TH OH MEE S M• AT RGA VAEZL I• NF EO OFD O• RP R OT PHE RET Y M• OG D A RED R E NNS
• D HAE AYL T HM &U BME A U T Y
COMMUNICATION
SPECIALIST COLLEGE DONCASTER
Autism Awareness with
Anna Kennedy GIFTS TO LAST A
HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS
LIFETIME WITH MY BABY LOG
NEED A HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL CHECK LIST.... WE HAVE IT!!!
Issue No 1
E D U C A T I O N • S P E C I A L E D U C A T I O N • PA R E N T I N G • H E A L T H • F O O D • T R AV E L
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I ISSUE No. 01
Achieve Contents Wel come. . . A word from your Editor.....
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Hello and welcome to our launch issue of Achieve Magazine! As part of Cross Productions Ltd, Achieve Magazine is an A4 Glossy Education and Specialist Education Magazine targeting Parents, Foster Carers, Schools & SEN Coordinators across the UK. Browse with ease through our different features, recommendations and competitions as well as reading the latest issue online.
04 Fun and Games
We bring you our pick of the best toys and gifts around...
05 Touch on Silver
Competition Fancy winning a beautiful piece of
Need a holiday essential check list? You got it!
19 Octopus Rocks
The lovely people at Octopus Rocks are giving one Achieve reader £75 to spend at their swimwear boutique!
silver jewellery? Enter our competition to do just that!
07 Win Green
04 06 18 Holiday Essentials
Embrace nostalgia with a fun and beautiful Win Green playhouse
08 Pregnancy
Our advice on how to stay as omfortable as possible during pregnancy!
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Education
We explore different learning styles...
24 SEN: Special
Educational Needs
Bringing Baby Home We highlight some of those baby essentials.... Kids love fashion too Read the latest news from Kids Fashion
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We introduce you to a host of vital charities and organisations within the SEN sector including: Doncaster school for the Deaf ***ON THE COVER***, inspirational autistic campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE and the vital research of GcMAF.
Week
This fantastic launch issue has some great features to get us started. We cover the lighter side of parenting with advice on pregnancy, toys and gifts, bringing new baby home and much more besides, as well as the tougher aspects of parenting such as education and Special Educational Needs. Whatever your area of interest, we hope you find its an enjoyable, absorbing read! Keep up to date through our Facebook and Twitter pages or subscribe free of charge to have the latest interactive issue emailed directly to you. Happy reading.... Oh and if you are feeling lucky, don’t forgot to enter our fab competitions! Sally
Postal Address: 8 Narborough WoodPark, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4XT • Name & Registered Office: 8 Narborough Wood Park, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4XT • Company No: 08433121 Photographers: Shoot it Momma - www.doitmomma.co.uk My Cup of Tea Photography - www.mycupofteaphotography.com Published by: Cross Productions Ltd • Printed by: Streamline - www.streamlinepress.co.uk Distribution: Media Matters Direct • Self Select Distribution Managing Director: Jenny Cross - jenny@crossproductions.co.uk Editor: Sally Smith - sally@crossproductions.co.uk Sales Team: Info@achieve-magazine.co.uk - 0116 2717574 Editorial Director: Emily Kirton - editorials@crossproductions.co.uk - 07944116816 Design Director: Dorien Rose - design@crossproductions.co.uk Head of Operations: Leanne Baker - leanne@crossproductions.co.uk
ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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Outside the box gift buying for tots Take it from an office of mummies who know only too well of the troubles of the toy basket and the perils of gift buying for tots! If its anything like ours at home, its usually full of bulky, plastic numbers that pretty much get forgotten about the moment something else comes along! (we have three, yes three, pink pushchairs in our house!) That’s why here at Achieve we are heralding the gift that they will truly love! The gift that uses quality materials, the gift that provides years not hours of fun and the gift that isn’t another huge plastic toy! We love nothing more than the toy that takes us back to our youth (it wasn’t thaaat long ago!) , toys that are made using good old fashioned solid materials that wont break the minute play starts. The ones that appear to be ageless and that spark their imaginative play. Look out for the gorgeous play houses from Win Green if nostalgia suits you, the teddies from The Shetland Bear Company for bears that will never date or look for blankets and quilts that offer practicality and beauty all at once. For the older kiddie, or even the christening baby, Jewellery is a lovely touch. Again, it lasts and doesn’t create the age old, too many toys in the box dilemma. Plus, they can hold great sentimental value, particularly if you have them personalised. Or, to really stand out in the gift buying crowd, go for the quirky gift, perhaps a stuffed moose design is more your thing?!
