There are lots of ways to help Rainbow Hub. Take on a challenge, do your own event, volunteer at one of ours, sign up or make a single ‘quick click’ donation. Whatever you do, it will brighten the lives of more disabled children and young people.
Rainbow Hub’s nursery team are providing a first-class service for children with autism together with parent liaison, support and partnership.
The dedicated staff are highly trained in understanding and supporting ASD and other aspects of the spectrum, with the team using communication strategies and aids such as PEC’s and Makaton, unique alternative communication systems, to promote speech and language development.
Children benefit from small class sizes and high staff to child ratios with break off rooms and quiet areas for focused time. Sensory exploration areas such as sensory and active movement rooms promote strong listening, attention and social skills and communication development.
There is consistency in strategies and routines with early support tracking and achievable targets set for each individual child to encourage progression.
Sarah Dobson’s son, Jax, 3, from Broughton, Preston, has autism and she was understandably concerned, prior to Jax attending nursery, about how he would react in such an environment given his autism and physical disabilities. But Sarah says she could literally write pages and pages about the support that Jax and her entire family have been given at Rainbow Hub.
She says, “I’ve never experienced such genuine care and understanding for all my little boy’s needs. I was absolutely blown away how quickly Jax settled and can tell he feels so safe and secure in the care of all the staff. This has been key to his progression.
From the continuous calming atmosphere, the layout and design of the rooms, incredible facilities and equipment, outside play, lovely days out and the gentleness of every single member of staff, it’s an absolute dream for a child who can become very overwhelmed in highly stimulating environments.
Since starting at Rainbow Hub, Jax’s communication abilities have vastly improved thanks to the support that the nursery has provided for him, including vital one to one communication. He has begun to engage in play with the staff, children, volunteers and support workers. And with family and friends at home which he would have previously avoided. His physical abilities also continue to advance weekly due to the confidence he has gained and the wonderful facilities offering so many opportunities for play therapy. Most important of all, in my view, especially given the social challenges autism can bring, is that Jax has made friends!
Sarah continued, “Rainbow hub have gone above and beyond to encourage Jax in all areas. Providing equipment to help him sit and eat at the table with his peers, his favourite toys/books/tv/music to help him feel happy and comfortable, and even a handmade toy garage built from scratch for his cars! (I cried happy tears all the way home!)
They have not only shown Jax the most love and encouragement I could wish for but, as a parent of an autistic little one, the support and understanding they have given me is out of this world. I am forever grateful how life changing it has been for my little family to know that we have such an incredible support system and that my little boy will not only be looked after there, but he will also be happy!
Rainbow Hub cares for our children and they care about them. That means the world to me.”
The Rainbow Hub nursery operates from 9 – 4.30 in term time and parents with children from 2 to 5 are able to use their child care vouchers for up to 15 hours or 30 hours per week dependent on their entitlement. Costs for children paying privately will be £45 per day.
Any parents who would like more information about the Rainbow Hub Nursery and an assessment of their child’s needs, can register their interest and details of their child by email at nursery@rainbowhub.org; by telephone 01704 823276 or visit https://www.rainbowhub.org/
