Making Learning Fun
Surrey Heath Leisure Services organises a summer holiday activity programme for children aged between 5 and 14. Derek Truman has been running the scheme for 12 years and is justifiably proud of its success. "We can take 60 children at each of 6 action holiday centres in our area," " he explained, "and we are always oversubscribed!"
Children can try their hand at activities ranging from fishing, cycling skills, canoeing, football, trampolining and water-skiing to dance workshops, pottery, needle skills and music experience. The scheme originally catered only for able-bodied children, but after deliberation a committee decided to make better use of the facilities at the Mytchett Community Centre and integrate special needs' children into the programme. A pilot scheme proved successful. "We can offer a ratio of one leader to four special needs' children", said Derek, "but unfortunately at the moment it is just too expensive to offer the severely disabled child the one to one service they would require."
The Children With Special Needs Foundation has sponsored the Mytchett site by supplying a range of equipment suitable for all the children. Large puzzles and balls now make it easier for the less well coordinated, but all the equipment is laid out together, allowing the children the freedom to make their own selections.
A special course may be planned exclusively for special needs' children in the future. "We're always open to possibilities and trying new things," Derek enthused. It is only due to the generous sponsorship of the sites and events by mainly local companies and charities that so much can be offered at such a reasonable cost to parents. "We see these programmes as opportunities for children to dabble in activities they may not have done before," Derek explained. "Many come and get a taste for something that leads to a lifelong interest!
Children have many different interests and need different opportunities. The Surrey Heath Leisure Services, with your charity's help, is now able to offer those opportunities to our special needs' children too.
