Family Support

At the Opportunity Group we have a family support worker who offers support to parents/carers whose children attend the group sessions. The type of support varies from family to family but below are some of the areas of support that are available:

additional help

• emotional support

• support and guidance with completing forms (eg DLA forms)

• providing supporting letters to other professionals

• support to make referrals for assessments and diagnosis

• support to apply for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• attend meetings with parents

• accompany parents/carers on visits to schools and nurseries

• support to access other services within the area

• signposting to other sources of support

• support in sourcing specialist toys and equipment

• accompany parents /carers to various appointments

• liaising with other professionals that are involved with your child

Our family support worker can be contacted directly by emailing: familyliaison@btconnect.com

The group is very friendly and informal and parents and carers have the opportunity to have a tea or coffee and to chat with other parents/carers. This peer support is invaluable and provides the chance to share experiences and helps parents/ carers to feel less isolated.

We understand that caring for a child with additional needs can be challenging at times and there are many extra considerations and factors to take into account. We want parents/carers to feel valued and supported in making decisions that are right for their child.

Gallery

Here are just some of the things we get up to at Opportunties

Story Time

Ways we support the children

Social Interaction

Through games and activities, children are given the opportunity to learn ‘sharing’ and ‘turn taking’

· There are music and art activities often available to encourage the children to express themselves creatively; this can be particularly beneficial for children that are pre-verbal

· Through ‘small world’ play and the use of puppets and story-sacks, children's imaginative play is encouraged

Physical Development

We also support children in developing their fine and gross motor skills through a range a of play activities. Both in our soft play room and outside in our garden, there are opportunities for children to climb, jump, balance and engage in activities to develop their proprioception skills and awareness.

Staff also provide activities like threading, drawing, painting and messy play in order for children to gain confidence with their fine motor skills.

Communication

We support children with their communication in a variety of ways:

• PECs (Picture Exchange Communication) – we use PECs at snack time so that children can choose what they would like to eat

• Makaton signs are used alongside spoken language and during singing-time

• Our Playleader plans activities to encourage children's communication skills and build their confidence

Sensory Needs

At Eye Opportunity Group we have a multi-sensory soft playroom, where children can safely climb, jump, balance and let off steam! This space also has a projector with lighting effects and sensory toys so it can be used as a relaxing, safe space for children to regulate, if needed.

· We also have a large enclosed garden which has a variety of play equipment to provide the opportunity for children to develop their gross motor skills.

· We often have sand and water play activities available, as well as swings, a playhouse and ride-on toys.

Useful information

We have a lovely outdoor play area which we use all year round- please ensure your child has the appropriate footwear and clothing to enjoy the garden.