See, that toy gift buying isn’t so hard when we are around to help, is it? 4
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A gift for life....
Just what do you get as a gift for that new baby that already seems to have it all? They will have an abundance of clothes for the next few years, an array of blooming gorgeous flowers crowding up the newborns home and enough silver picture frames to sink a ship! So, what do you get to show your thrill at the new arrival, or to send your congratulations on christening day, or simply to express your excitement of their imminent arrival at the baby shower? You want something that looks great, is unique and offers a lasting quality that the little one will love and cherish for years to come, right? Well, The Shetland Teddy Bear Company says all this best, and more. With a range of unique, traditionally jointed, heirloom teddy bears, made from 100% pure Shetland Wool in a wide variety of characters and colours, you will be sure to discover the perfect gift, whatever the occasion.
The perfectly cute teddy bears boast of some very high quality materials and are currently in the process of gaining Organic status, which will happily make them the first organic bears of their kind! The wool that creates them is grown, spun, woven and knitted in the remote islands of Shetland, helping to sustain and preserve a way of life lived by the crofters and crafters for generations. Each lovely bear comes complete with a unique numbered certificate and is signed by the artist who created it. To add to their unique personalities the boys arrive with a hand knitted chunky scarf and the girls with a lace scarf or shawl, essential for UK residency! Visit www.shetlandfudge.co.uk to purchase the perfect gift from this stunning range of collectables that are sure to be heirlooms for generations to come. Achieve Readers can claim 10% off by entering the discount code Jeemsie291 at the checkout!
Capture those tiny hands and feet in silver, whilst they are young - a lifelong memento. Individual handmade charms in precious silver creating a lasting impression of the shining light in your life. F o r o rde r s o v e r £ 7 5 pl e a s e q u ote A C HI EV E2013 t o re ce i v e a 10% di s c o u n t
Cuddly, Cosy, Cashmere…
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If you’re looking for something especially cosy this year, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a little treat for yourself, we would like to recommend Studio Roam. Their designer blankets and throws will have you jumping for joy! Studio Roam design unique cashmere blankets and throws that have the most delicate touch and drape. They take great pride in their sourcing, using only the finest Scottish cashmere and knitting each piece to order in their studio. The beauty of Scottish cashmere is its soft touch and incredible resilience, meaning your blanket can be cuddled under for a lifetime.
Win Win Win.... Fancy winning a stunning piece of jewellery from Touch on Silver? Well, you can with Achieve magazine! To win a large pendant in a petal shape depicting your child’s hand and foot print, or prints from different children simply visit www. touchonsilver.co.uk to find the answer to the following question ; Complete the sentence which can be found on the jewellery boutiques home page: Playing, laughing, learning, singing......?
In Galashiels, a place that has a long and distinguished textile and knitwear heritage, the Studio Roam team meet, work and share their knitting knowledge at their studio and micro factory. It is here that the most luxurious knitted products are dreamed of, crafted and created with only the finest natural and sustainable materials with the most luxurious quality of cashmere . With a simple vision to create warm, soulful products that express their collective imagination, Studio Roam design all of their products themselves, treating them as an individual with strong identity and character, and produce them to order in their studio. Before they lovingly despatch the order, they take time and care to ensure every item receives the necessary attention to create a product that is second-to-none in every way. The spirit and passion at Studio Roam is evident in their blankets, throws, scarves and other products. In the year to come they will be releasing a new collection of cardigans and dressing gowns, but they have already established a gorgeous selection of exquisite personalised baby blankets along with their other products.
