The Little Lighthouse sensory play centre to open in Sellindge next to Notion Coffee Lounge

A mum of a disabled six-year-old is opening a sensory play centre in a bid to help children with additional needs.

Natalie Hills, from Hythe, is preparing to launch The Little Lighthouse in Sellindge where she will offer a safe space for disabled youngsters.

The 33-year-old has been inspired by daughter Quinn who has a rare genetic condition called Syngap1 which causes learning disabilities.

Mrs Hills, who stopped working for the NHS three years ago to become a full-time carer for her daughter, says she realised last summer she was struggling to find a place to take her.

The mum-of-two said: “I’m probably one of many in this position where it’s difficult to find a safe space to be able to take both children so we’ve created the sensory room with that in mind.

“If we were to go to soft play, I would have to physically be with her the whole time to make sure that she doesn’t hurt herself.

“But they will be able to explore in a safe way in the sensory room.”

Friends Natalie Hills and Sam Holland with Natalie’s husband Dave outside the unit in Sellindge

The Little Lighthouse is set to open in Sellindge in June

Mrs Hills says Quinn would have 60 to 100 seizures a day when she was younger, but it is now more controlled.

“I still can’t take my two children out together on my own,” she added.

“Come the summer holidays last year, I couldn’t go anywhere, as you have to be a constant guide and on high alert.

“But no matter what room they go in at The Little Lighthouse, they will be able to explore in a safe way as it will be an enclosed, safe space.”

Mrs Hills will launch the business with friend Sam Holland, from Ashford, in a unit next to Sellindge Village Hall off the A20.

Sam Holland will launch the business with Mrs Hills

Mrs Hills with husband Dave and daughter Quinn

It will consist of two sensory rooms aimed at babies, young children aged up to five and children with special educational needs.

It is set to open in June next to Notion Coffee Lounge which will be run by Mrs Hills’s husband Dave.

“There’s nothing down this way like it and we thought it would pair up perfectly with a coffee shop because the parents will have somewhere to go for a catch-up too,” she added.

“We are working hard to ensure we provide a service to wheelchair users so everyone can access the safe space.”