A Very Special Play-scheme
The first summer play-scheme – attended by just a handful of children - took place in 1999. Maggi Golding, Headteacher (at the time) of Linden Bridge School was closely involved with setting up and running the project, and although it is some years since she has moved on, the school remains the “hub” of the play-scheme.
Facilities at the site include a play area, a modern swimming pool, and a block of classrooms, where activities such as art and crafts and cookery are carried out. The whole area is secure.
Rapid growth and huge demand
Demand for the play-scheme has mushroomed over the years, and in 2009 the play-scheme played host to the largest number of children to date: 63 over the two three-day sessions in the summer. 2009 saw the introduction of the first Easter play-scheme, which provided two blocks of two days, thanks to funds raised by the Three Men in a Boat venture.
Children are divided into age appropriate groups, although there is some flexibility – if, for instance, it is felt that an 11 year old would be more comfortable in a group for 5-10 year olds, rather than the older (10-16) group, then it can be accommodated. We aim, wherever possible, to provide 1:1 staffing for children with high needs.
Fun for all
As well as the on-site activities, there are a number of projects organised out in the community. These include pizza making, 10-pin bowling, and horse-riding at Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (ERDA). The older groups have enjoyed Companion Cycling in Bushy Park, and visits to Sandown Park Race Course and Tilgate Park and Nature Centre. All the children take part in an athletics day during the summer session, where they are split into groups for track and field activities – it is structured as a fun day rather than a sporting challenge.
Parental confidence
Parents can be confident that when they sign up to the interAKtive play-scheme, they will be leaving their children in safe and knowledgeable hands. All members of staff are CRB-checked and have experience of working with children on the autism spectrum. Many of them are current or ex-staff of Linden Bridge School itself. Not only are the children cared for to the highest standards, but they are stimulated throughout the day, to ensure that they are focused, and enjoying the various experiences. These are not our own claims, they come from parents themselves.
In 2007, a questionnaire was issued to all parents whose children had attended the play-scheme. They were asked what the play-scheme meant to both them and their child, and we were delighted with the positive and enthusiastic responses. Some of their comments feature below, and there are more within the gallery of play-scheme photos.
Parents say that the interAKtive play-scheme is:
“the only play-scheme of this high standard, and really benefits my child”
“far superior to any other schemes I have used - structured, well organised and run by highly trained staff”
“simply the best. The support is first-class, knowledgeable and we have the reassurance that he is totally safe and well cared for”
Parents believe that it is important that the interAKtive play-scheme is autism-specific. They say:
“Having an autism-specific provision is especially important, as our son is unable to access most play-schemes and reliant on us for the whole holiday, which is very arduous”
“At this play-scheme, they are cared for rather than contained. Children are recognised as individuals”
Parents and carers appreciate the respite that the play-scheme gives to both them and their child’s siblings. They say:
“The play-scheme provided 18 hours of respite to me over the summer. interAKtive is making a big contribution to the needs of carers”
“My wife and I enjoyed the novelty of being a ‘normal’ family (while he was at the scheme)”
“It gives me valuable time to spend with my other younger child, who tends to get over-whelmed when he (his brother) is at home”
And finally …………..
“The happy, positive environment created was marvellous ……I felt they all cared genuinely about my son”
“The ratio of staff to children was fantastic; the staff were knowledgeable, experienced and very keen. I was more than happy to leave him every day”
