Autism Bedfordshire Summer Scheme

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents

This provision is outstandingnChildren thrive in a safe and caring environment.

Staff skillfully 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. nLeaders ensure that all staff and volunteers receive comprehensive induction and continued support throughout their involvement in the scheme.

Morning briefing sessions help to ensure they have an exceptionally clear understanding of their responsibilities and the additional considerations required during outings.nSelf-evaluation is thorough. Children use a... variety of ways to feed back their thoughts, including selecting smiling or sad faces and verbal communication.

Managers value the views of parents and staff. These contribute to continual improvements, helping the scheme to maintain the highest quality.nChildren move around selecting toys and activities that interest them.

They enjoy creating animals from scrap materials, feeling the texture and describing what it is like to their key person. Staff give children time to explore and experiment at their own pace, helping children to consolidate their thoughts. nPartnerships with parents are exceptionally strong.

Detailed information is gathered before the summer scheme begins, helping staff find out about what children can already do, their interests and dislikes. Each day, staff and parents exchange comprehensive notes about children's activities and their reactions at home and in the scheme. This contributes to the continuity of care children receive and assists parents and staff to have greater insight of how children are feeling.

nChildren are welcomed at taster sessions before the summer scheme begins. They meet their individual key person and familiarise themselves with the building. Children and parents are encouraged to ask questions, helping them to manage their expectations and concerns before the week begins.