Children’s role play centre launches thanks to UKSE support

A new child’s play centre providing role-playing facilities has opened its doors in South Yorkshire.

The Little Town of Play has officially launched in the Rotherham suburb of Swinton, after receiving kickstart funding from steel firm UKSE.

Founded by husband and wife duo Steve and Sophie Siddle, The Little Town Of Play consists of 11 areas where children can dress up as a range of occupations including teacher, vet and firefighter, with a cafe for parents and carers.

The pair, who previously ran their own wholesale business, aim to provide a place for children to play, learn and develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

The Little Town of Play co-founder Sophie Siddle commented: “At Little Town of Play children of all ages have the opportunity to dress up and enter the role of any character they would like for the day.

“So far we’ve had a fantastic reception to the facilities and there are a number of families who we hope will become long term customers, thank you UKSE for helping us make this dream a reality.”

Kickstart funding from UKSE – a a subsidiary of Tata Steel that invests in steel areas in the UK – has supported the launch of the business, as well as covering the associated set-up costs.

Alan Stanley, regional executive at UKSE, commented: “It is great to see The Little Town of Play open in Swinton providing something new which wasn’t already on offer in the area.

“Having already employed a Manager to help with the day to day running of the business, and with Steve and Sophie’s drive and commitment, I’m sure the venture will be a great success.”