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To find out more visit www.studioroam.co.uk
Send your name, answer and contact details to competitions@ crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of Friday 19th July 2013. Measuring approximately 28mm x 22mm attached by a jump ring to a sterling silver 16” toggle box filed chain, the pendant you could win retails at £140.00! ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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Rooti dolls are bundles of fun that allow boys and girls explore the world while playing in the comfort of their bedrooms. Each doll has a unique personality, speaks a combination of four foreign languages and translate to English (yes they are multilingual), and loves to play. The extensive success of Rooti Dolls in teaching children to s peak foreign languages within short periods has elicited features from reputable media organizations such the BBC, CNN, Vogue UK, Daily Mail, Canal9, La Sexta, and the guardian.
www.rootidolls.com Call: 0208 369 5730, or email chris@rootidolls.com
R ufus R a b b i t
G o rg e o u s • Or g a n i c • B a by Gi fts
LucyMoose is small company in Scotland that creates “stuffyourdoodles”...these are 3D characters and installations created from drawings, illustrations, company logos, photographs or whatever people send us. We are sent original images, and with a little moose magic we turn them into stuffed creations. They range from 50cm to metres high, from costumes, oversized dolls and gigantic animals to characters sent overseas in shoeboxes. We have been lucky enough to receive a lot of press over the years and win a couple of online awards and we create doodles for private individuals, corporate companies, TV, theatre and film.
www.stuf fyourdoodles.com 6
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www.rufusrabbit.co.uk
This delightful range of 100% cotton, embroidered and appliquéd playhouses offer what so many of us want for our children, yet struggle to find...a sense of adventure to their playtimes. You know, that sense of adventure that seems to be from a wonderful bygone era when children played like children with dens and make believe. A Win Green Playhouse provides the perfect scene for this precious play, giving children the opportunity to create magical worlds for themselves and friends. The beautiful collection of playhouses, wigwams and accessories such as floor cushions, bean bags and even bunting, are all lovingly crafted by a team of highly skilled rural Indian workers, with whom Win Green have enjoyed a great partnership with over the last 11 years and counting. Each playhouse requires up to 15 hours sewing time and uses traditional skills and very high quality materials, every one a testament to the heart and soul that goes into a Win Green piece.
Bring adventure back to playtime.... As an office full of yummy (on a good day!) mummies, we know only too well the predicament of finding the perfect toy for our little ones. So, when seeking out a toy that they will truly love that’s all at once durable, nice to look at and beautifully made, as well as providing hours of top notch adventure and fun, the predicament can seem slightly overwhelming to say the least. However, without wanting to sound too smug, we reckon we have found the perfect solution to all your toy buying woes...for good, in the shape of a Win Green Original Playhouse.
Choose from a varied range of children’s favourites. Perhaps your girl simply adores princesses, or even pirates (no stereotypes here!) and for the boys there is plenty to spark their imagination with a garage, a barn and even a fire station, or perhaps a wigwam is more their style? There is something for every taste, what’s more they look stylish in and around the home too, no more plastic to add to the plastic toy collection! Ideal as a gift from the parents, where others can chip in with accessories, or as the perfect scene setter for a children’s party, these high quality, high adventure inducing playhouses offer the wow factor that so many modern toys seem to be lacking...brilliant! So, to inject fun into your child’s playtime for years to come, why not visit www.wingreen.co.uk T: +44 (0)20 8295 5413 E: cs@wingreen.co.uk
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Achieve’s
Pregnancy Picks... So, you have got the happy news...you are expecting. What next? Excuse us for sounding like every other expectant mum, health visitor, midwife or anyone that’s ever been a mum that you will hear from over the next 9 months – because we are going to offer you some more advice! Not preachy advice of course, we like to think our advice is a little different, just a few random tips we have picked up along the way for the handy little inventions, to help you have an enjoyable pregnancy. Comfort Saviours Sleeping can become a slightly uncomfortable affair, and whilst normal cushions are great, the pregnancy moon shaped ones offer support for your neck, arm, bump, ankles and everything else! Clearly, they were originally designed by a mum who wrestled with normal pillows and covers for her pregnancy. Support tights are another saviour not only do they do what you want tights to do, but the ones at pebble.co.uk also boast of ‘graduated compression to promote better blood flow, to prevent and relieve swelling from water retention and to re-energise tired, heavy feet and legs.’ Marvellous!
