BeyondAutism Early Years

BeyondAutism Early Years is an educational provision for children, aged 15 months to 5 years, with autism and related communication difficulties to attend with their parents or carers in small groups. Children's learning starts within the family, when they begin to develop their earliest bonds, essential social skills and emotional wellbeing.

The groups focus on communication and engagement, with the team on hand to teach skills, strategies and techniques to apply at home. We tailor teaching to the individual needs of the children and families that attend our service, based on their goals and aspirations.

Parents are supported by our experienced multidisciplinary team to empower them to build skills, knowledge and confidence to:

• support their children in developing communication and language - through play, and learning essential skills that they can build upon throughout their journey in education

• better understand and cope with their child's behaviours that challenge.

Short "tea breaks" provide the opportunity for parents and carers to interact with each other while their children take part in an activity in the classroom. These are also advisory sessions and are great opportunities to ask questions and access information. The group setting enables parents/carers to build support networks and friendships, with time given for discussion and sharing.

In September 2022 we're launching a specialist early education nursery provision for children with special educational needs aged 2-5 years. The nursery, led by our experienced multidisciplinary team, will run on Monday and Tuesday during term time.

Our approach

With multiple learning opportunities embedded in play, our methodology is underpinned by behaviour analysis, guided by the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Verbal Behaviour.

As well as behaviour analysis we use approaches based on child development and the parent-child relationship, including elements of the Early Start Denver Model. These include focusing on imitation, non-verbal communication (including joint attention), verbal communication, social development (including emotional sharing), engagement and play. Our staff are trained in Makaton sign language and other forms of communication styles.

"We absolutely love being part of the Early Years' family. You are making a big difference to our life and in fact, we feel much more confident and hopeful than ever before." Early Years' parent, 2020

About BeyondAutism

Early Years is a service run by the charity BeyondAutism. BeyondAutism is a charity with a vision that every child and young adult with autism accesses an education which enables a life full of choice, independence and opportunity. Through education and developing skills we empower learners, whilst also influencing attitudes, resources and institutions more broadly in society.

To find out more about BeyondAutism please visit our website: http://www.beyondautism.org.uk/