Introduction
Autism Concern has a long history of providing Holiday activity days for young people on the autistic spectrum.
Having secured funds from the Aiming High for Disabled Children fund, we were able to add to our established schemes in Northampton and Kettering with a further scheme in Daventry. Thus we were able to service the need of over twenty new families. Additionally we were able to enhance our service offering in the Northampton area to include a Saturday provision, running during term time, to complete year round access.
For some of our children the customary play-scheme day presents too great a challenge. In 2009 we were able to pilot a service for these children using our most experienced staff. Smaller groups and personalised attention enabled us to support not only the children in the best way possible but also provide much needed respite for parents and families.
We appreciate that this service owes much of its vigour and success to the people we engage to run the schemes. Parents too are encouraged and reassured by the professionalism and skills of those to whom they entrust their children’s welfare and well being. Autism Concern is committed to supporting and developing our people to reach their full potential and as such works to build their skills by providing on-going training and career development.
The Aiming High fund has encouraged us to explore new and innovative ways of serving the needs of our children and families. We look forward to developing these projects further by targeting specific groups and tailoring more flexible, bespoke services ready to meet the needs of a growing and diverse client base.
Autism Concern provides the only Autism Specific youth service in the county.
Over 100 families regularly access our Youth services.
Over half of these families choose to send their children to our schemes over other providers.
We also Identified 12 young people with high functioning Aspergers to participate in designing a new youth group in Northampton; choosing and undertaking activities that they enjoy and that are age and ability appropriate – designed to be challenging and rewarding - where each young adult can learn, thrive and grow.
Outcomes sought are targeted according to the principles of Every Child Matters:
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Be healthy
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Stay safe
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Enjoy and achieveMake a positive contribution
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Achieve economic well being
Provide induction and advanced training to 45 Team Leaders and Play-workers, as an ongoing process of engagement and support.
Worked directly with 104 families for Activity Day places for 114 children and young people, providing 2,950 Hours of Short Breaks for parents.
Supported 6 children and young people with ASD and additional complex needs during the school holidays over the summer of 2009.
Delivered expanded service in Northampton, Kettering and Daventry locations – 654 places made available and 590 places filled.
Criteria:
Children must have a diagnosis of autism, ASD or Aspergers Syndrome. In the case of a dual diagnosis, autism must be their principal issue.
We accept children from their 5th birthday to their 16th birthday.
Each day begins at 10am and ends at 3pm. A packed lunch is required.
Children are grouped by age. Each age group will be allocated a maximum of 2 days per week.
As of January 2009, this service is accessible to members only. If you are not a member please click here and join first.
Staff:
All our workers have an enhanced CRB check in place. Most are either working or studying in the field of Autism or special needs. They undergo our own induction training which includes Autism Awareness. In addition we arrange for workers to attend specialist courses such as child protection, first aid and health and safety courses to fulfill the statutory obligations for running such schemes. All our team leaders have level three qualifications or above in accordance with the requirements of OFSTED.
Autism Concern is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, play Leaders, Play workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our staff to child ratio is 1staff member to 2 children. Our comprehensive admissions form will identify children who require a greater level of support. We engage staff numbers appropriate to this need.
Dates for Summer 2010:
Daventry
Southbrook Junior School, Hawke Road, Daventry, NN11 4LJ
(click HERE for location/map)
Monday 9th August 2010Tuesday 10th August 2010Wednesday 11th August 2010Thursday 12th August 2010Friday 13th August 2010Monday 16th August 2010Tuesday 17th August 2010 Wednesday 18th August 2010 Thursday 19th August 2010 Friday 20th August 2010Kettering
Maplefields School, Beatrice Road, Kettering, NN16 9QR
(click HERE for location/map)
Monday 2nd August 2010Tuesday 3rd August 2010Wednesday 4th August 2010Thursday 5th August 2010Friday 6th August 2010Monday 9th August 2010Tuesday 10th August 2010Wednesday 11th August 2010Thursday 12th August 2010Friday 13th August 2010Northampton
The Boughton Centre, Ransome Road, Northampton, NN4 8AA
(click HERE for location/map)
Monday 26th July 2010Tuesday 27th July 2010Thursday 29th July 2010Friday 30th July 2010Monday 2nd August 2010Tuesday 3rd August 2010Wednesday 4th August 2010Thursday 12th August 2010Friday 13th August 2010Monday 16th August 2010Tuesday 17th August 2010Wednesday 18th August 2010Monday 23rd August 2010Thursday 26th August 2010Friday 27th August 2010
Application:
In the first instance please click HERE to download a referral form.
Documentation
Click HERE to view our Admissions Form and Permission Slips
Click HERE to view our Parent Information Booklet
For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel. 01604 239404
