

• My girl loves water play/sand etc, anything messy. I hadn't seen outside before writing this. I've only been on rainy days/winter beforehand.

• No we love the sessions and will be sad when my daughter outgrows them.

• No, I think there is a good mix of resources, and it has improved over the last or so with the outside area.

• No, it's perfect as it is. It is Esmee's favourite group that we attend. great toy selection for all ages, lovely food and drink options and friendly staff.

• No, really good range of toys and role opportunities, perfect for Wilf's age.

• Not particularly now, but when I brought my 3/4 year olds in the past I would have welcomed some older toys/crafts etc.

• Perhaps a few more lights for Sensory Room for children to look at/engage with

• Probably the only thing I would take away are the amount of the toys that are overstimulating kids and stopping creativity. Sorry I had to say this. A book corner with a tepee or similar like at the library would attract kids to read more and relax. More blocks and loose parts for creative play. Animals, trees, house to build etc. All to encourage creative play.

• Sensory room could include more toys.

• Healthier food options

• Santa Clause at Christmas wasn't great and the toys were rubbish - therefore look to improve this experience.

• Smaller sized snacks for toddlers. Treat size Haribo or toddler friendly flapjacks etc

• Sometimes it can feel too busy. Love the book sales, could do more.

• The kid’s cutlery could use updating as it's mostly melted. Some fruit puree pouches or similar such a yoghurt tubes may be a good add to the menu for weaning little ones along with 'melty' organix baby crisps.

• Themed activities (trays), messy play, more craft activities

• We enjoy the crafts of the Tuff trays.

• We love everything about Compass and feel it does enough to meet all children's needs and provides a great variety of activities already.

• We really enjoy the sessions.

 

When asked for any other comments relating to Stay and Play. Customers said:

• We Like having a craft table.

• All good thanks

• All the staff are so welcoming, friendly and accommodating.

• Always clean and tidy on arrival. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

• Clean, welcoming and calm. Love coming

• Could do with more comfortable seating like sofas.

• Every time I've brought my daughter here she has loved every session, even at 8 weeks old! She'd stare at all the other children and fall asleep within 30 minutes! The staff are lovely too!

• Great selection of toys

• I have been coming since my youngest daughter was born and they both absolutely love it. I have always been made to feel welcome. Great staff.

• I prefer the afternoon sessions. I have found they are less busy, the parents are more often friendly and chatty and engaged with their kids and my child finds it less overwhelming. I really like the outside play bit too. I like the flexibility to book, and the online system is easy to use.

• If you can top up the water outside sometime during the session it would be nice.

• It is an ideal place for youngsters to play in a safe and friendly environment, with superb staff. Good and clean changing facilities all at a very reasonable price.

• It's a fantastic space for children to play and socialise, while parents and carers can have a breather and socialise knowing their children are safe, secure and entertained.

• It's a nice place, lucky to have it.

• Just thank you for all you do to ensure the sessions are great as they are. Love the arts and crafts table and new toys/activities that appear.

• Just want to say a massive thankyou to all of the staff for providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for myself and my children. What you all do for our children is very much appreciated.

• Keep up the good work.

• Keep up the good work.

• Maybe leave some highchairs in S&P so easily accessible for parent to access with more than 1 child.

• My daughter absolutely loves coming here and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. This is a lifeline for me as I struggle with social anxiety due to ADHD, and I have no help at home with her at all and she wants to be stuck to me 24/7, so it's the only time I get any kind of a break.

• My daughter is going to miss coming here when she starts school in September.

• Nice to come as grandparents and feel welcome. The girls love the "Chip Lady" LOL

• Not at the moment

• Outdoor space with weather wall and soft bricks are fantastic.

• Staff are always so friendly, a real credit.

• Staff are amazing, happy to be here and happy to help. Clean and toys are clean and working.

• Staff are kind and welcoming.

• Super range of toys and always clean. It's also wonderful to get a drink without having to leave my child.

• Thank you for everything you all do, I have been as a customer with my own children as well as with my previous work with the adults I used to support. It is a lovely centre.

• Thank you for offering a great place for children to play safely. It's also great how affordable everything is.

• Thank you for offering this great place for an affordable price. Big shout out to all the staff who are always so welcoming, friendly and smiling and engaging with the children.

• Thank you for providing lovely sessions for us each week.

• Thank you for providing such a lovely play session.

• The staff are lovely.

• They are always friendly.

• They're great, love how you can come in and put as needed. Thank you for all you do.

• Very friendly staff are always happy and helpful. Lots of choice of toys and food.

• We love it so much, everyone is so welcoming and such a special place to be able to take the children.

• We love them!

• We really enjoy coming to Compass and will continue to do so as often as possible.

• We really enjoying coming to the stay and play sessions my daughter keeps asking when we are next going to go!

• When I had a baby and a toddler it felt like a safe space for both their needs, and it's kept both their interests at all ages.

• Wonderful welcoming place

 

Over and above the comments received in the consultation, in recent times people have made comments including:

• That they feel nervous with smaller children when older children are “bombing around on bikes”

• That they get annoyed when other attendees do not supervise their children closely enough, resulting in toys being broken or used inappropriately, toys being taken back to a table and not returned to an appropriate play area when they are finished with so that other children can play with them, children hitting, biting, snatching etc and people leaving bags etc on chairs so that they are not available for others to use.

• That Stay and Play is their safe space, where they feel that they can be themselves and are not judged.