My name is Sue Woolmer, Inclusion Co-ordinator with Out & About.  Building on the success of last year’s pilot project, Out & About is working in partnership with the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership to promote the full inclusion of disabled children aged 5-12 in mainstream breakfast clubs, after school settings, play schemes & holiday clubs.

After an extremely busy first summer with Out & About, I am now seeking to promote the scheme to those interested.  The scheme aims to support the clubs in varying ways to enable true inclusion for every child within that setting.

As well as giving parents valuable respite, it relieves their worries and fears that their child may be missing out on friendships, opportunities & independence in their lives.

All children at the clubs gain from inclusion, as many disabled children have never had the chance to interact with their more able peers, some mainstream children may have never met a disabled child or been given the chance to ask questions that all inquisitive children would like to ask. The scheme helps to raise awareness that it is OK to be different & that everyone has something to give to each other.

You might be a parent who is aware of a club your child would like to attend, but never thought it possible, or you might work in a setting that has considered offering opportunities to disabled children, but not been sure how to approach it?  Whatever your questions might be, or if you would like to know more, please contact me at Out & About for an informal chat, advice, or to request a referral form.

Sue Woolmer

Inclusion Co-ordinator (Out of Schools)

01473 341865

sue.woolmer@out-and-about.org.uk