Type of service: Local groups, Play and leisure, Respite and short breaks, Social groups

Website: http://www.autismbedfordshire.net/

Our Summer Activity Schemes are based in Bedford and Luton and provide a wide range of onsite activities and community based experiences for autistic children and young people aged 3 to 17 years. Each scheme is specifically designed to cater for the different needs, interests, ages and abilities of those that attend. Junior Activity Scheme is for autistic children aged 3-9 years, and provides 1:1 support. Holiday Club is for autistic young people aged 10-17 years with moderate to severe learning difficulties with 1:1 support provided. Summer Fun is for autistic young people aged 10-17 years with Asperger’s Syndrome or lower support needs. Ratio of support is approximately 1:3. All of our activity schemes provide a wide range of appropriate and engaging social, play and sporting activities including sand and water play, art and crafts, bouncy castles, swimming and visits to popular outdoor activity venues. Applications for this year’s Summer Activity Schemes are now closed. Details of next year’s scheme will be published in early 2022. Both Luton and Bedford Junior Activity Schemes have been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. In 2019 a full inspection took place at the Bedford Junior Activity Scheme based at Wootton Lower School and the scheme was graded as Outstanding. Ofsted noted, “Children thrive in a safe and caring environment. Staff skilfully support them to access a wide range of interesting activities and exciting experiences. Children’s anxieties are greatly reduced and changes in routine are carefully managed through excellent preparation and communication” The specialist schemes operate in Bedford and Luton, and provide personalised support alongside tailored activities for autistic children. These opportunities provide both an invaluable service for families who are in desperate need of a short break and engaging activities for the children, who otherwise might be isolated and not able to access mainstream clubs. One child said “this is the best summer scheme ever” and a parent said “Summer scheme is amazing for so many reasons, the kids are happy and they get to go to places that we wouldn’t take them to for fear of being judged”. Liz McTernan, Children’s Services Manager, said, “We are delighted to be recognised as an outstanding provider for our families across Bedfordshire and feel privileged to be able to offer personalised support that makes a real difference to their lives”. Emma Reade, CEO, said “These services provide a life line for autistic children and their families over the summer and it is important that we work with our partners to continue to provide high quality, personalised support”. Read the full report here: https://files.api.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50104538\ In 2017 the Luton Junior Activity Scheme, based at Richmond Hill School, was also graded as Outstanding by Ofsted. Read the full report here: https://files.api.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/2719063\

 

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific