If you’re looking for an alternative and engaging way to keep your little one entertained and fuel their creativity, then let us introduce you to SAND CLUB.
We caught up with founder Jaime to talk about why she chose Wandsworth as the home for her business, how neurodivergent connect with sand play, and what song captures the heart of SAND CLUB.
What inspired SAND CLUB?
SAND CLUB was born from my experience of becoming a parent during the pandemic.
Those early years were incredibly special, but they were also surprisingly isolating. The places and opportunities that help new parents connect simply weren’t there in the way I’d imagined.
I found myself wishing for a space that was as enjoyable for adults as it was for children. Somewhere families could slow down, connect, and spend quality time together without the noise and overstimulation that can sometimes come with traditional play spaces.
SAND CLUB is the result of that wish. It’s a calm, creative environment centred around sensory sand play, community, and meaningful connection.
What does sand play offer children that soft play doesn’t?
Soft play is brilliant for burning off energy, but sand invites a completely different kind of play. It’s open-ended, creative, and deeply sensory.
There’s no finish line or correct way to do it. Children can build, dig, imagine, experiment, and collaborate at their own pace. I’ve watched children spend an hour completely absorbed in creating a world from their imagination, and that kind of focused, self-led play is incredibly valuable.
It also naturally encourages conversation and cooperation, which is one of the things that makes SAND CLUB feel so special.
What made you open SAND CLUB in Wandsworth?
When I imagined SAND CLUB, I pictured a family-focused community that values creativity, connection, and experiences over screen time. Wandsworth has all of that.
We’ve been welcomed so warmly by local families, and it’s become clear that people here were looking for something a little different. It’s been wonderful seeing the community embrace the concept and help shape what SAND CLUB is becoming.
Where can we find you?
We’re based at 138 Garratt Lane, SW18 4EE and welcome children aged 0–5 and their grown-ups into our indoor play space and sand play ( Ages 1 – 5).
You’ll find our latest sessions, events, SEN offerings, and community activities through our website and social channels, where we share everything that’s happening at SAND CLUB.
Have you seen friendships between play pals form as well as connections between parents?
This has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of creating SAND CLUB.
I’ve watched children who have never met before start building together within minutes, and while they’re busy playing, parents, grandparents, child minders and guardians naturally begin chatting too.
Many families come through our doors looking for a fun activity, but they leave having made a connection. As someone who felt isolated as a new parent, seeing those friendships form means a great deal to me.
What inspired your SEN-focussed sessions?
Inclusivity has always been at the heart of SAND CLUB, but for me, it’s also deeply personal.
My niece has Down syndrome, or as our family lovingly says, she rocks an extra chromosome. Watching her grow up has taught me so much about the importance of creating environments where every child feels seen, valued, and able to participate in their own way. She has been a huge inspiration behind how I think about inclusion, not as a box to tick, but as something that should be woven into the fabric of a business from the very beginning.
When I created SAND CLUB, I wanted it to be a place where all families felt welcome. As we grew, I saw how naturally many neurodivergent children connected with sand play. The sensory nature of the environment, combined with the freedom to play without rules, expectations, or pressure, creates opportunities for children to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them.
That inspired us to create dedicated SEN sessions with smaller groups, a calmer atmosphere, and greater flexibility. But more importantly, it reinforced my belief that families deserve spaces where they don’t have to explain themselves or worry about whether they belong.
My goal has always been to create a genuinely inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment, not just for children but for parents and carers too. A place where everyone can relax, connect, and enjoy time together without judgment. Seeing families feel comfortable, supported, and part of the SAND CLUB community is one of the things I’m most proud of, and my niece continues to inspire that mission every day.
What have you learned from working with neurodivergent children?
The biggest lesson has been that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to play.
Neurodivergent children have reinforced something I believe all children teach us: when we slow down and follow their lead, incredible things happen.
I’ve learned to pay closer attention, to value different forms of communication, and to appreciate how thoughtfully designed environments can help children feel safe, confident, and free to explore.
If SAND CLUB was a song, what would it be?
“You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King.
At its heart, SAND CLUB is about connection. It’s about knowing there’s a place you can come to feel welcome, meet other families, and spend time together without pressure.
The song feels warm, comforting, and community-focused, which is exactly how I hope people feel when they walk through our doors.
What’s your favourite thing about Wandsworth?
It’s the sense of community.
As a parent, you quickly realise how important your local village is. Wandsworth has that feeling. There are so many families, independent businesses, parks, and community groups that genuinely support one another.
Creating SAND CLUB here has shown me just how powerful those local connections can be, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
SAND CLUB is at 138 Garratt Lane, SW18 4EE. Give them a follow on Instagram, and don’t forget to download the Wandsworth Town app to access details of local offers and events.