Maternity Clothes Well this is an obvious one, but as your baby expands, so will your waist band, and those favourite skinny jeans are unlikely to be as flattering, let alone as comfortable, any-more. Luckily there are some great independent boutiques offering stylish, comfortable maternity wear that doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of style while you gain a baby! Seek it out, don’t settle for the joggers and big t-shirts.
Tips like these will keep coming from us mummies at Achieve... take a look at some of our picks in this issue!
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Never give up… never give in…and never take ‘NO’ for an answer! This is the philosophy of Barbara Fowler of MyBabylog...
Barbara is a 63 year old, (but young at heart), Bournemouth Grandmother – who believes that 2013 is going to be her year. She is the Founder of the innovative award nominated MyBabylog Memory Chests. Having raised a family, Barbara now feels that she is free to pursue her own dreams, which were put on hold many years ago. Now that all her family boxes have been ticked, Barbara decided it would be a great time to bring her own box forward. Her idea to create Memory Chest boxes for families wanting to preserve and cherish the precious memories of their babies, resulted in the stunning MyBabylog. MyBabylog memory boxes are the perfect place to store all your baby keepsakes safely. Made from a strong, durable material designed to protect your special items for the future, with delicate hinges and a clasp, these beautiful boxes ensure that all your treasures are kept inside securely. They make a lovely gift for new parents, and are the ideal baby shower gift for every mum-to-be. MyBabylog was first designed at Barbara’s kitchen table! Subsequently, a lot of thought, time and effort went into its development. Available in blue, pink and neutral, the MyBabylog is a beautiful keepsake, allowing you to store your baby’s precious ‘firsts’ all in one place. Each Box includes two storage areas suitable for larger and smaller items, three little storage pots for keeping baby’s first curl, baby’s first tooth andf hospital wrist or ankle band. Plus, a family tree for you to complete and a touching, sweet poem for new baby. Barbara is most excited about her latest innovation from the MyBabylog stable. She is very proud to reveal it here, for the very first time in Achieve saying that, “It is a beautiful, unique baby heartbeat recorder so that no new mother misses the first precious heartbeat of her baby and stores it for a lifetime of happy memories in the MyBabylog memory box. Barbara was recently featured in March 2013 edition of the Mumpreneur Magazine- a magazine for business mothers and high achievers. She has also been nominated for the Venus Business Women’s Awards for 2013. She was also previously featured on the well known TV programme ‘High Street Dreams’ with Jo Malone. An upcoming event ‘Little Pickles’ on the 12th of May 2013 in Littledown, Bournemouth will have MyBabylog as one of the participants. Barbara Fowler of MyBabylog – there’s no holding her back...and she firmly believes that in time MyBabylog will be the #1 Baby shower gift in the UK.... and do you know what?... Achieve thinks it will be too!
You can check out www.mybabylog.co.uk and order from here. You can also find MyBabylog on: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MyBabyLogUK Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyBabylogUK Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mybabylog YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyBabyLog
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What to REALLY expect when you are expecting... If you are expecting you are probably very aware of all the advice you are receiving from the world and his wife. Not only is everyone freely divulging the inner most secrets of their pregnancy and labour (eek!) but you are likely to be finding yourself actively seeking it out. If you are anything like me, then you will have had that pregnancy test in one hand along with a stack of baby magazines in the other, quicker than you can say ‘I’m pregnant!’ However, I personally am not sure whether it helped. With this in mind I have complied a few bits of advice that I wish I had gotten at the start of my pregnancy jour ney...
