Tracks (Autism)

Lodge Farm Annexe, Mobbsbury Way,
Chells, Stevenage, Herts SG2 0DN
Tel: 01438 314702

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Background

Tracks is an independent local charity, based in Stevenage providing care and support for pre-school children residing in Hertfordshire diagnosed with complex communication disorders
including autistic spectrum disorders. It provides play facilities and nursery education as well as offering support and respite for children's family and carers. Tracks offers a calm environment
for up to 10 children three times a week, 47 weeks a year. Sessions run for 3 1/2 hours to include wrap-around care for families. A high ratio of specialist teachers and volunteers is needed in order to
maxmise learning potential and help the children develop:

• The means and motivation to communicate with others
• The ability to play and become active learners
• Basic skills and understanding

All these aims are developed in close partnership with parents in order to meet the individual needs of the child and family. Tracks takes an interactive and multi-sensory approach to learning
through play. Often our children prefer to play alone and this may look as if they are deliberately ignoring others. This may in turn eventually stop other children and adults wanting to play and talk with
them, which then prevents all kinds of learning, fun, and friendships. Staff must therefore try and find creative ways to encourage our children to look at them and be interested in those around them.
Lots of time is spent following the child's lead and interests, encouraging them to just enjoy being and playing with others.

Aims

• The means and motivation to communicate with others
• An awareness of and interest in others, leading to the ability to take part in social activities
• The ability to play and become active learners
• The ability to co-operate with directed activities, both one to one and in small groups
• Self help skills including hygiene and feeding through a sensitive approach in consultation with parents
• Motor co-ordination skills

Approaches

• A mix of 1-1 teaching and small group activities
• A sensitive structured environment including multi-sensory room, dedicated creative play space, a quiet room, a large indoor play room, and an outside area
• Visually supported learning
• Communication developed through use of gesture, objects, pictures, and words
• Small steps to teaching basic skills
• Opportunities for child-led interactive play
• Regular physical activity
• A sensitive approach to personal hygiene
• Links with and advice from other professionals
• Regular input from a specialist SALT
• Musical interaction
• A programme of Sherbourne Developmental Movement

Professional Details

Judy Coad Ad. Cert Autism
A qualified teacher with extensive experience of working with children with ASD in mainstream and special education.
Judy has also worked for the specialist advisory service and is a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University.

Nan Cannon Jones M.ED. Autism
A qualified teacher with extensive experience of working in mainstream schools and currently in pre-school special education.
Nan has also worked for the specialist advisory service.

Alleyne Cliff Adv Diploma Spec. Ed.
International Course Leader in Sherborne Developmental Movement (SDM) A qualified teacher with over 40 years experience in
Special Education ranging from pre-school to the elderly and including people with ASD. As a
To find out more about Sherborne Developmental Movement, visit Sherborne Developmental Movement

Donations

Tracks has only been able to remain open thanks to parents and the generosity of of individuals and organisations. Funding remains a pressing issue.
If you would like to contribute, please go to JustGiving.com

Patron

The actress Jane Asher

Contacts

Address:
Lodge Farm Annexe,
Chells Way,
Stevenage, Herts SG2 0DN
Telephone:
01438 314702, mobile: 07809 051210
Email: Send an e-mail to Tracks

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Registered charity number: 1107257
Registered company number: 05156359
Ofsted Registration Number: EY239821