Supporting Finlay’s Superstars: How This Year’s Fundraising Keeps Our Preschool Group Thriving

Hi I’m Jenni :) I am a Therapeutic Play Leader at Bounce OT and every Friday morning I run a very special group for preschool children with additional support needs and their parents. Through feedback...

Callum MacKinnon

Written by Callum MacKinnon

Published on 9 February 2026 12:00 am - 5 minute read

Hi I’m Jenni :)

I am a Therapeutic Play Leader at Bounce OT and every Friday morning I run a very special group for preschool children with additional support needs and their parents. Through feedback from our amazing families, we have learned that Finlay’s Superstars has become a lifeline for them. It’s a place where children can explore, grow, and build confidence through play‑based occupational therapy—and where parents find understanding, connection, and reassurance during some of the most important years of their child’s development.

This year, fundraising plays a bigger role than ever. As demand for early support continues to rise, we’re committed to keeping Finlay’s Superstars running, growing, and—most importantly—affordable for every family who needs it.

Why Fundraising Matters

Running a high‑quality, inclusive preschool group takes more than passion (though we have plenty of that). It requires specialist equipment, trained staff, safe spaces, and the flexibility to adapt sessions to each child’s unique needs. Fundraising helps us bridge the gap between what it costs to run the group and what we ask families to contribute.

Your support ensures that no child is ever turned away because of cost.

What Your Donations Make Possible

1. Keeping Sessions Affordable for All Families

Many families accessing early support are already juggling appointments, therapies, and financial pressures. Fundraising allows us to:

  • Keep session fees low
  • Offer subsidised places when needed
  • Remove financial barriers that might prevent a child from attending

This means every family—regardless of circumstances—can access early intervention at a crucial stage in their child’s development.

2. Maintaining a Safe, Inclusive, and Well‑Resourced Environment

Children with additional support needs thrive when they have access to:

  • Sensory‑rich play equipment
  • Visual supports and communication tools
  • Adapted seating and movement resources
  • Calming spaces for regulation

    Fundraising helps us replace worn items, invest in new resources, and ensure our environment remains supportive, engaging, and accessible.

     

    3. Supporting Specialist Staff and High‑Quality Practice

    Our team brings expertise in child development, sensory processing, and early years support. Donations help us:

    • Provide ongoing training
    • Develop new group activities
    • Offer consistent, high‑quality sessions that meet each child where they are

    This ensures families receive the best possible support from people who truly understand their journey.

4. Creating a Community for Parents and Carers

Finlay’s Superstars isn’t just for children—it’s a space where parents can:

  • Share experiences
  • Build confidence
  • Learn strategies to support their child at home
  • Feel less alone

Fundraising helps us continue offering this vital community support, which so many families tell us is just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

The Heart of It All: Giving Every Child the Chance to Shine

Every donation—no matter the size—helps us keep Finlay’s Superstars running as a safe, joyful, and inclusive space for children with additional support needs. It helps us say “yes” to families who need us. It helps us continue offering early intervention that can change the trajectory of a child’s development.

Most importantly, it ensures that every child has the chance to shine in their own way, surrounded by people who believe in them.

Watch this space for information on how to donate to our first fundraiser of the year!!!

Our
Supporters

National Lottery
Foundation Scotland
Scottish Autism
Stirling Council
Social Entrepreneurs Fund
Corra Foundation
Clackmannanshire Council
Converge Challenge
EY Foundation
Sense Scotland
Pamis
SVE
CTSI