Don’t believe everything you read or see.... Of course, we are all unique, that means that even if a million expectant mums have had certain symptom, it doesn’t mean you will too. Plus, just because all of the celebrities who are at the same stage of pregnancy seem to be in the glow phase permanently, don’t believe they are like that 24/7 (they have teams of makeup artists and stylists to help them get that elusive ‘glow!’)
The roller-coaster... There are loads of perks to those pregnancy hormones, extra thick flowing hair being one of them, however there are likely to be days when the word exhausted doesn’t even cover it, and days when you will likely just NEED to cry for no reason. There will be sections of your pregnancy that you might not love, you might not love any of it or, you might love it all! Either way try and enjoy the ride, and after all, its nine months, not forever!
The sleep deprivation begins... ...even before baby is born! Getting comfy, or even resting your mind can be rather a challenge, and then when you do drift off those leg cramps strike at any moment! So, those lay-ins and early nights whilst on your maternity leave might not happen! Try some gentle yoga or swimming to get sleep going naturally. I know, this is showing signs of turning into an advice piece like all the rest, but, the message from me is a simple one, don’t worry too much. You will worry more in the nine months than ever before, so try not to sweat about the little things!
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Awarded Best Product 2012 by the Prince’s initiative PRIME and Sage Accounts Don’t delay, get yours now! 01684 575156
www.rotaire.com
‘Beautiful Range of Graduated Compression Maternity Support Tights & Underwear Specifically designed to enhance the wellbeing of the modern expectant Mum Effectively aids blood flow to energise legs, & give relief to varicose veins/ vulva, ankle swelling & tired, heavy feeling legs. Also helps prevent DVT.
Tennis star Annabel Croft and TV presenter Carol Smillie have been friends for many years, with children of similar ages. A chance conversation about periods led to an in depth discussion about the kind of period problems regularly faced as women and mothers of 4 teenage daughters.
Elegant designs with unique features, such as over/under belly waistbands, massaging soles, anti-cellulite functions, footless designs, opaque/sheer fabrics, & in a variety of skin tones and colours. All our support hosiery is made with medically recognised compression levels (mmHg), so you know you will receive the proper therapeutic benefits for your legs and health. Not into Tights? Then check out our full online catalogue for snazzy support socks and sexy support hold ups at www.pebbleuk.com or call Tel: 01353 624624
Having left home at 15yrs old to pursue a life on the international tennis circuit, Annabel’s mother gave her a pair of protective pants to avoid any accidents while sleeping, during ‘that time of the month’, a godsend in those early years!
Get 10% Off Your First Order Today, Just Quote ‘SupportLegs10’
So why, they wondered, has there never been a modern equivalent on the market since? Several months of research followed including questioning 100 teenage girls across 3 schools, and the results were startling. 34% of them had period leaks regularly, but an astonishing 91% were so afraid of it happening, they actively avoid sleepovers or light clothing and even sports during that time. The idea that a soft, lightweight, breathable and 100% waterproof fabric could save any embarrassment was a revelation! But that wasn’t all, women came forward looking for protection during sport, for light stress incontinence (that 3rd sneeze is always a scary moment!) and even post maternity. The issues were slightly different, but the solution was exactly the same. Having launched in October 2012, they have now been featured in You magazine, Glamour, Hello and Mumsnet, as the company goes from strength to strength. www.diarydoll.com
Pure Lakes for babies, children and very sensitive skin. There are no nasties in our products and our baby range is unfragranced or has a tiny splash of calming Lavender and Chamomile essential oils especially for the little people in your life. Mums need pampering too. Our gentle toiletries packed with natural goodness and fragranced with pure Rose and Geranium or Lavender and Chamomile essential oils provide a nourishing treat! Pure Lakes products are hand made in our Cumbrian workshop using the finest natural ingredients.
