Summer Club Parent Handbook

Welcome to Beyond Words CIC. We are delighted to welcome your child to our Summer Club.

Our aim is to provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment where autistic children and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can learn, explore, build friendships and most importantly have fun.

We understand that every child is unique. By working closely with families, we aim to provide the support each child needs to feel safe, valued and successful throughout their time with us.

This handbook gives you an overview of our Summer Club. For the full detail behind each area, please read the linked policy.

Beyond Words CIC provides specialist holiday provision for autistic children and children with SEND.

Our sessions are carefully planned to provide structure, routine and enjoyable experiences while supporting children's communication, independence, emotional wellbeing and confidence.

Our experienced team work together to provide a safe and nurturing environment where every child is respected as an individual.

Every child is different. We recognise that children communicate, learn and regulate in different ways.

Throughout the day we provide:

• Predictable routines
• Structured activities
• Sensory opportunities
• Communication support
• Movement breaks
• Outdoor play
• Opportunities for independence
• Positive relationships with familiar adults

Activities are adapted wherever possible to meet individual needs.

Activities vary, but a typical day usually looks like this:

Throughout the day children are supported with communication opportunities, movement breaks, sensory regulation and individual support where appropriate.

Positive communication between home and Beyond Words is extremely important. We communicate with families through:

• Face-to-face conversations at drop-off and collection
• ClassDojo
• Telephone calls
• Email
• Other agreed methods where appropriate

Please let us know about any changes that may affect your child's day, including changes to health, medication, behaviour, routines or collection arrangements.

Please send the following where appropriate:

• Packed lunch
• Water bottle
• Spare clothes
• Nappies and wipes
• Prescribed medication in its original packaging
• Specialist sensory tools or comfort items that help your child feel safe and regulated
• Suitable clothing and footwear for indoor and outdoor activities
• Sun hat and sun cream during warmer weather where appropriate

Please label all belongings wherever possible.

Healthy snacks and drinking water are provided throughout the day.

Parents are asked to provide a packed lunch unless advised otherwise.

Please ensure we are aware of any allergies, dietary requirements or food intolerances before your child attends.

Children should be brought to the Summer Club at the agreed arrival time.

Children will only be released to authorised adults.

Please inform us as soon as possible if somebody different will be collecting your child.

If your child is unable to attend, please let us know as early as possible.

Staff are able to support children with toileting and personal care where required.

Children will always be treated with dignity, respect and privacy while encouraging independence wherever possible.

Please let us know about your child's toileting routine or any personal care requirements before they attend.

Please inform Beyond Words of any medical conditions, allergies or health needs before your child attends.

Medication can only be administered where the appropriate forms have been completed and in accordance with our procedures.

If your child becomes unwell during the day, we will contact parents or emergency contacts where appropriate.

Whilst every effort is made to provide a safe environment, accidents can occasionally happen. Where appropriate:

• First aid will be administered
• Parents or carers will be informed
• Accidents and significant incidents will be recorded in accordance with our procedures

Our aim is to help every child feel safe, understood and successful.

Staff use positive, supportive and individual approaches to help children regulate their emotions and participate in activities.

Parents are encouraged to share strategies that help their child so we can provide consistent support.

Photographs may be taken during activities to celebrate children's achievements and share their experiences with families through ClassDojo or other Beyond Words communication platforms.

Photographs will only be used where parental consent has been provided.

If consent has not been given, your child's face will be blurred or they will not appear in photographs shared with other families.

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority.

All staff receive safeguarding training and follow Beyond Words safeguarding procedures to ensure children are protected and supported.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please speak to the Founder & Director.

If you have any questions, concerns or information you would like to share, your first point of contact is:

Olivia Cornakova, Founder & Director, Beyond Words CIC

We encourage families to communicate openly with us so that we can work together to provide the very best support for every child.