Extended services

The Extended Services programme offers additional support to families who have a child with an autism spectrum condition.

These services are open to all families of children who attend Inscape services.

After school clubs and holiday activities

The programme offers an ‘after school’ facility where young people can participate in activities that are suited to their abilities. Depending upon the group, activities may be based on the Cheadle campus or in the local community.

In partnership with Leisure for Autism, the school also hosts holiday activity schemes for children with ASC.

Family activities

The service has a programme of family activities where the child - along with their parents and brothers and sisters - can join in a communal activity such as walking, cycling, swimming, day trips etc. Families feel supported by knowing others in the group will understand and accept their child’s autism. There is also the support of a member of staff who joins each activity.

Siblings group

Living with a brother or sister with an ASC isn’t always easy. These groups offer siblings fun sessions at times when their needs come first. The groups are led by experienced staff, who may also be able to answer some of the difficult questions about the autism spectrum that siblings may have.

Behaviour support

Many children with an ASC can be distressed by the impact of living with the condition and ‘challenging behaviour’ can sometimes be seen as a result. Families may need help in understanding the cause of their child’s difficulties and how to improve the situation at home. Within Inscape Cheadle, the first port of call may be the child’s teacher or therapist. If the headteacher becomes aware of particularly challenging behaviour at home, they may refer to the Head of Extended Services for further support and advice. In exceptional cases this may involve writing behaviour support programmes, designed to work at home with families where training could also be offered.

Parent workshops

The annual programme of workshops run by Inscape House offers more information about the work of the schools or about themes relating to the autism spectrum more generally. The workshops are intended to support parents, carers and families at home. Although some of the topics may be directed specifically at parents of children at the school, most will be of interest to a broader group of parents of a child with ASC – and all are welcome.