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Action for Children Short Breaks

Action for Children has been running short breaks for children with aged 5–12 years, with ASD and other special needs and disabilities in Camden since 2012.

Our team of experienced staff help the children to make independent choices at the play centre. The play centre has a mixture of structured activities and free play which support the continuous learning and development of your child outside school.

We use approved learning tools aimed to provide the best outcomes for each individual child. The Cubitt play centre has a sensory room, a 1:1 activity room, and a 'chill out' room. We have a big hall with ball pit and a small hall. In addition we have a lovely enclosed garden and playground with a trampoline, swings, and tower with slide. We also have access to bikes and a bouncy castle.

Contact details

Contact Name
Simone McArthur
Contact Position
Service Co-ordinator
Telephone
020 7278 7966
E-mail
simone.mcarthur@actionforchildren.org.uk
Website
Action for Children 

Address

Address
Cubitt Street Play Centre
3
Cubitt Street
London
Postcode
WC1X 0LJ

Further details

Parent Body
Action for Children.
Client Group
Camden children aged 4-12 with special needs (ASD and complex health needs).
Ward
Kings Cross Ward
Last checked date
29/09/2016
Record ID
21550

Local Offer

About Local Offer
Local Offer Age Bands
School Age Children & Young People 5-18
SEN Provision Type
Targeted
Where is the service located and what areas does it cover?

Our short breaks service is located near Kings Cross in Cubitt Street. We provide services for children who live in the Camden borough.

Who does your service provide for?

We provide a short breaks service for children aged 5 -12 years. ASD & and other special needs and disability who are resident in Camden. We are closed to Camden on Wednesdays during holiday clubs.

How can a child or young person start using the service?

Contact the short breaks coordinator or social worker from the MOSAIC service in Camden to discuss access to short breaks services. Once it is clear your child would be eligible, you will then be contacted by Action for Children to arrange an initial induction meeting at the play centre with you and your child.

How are decisions made about eligibility for your service?

The Short Breaks coordinator from MOSAIC in Camden or your social worker will make a decision about eligibility.

How do you communicate with service users and how are they involved in decision making/planning?

Staff are trained in using Makaton or PECS to help in communicating with children who are non verbal. In addition as a service, we pride ourselves on working in partnership with parents/schools/ and other agencies that work closely with the child. We seek feedback from parents and children through annual feedback forms. When we go out on trips and do activities or are planning developments to the play centre, we ask staff, parents & children about their thoughts.

Is your service fully accessible?

The building is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

What training have the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had/or will be they be getting?

We have regular training days for new/current staff. The following training has been provided: • Safeguarding children • Communication & understanding children with ASD • Administering emergency medication • Epilepsy & allergy training Action for children has an induction programme for new staff. We also train staff members on gastro feeding, health & safety, paediatric first aid, Fire Marshall training and food hygiene.

Who should a service user contact if they want to raise a concern or complain about something?

We are very happy at the project to discuss concerns. Please contact either service coordinator Simone McArthur or practice team leader Jasmina Hamdonah on 0207 278 7966. You can also contact by email: Simone.McArthur@actionforchildren.org.uk or Jasmina.Hamdonah@actionforchilddren.org.uk  We also have a complaints manager and are happy to pass on details.

Who can a parent carer/young person contact for further information?

For further information please contact the service coordinator or practice team leaderof the play service on 0207 278 7966 or by email to Simone.McArthur@actionforchildren.org.uk or Jasmina.Hamdonah@actionforchildren.org.uk  We are registered with Ofsted. In addition parents/carers can also talk with their social workers or the short breaks coordinator.

The Local Offer is a free and impartial service provided by Camden Local Authority. Any service or provider mentioned in this Local Offer, does not represent a recommendation or endorsement of the service or quality of the service provided. You are responsible for undertaking your own checks to determine suitability of the service and provider.

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