Skylarks
Organisation/Service Details
Organisation Details
Description of activity
We are an independent parent-led charity covering the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and surrounding areas, which aims to help children and young people with additional needs and their families.
We welcome children any additional needs and disabilities including autistic spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, hearing or visual impairment, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, ADHD and rare or undiagnosed syndromes.
We offer opportunities for the children and their siblings to play, develop and take part in therapies. We also provide information and support for their families and carers through a wide range of workshops, therapies and training.
Most of our services are free to parents and carers. We are based in the borough of Richmond but there are no geographical or borough limits on where our families live.
Children coming to Skylarks have the opportunity to:
Have fun playing with toys
Socialise with other children
Sing along while learning sign language
Attend the Music Club
Have fun with Arts & Crafts
Attend weekly Osteopathy Sessions
Take part in karate
Have their hair cut in an understanding environment
Experience food and cooking
Take part in a drama group
Relax in our sensory room
Practice developmental yoga techniques
Their Parents/Carers have the opportunity to:
Get Advice from Health Professionals
Get Advice on Benefits
Attend Talks and Workshops
Get Education Advice and Advocacy
Receive Counselling or join a Support Group
Meet other Parents/Carers
Receive Complementary Therapies
We are open every Tuesday and Friday in term time:
Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Fridays from 9.30am to 12.00 midday
We also offer occasional events at weekends and in school holidays. Please join us by completing our registration form to receive updates and invitations.
Organisation Contact Details
Contact Details
Contact Name
Telephone
Email Address
Website
Address and Accessibility
Address Details
Venue Name
Address 1
Town
Postcode
Accessibility
Accessible building
Accessible toilets
Please describe how accessible the toilet area is for example is it a 'Changing Places' accessible toilet, does it have changing facilities, hoists etc
Disabled toilet with pull-down baby changing table, but unfortunately we are not currently able to offer Changing Places standards.
Parking facilities
Dietary needs catered for
Staff have specialist training
Please enter any further details about your accessibility / specialist support
Our venue is: The Crossway Centre, Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2PD. The Crossway Centre is a modern building just behind St Stephens Church, very near Marble Hill Park, on the road that goes from Richmond to Twickenham. There is a pay and display car park at Marble Hill Park (currently £2.50 for up to 2 hours and £3.50 for up to 3 hours and usually open till dusk; for sat nav users - the postcode for the car park is TW1 2NL), free on street parking in nearby roads after 4.30pm or with a parking voucher before this. Bus numbers 33, 490, H22, R70 and R68 stop just outside the church. The bus number H37 stops just round the corner from the Crossway Centre. Please do not park on site.
Availability
Availability Details
Days and times of activity / opening
| Tuesday | From 2.30 | To 5.30 | Drop in session with lots of activities for children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | From 09.30 | To 12.00 | Drop in session for children, plus training and support for parents. |
When is the activity or service available
How to access the service/activity
Description of Eligibility or Referral Criteria and Pathways (if applicable)
There are no geographical or borough limits on where our families live. Children do not need a statement or EHC Plan or even a formal diagnosis to access our services and families do not need to be referred by a professional. Anyone who has a child with any additional need from anywhere is welcome.
Does a parent / carer need to stay on premises during activity
Please provide further details
We are a drop in group for families. We have volunteers who will play with children while parents chat and have a cup of coffee, but children remain the responsibility of their parents. Places can be booked in our creche while parents attend information and advice sessions at our centre.
Is there a cost for this service or activity
Inclusion and Accessibility
Taking part if you are a child or young person with additional needs or a disability.
How can a child or young person with SEND take part in this activity
All our activities are designed and delivered for children with additional needs. Their siblings are very welcome to take part too. We do our best to accommodate all disabilities. We are occasionally constrained by limitations such as the acoustics and noise levels in the building we use and the lack of a Changing Places grade toilet. However we have a lift to the first floor and a disabled toilet. We do our best to make sure everyone's needs are met and everyone feels welcome and included.