Stockport 2010

How could we improve?

• I needed to know a lot earlier than the week before what days I had been allocated. Planning for summer is a difficult task so it would have been handy to be given a rough idea of yes or no even if the days weren't decided. Picture guide earlier to show them the activities they would be doing. It would be handy to have pictures of the helpers in advance to show the children. (online perhaps).
• It would be nice to see more younger children.
• Increasing the age limit as most people with ASD still enjoy playschemes well into adulthood. More of it!
• Brilliant as it is - just keep doing it please.
• Everything was excellent.
• Send out pectoral time line showing the activities before the scheme starts.
• maybe secure enough funding for the scheme to run for longer, giving more children the opportunity to participate, and giving the option for children to attend every session.
• Maybe need to split into under / over 12's. Do something more 'daring' for older ones - climbing, canoeing, tubing etc. What about running on Sundays? Evening trips. Overnight stays e.g. youth hostels; big walks / picnics.
• Could always use more days. Could ideally do with more notice that the scheme will run so can plan other activities around it.
• Send parents the PECS photo in advance of staff working on scheme and designated person in advance to prepare ? Swimming was not offered on his week. Could it be possible to offer this both weeks or be offered a choice of activities in advance.
• It would be helpful to have earlier notice of the schedule and days offered as it is difficult to plan the holidays with such late notice. Also, things clash with other respite or schemes applied for. Downside is that the scheme is based at his school and he is apprehensive about coming when he doesn't want to be at a school in the holidays or Saturdays. At 14 he is getting a bit past the activities offered or needs new things he wouldn't do at school.

What difference did your child's attendance on the scheme make to their siblings and / or wider family?

• Gave a bit of time out.
• Enabled me to get on with other things and knowing that he was occupying his time in a useful manner.
• Valuable catch up time for me and kept me sane during the holidays knowing they were cared for and having a fab time.
• He seemed very happy after being out at the scheme.
• Essential. Enables us to do stuff with other kids. Gives everyone a break and enable him to do what he likes.
• Really helpful as I was able to spend time with and do activities with his siblings. It got him out, gave me more time with the others.
• He looked forward to each day. I was able to go to work.
• It gave us a break and enable us to spend time together. This doesn't happen very often. I am able to do things, go shopping etc with his sister. We cannot always do this with him as he can become upset.
• LfA is the only scheme suitable for his complex needs. Therefore it is the only time his sister gets quality time with Mum. The schemes benefit to him is priceless. He has safe, fun days out while his sister is able to have similar.
• It gave us a chance to attend NHS appointments and charge our batteries for the challenge ahead. he has a great day out-he enjoys being busy and we can relax and spend time with the other children. fantastic to have a few hours to do what you want to do rather than having to revolve all activities around him.
• Means we can get a break and LfA keeps him occupied. Essential during long holidays. We live by ourselves. It made a massive difference to me to know he was happy and safe and the break I got helped me to pace myself through the summer.
• Child enjoyed himself. Family able to see other siblings.
• Large impact. Able to do other activities with other child.
• Her attendance on the scheme allowed us to spend time with our other children, doing things they like to do.
• Valuable respite.

General Comments

• She has enjoyed her time on the scheme. This shows in the number of years attended. Excellent opportunity for autistic children to enjoy a wide range of activities which they might not be able to do if the scheme didn't exist.
• It was really nice that you had experienced and capable helpers who seemed genuinely keen and enthusiastic. They also showed initiative e.g. bringing some sensory toys to play with on the bus. I liked the busy schedule of activities plus some stuff they would not have ordinarily has the opportunity to enjoy the pony riding. I thought it was good value
• Excellent.
• He liked the swimming, cycling and horse riding.
• Brilliant. Irreplaceable to me and my family. Thank you.
• This is the best playscheme. He loves the variations for the days e.g. Going out on transport. He didn't always enjoy the scheme but this is because he is an adolescent and is going through a difficult time emotionally and behaviourally. The scheme offers a range of good, suitable activities.
• The leader was particularly helpful and understanding. she was flexible and appreciated my son's needs.
• Thank you to all your helpers. Even though he cannot speak he gets very excited when he knows he is coming to LfA. He loves horse riding and swimming.
• LfA is invaluable to us as a family. Without it our holiday would be unbearable. He is happy and we are relaxed, knowing he is safe, happy and well cared for. A million thanks.
• Your service is invaluable as without it we would not be able to get through the school holidays. LfA was the first playscheme that he access. It gave him the confidence to go out of the home and mix with other children. And adults. Ina addition to giving me break you do a fantastic job. Now he goes to other schemes and loves them all.
• Really great project,. The staff are all very friendly and you feel you can leave your child. Would like it to run during every holiday. Only scheme of its type available. Essential service for ASD children.
• He loved going. Thank you so much for having him.
• Very good project.
• Excellent playscheme. He is familiar with the building which is a huge help. He really enjoyed the scheme. Many thanks for his place. It makes a difference to him.
• The scheme is fantastic. She loved all the activities and the staff were very friendly and capable. We wish to thank all those involved for the great days out and activities.
• I find him happier with a mix of children (not all autistic) and who he doesn't see all the time at school. This is not to say the scheme is not valuable, just my feelings in respect to my son.

Pictures of the scheme are available on our Facebook page: Leisure Forautism