Family Trip - building family confidence to take their child out

The Pitch

Problem statement

Our children are aged under 5 and have complex special needs. The majority live in urban parts of Reading, in homes without gardens or outdoor areas. Parents of special needs children often really struggle to take their children outside, preferring to keep them inside because it's easier. This denies children opportunities to benefit from being active outside and to learn about the world around them by experiencing it. Keeping their children isolated indoors increased massively during the pandemic and many of our children spent months indoors, some in a single room. This project aims to give parents confidence that they CAN safely take their child outside.

Solution

We want to organise a trip to Beale Park in West Berkshire for 38 children and their parent/carer in July. The funding will cover: Entrance fees Hire of a minibus + driver for families without a car Refreshments @ £5 pp We hope the impacts will be: 38 children and their parent/carer experiencing being outside in the 350 acre estate, including sandpit, paddling pool, picnic areas, numerous play areas, seeing the wide range of plants, trees, birds and animals This will contribute to their physical and emotional wellbeing, and for the children contribute to their understanding of the world around them All the parents will feel more confident about taking their child out in the future

Why are we best placed to deliver?

All the children and families attend our Reading Centre, and we are their lead early years support organisation. We know the children and their needs very well, and have strong bonds with both children and families. Our staff will accompany the children and families; all are highly qualified experienced Early Years Practitioners. Our Family Support Worker, highly experienced in supporting SEND families, will also come. We used to organise 3 trips a year before the pandemic, to build families' confidence to take their child outside. These stopped in March 2020 and haven't restarted because we've been following strict COVID-related guidance. This will be our first family trip.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

72 people

Expected impact

Improved physical and emotional wellbeing in both children and parents/carers Opportunity to learn about the countryside and the world around them Improved confidence in the children about being outside and in a new place Improved confidence in the parents/carers about being able to take their child outside in the future

Track record

95%+ of our children make developmental progress, a level we have consistently achieved over the last 6+ years 100% of families feel more positive and 93% less isolated, thanks to our support 100% of families rate our family support as Excellent Feedback from families: “Before we used to feel anxious and afraid of not knowing how to deal with our daughter’s sensory meltdowns. Since we've been in touch with Dingley’s Promise, we feel we're not alone anymore and that they’re there for us.” “The walk and talk sessions give me the opportunity to open up and talk freely and if I want to get upset and let it all out, they are there to offer any support they can.” "I have found Tanya's help totally invaluable. I don't know what I'd have done without her help and support. Everything she has done for **** and me has helped hugely. Not to mention having someone to reach out to for help and advice." "I can honestly say that Dingley's Promise has been the biggest support for me!"

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