Supported by Calderdale’s ‘Short Breaks for Disabled Children’ initiative, a varied programme of sport and leisure activities enables SEND children, young people and adults to access and participate in a wide range of sport and leisure activities.
The challenge
To enhance sport & leisure opportunities for disabled children and young people whilst providing respite for parents and carers.
The solution
Project specification co-produced with Integrated Partnerships and Commissioning with agreed aims and objectives, and the development programme commissioned and delivered in line with the national initiative, ‘Short Breaks for Disabled Children’.
The impact
- 1000+ attendances across the programme every quarter.
- Integration of SEND children and young people in mainstream sports clubs.
- Development programme commissioned monies contributing to Sports Service income targets (facility/venue/session booking for programmed activities)
- Introduction of a SEND Sports Membership enabling families to access their chosen sports provision within the Council’s Sports Centre’s and Swimming Pools at a reduced cost.
- Access and auxiliary aids requirements improved across all Sports Services sites in line inequalities guidance and feedback from user groups.
- Volunteer programme for SEND and non-SEND individuals wishing to work within Sports Centre’s and/or Disability Sports sessions.
- Theoretical and practical solutions to support the inclusion of disabled young people in mainstream PE & sports sessions.
- Increased opportunities for SEND children and young people participating in regional competitions and events
How is the new approach being sustained?:
Liaising with participants, families and partners, ongoing development programme monitoring is carried out and a new project specification produced focusing on the further development and expansion of disability specific and integrated mainstream provision for SEND children and young people.
Service level agreement targets achieved, and a new 3-year commissioned programme agreed.
Lessons learned
- Acquire detailed personal information from parents and carers relative to the ability and additional needs of their children prior to attendance on the programme.
- Ensure that the coach/support staff ratio is appropriate and meets the needs and requirements of the participants attending.
- Offer and deliver both disability specific and adapted mainstream sport and leisure provision ensuring full inclusion and appropriate ‘exit routes’ for continued participation.
- Ensure regular consultation and monitoring and evaluation of sessions and activities and be responsive to the progression and development and demand for ‘new’ activities.
Contact
Debbie Greenwood, Disability Sports Development Officer, Calderdale Sports Service. [email protected]