What we do

Ravensdale offers a variety of services including:

Nursery Education Group

During term time, the Barnardo's Ravensdale Project operates a Nursery Education Group. This group runs 4 ½ days a week for pre-school children who are displaying severe, profound and complex needs. Many of the children who attend this group also attend a mainstream playgroup, and Ravensdale provides an outreach service to these settings, via their outreach worker. These may be children on the autistic spectrum or physically disabled and vulnerable children. Our services are inclusive of children whose needs are marginalised by wider society.

Playgroup

We also run a playgroup two mornings a week for other children who are deemed to be 'in need' and as a result have additional requirements. There are eight places at any one time.

Holiday playschemes

Holiday playschemes are offered to children up to 11 years, whose special needs, disabilities or age are such that it is difficult for them to access other local facilities. This involves some 1:1 staffing. There is also a playscheme for siblings of children with autism.

Other services

Other services and programmes are run on a regular basis for parents and families to address behavioural and development needs. This is via Opportunities Groups, Early Birds and High/Scope workshops for parents.

Volunteers and students work alongside the nursery staff to provide extra support.

We have a speech therapist at the project during term time to assist with communications skills. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists also visit when appropriate.

A research-validated curriculum (High/Scope) is in use. High/Scope is based on Active Learning and is proven to encourage positive attitudes towards learning new skills and developing independence.

Ravensdale Nursery Education Group and Playgroup meets the ‘early Learning goals’ for children and received a positive Ofsted Report (June 2004).