Type ‘ACHIEVE10’ in the discount code box to get 10% discount on your first order. www.purelakes.co.uk Contact info@purelakes.co.uk 015398 22999 ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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Br i ng in g ba by h o m e... When it comes to bringing baby home, any new parent will tell of the delight and panic that they feel. ‘Are we ready? Do we have everything we need? Whilst there isn’t a handbook that comes with your baby, there is a wealth of information out there for essential do’s and don’ts. We discovered this ideal check list at www.nhs.co.uk, it covers the basic bits, but of course there will be a whole host of other bits and pieces you will want for your bundle of joy, and over the next few pages we bring your some of our newborn baby picks.
Cot safety
Your baby will spend many hours in a cot, so make sure it is safe. If you’re buying a new cot, look for the British Standard mark BS 1753.
Also: •The mattress must fit snugly, with no space for the baby’s head to get stuck. •The bars must be smooth, securely fixed, and the distance between each bar should be not less than 25mm (1 inch) and not more than 60mm (2.5 inches), so that your baby’s head can’t get trapped. •The cot should be sturdy. •The moving parts should work smoothly and not allow fingers or clothing to get trapped. •Cot bumpers are not recommended because babies can overheat or get tangled in the fastenings. •Never leave anything with ties, such as bibs or clothes, in the cot •six stretch suits (all-in-ones) for both day and night, or four stretch suits because they might get caught around your baby’s neck. and two nightdresses (nighties) for the night – use socks or bootees with •The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a cot in the same room as you for the first six months. the nightie if it’s cold
Baby clothes
•two cardigans, wool or cotton rather than nylon, and light rather than heavy – several light layers of clothing are best for keeping your baby warm •four vests •a shawl or blanket to wrap your baby in •a wool or cotton hat, mittens, and socks or bootees for going out if the weather is cold •a sun hat for going out if it’s hot or the sun is bright
For more information on safe sleeping, see getting your baby to sleep. You can also visit the website of the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Death), which has lots of information on safe sleeping and answers some common questions. All this info and more can be found at www.nhs.co.uk
Washing your baby’s clothes
If you use a washing machine, don’t use washing powders with enzymes (bio powders) or fabric conditioner, as they may irritate your baby’s skin. Always rinse clothes thoroughly. +Bedding For the first few months, you’ll need a crib, a carry cot or a Moses basket (a light, portable bassinet). Your baby needs to sleep somewhere that’s safe, warm and not too far from you. If you are borrowing a crib or a cot, or using one that has been used by another of your children, you should ideally buy a new mattress. If you can’t do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it is firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, and waterproof. You will need: •a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving spaces round the edges, so that your baby cannot trap their head and suffocate •sheets to cover the mattress – you need at least four because they need to be changed often (fitted sheets make life easier but they are quite expensive, so you could use pieces of old sheet) •light blankets for warmth
Pillows and duvets
Don’t use pillows and duvets – they are not safe for babies who are less than a year old due to the risk of suffocation. Duvets can also make the baby too hot. Quilted sleeping bags and baby nests are not suitable for your baby to sleep in when you’re not there because of the danger of suffocation. 12
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Tozie Slippers have been designed to stay on and are suitable for babies and toddlers up to four years. The fleece fabric stretches gently to allow tiny toes to spread and the back can be turned down to allow the foot to slide in easily. Pop-on Blankets have sleeves which gives babies and toddlers freedom to stretch their arms and play with their toys whilst sitting in buggies and car seats. Looped ribbons around the front pocket give visual stimulation and play and the footpocket keeps toes warm and cosy. Can be popped on and off easily depending on our changeable weather!
www.coziewarmers.co.uk
The company
ot
01202 759401
1 cot – 3 combinations
From newborns to 6 years old
Great Space Saver
www.thebunkcot.com
If you are planning days out, holidays or general travelling with your little ones this year, then take a look at.... www.fiesta-tots.co.uk Fiesta Tots is an on-line retailer of baby and young children’s travel- related products.
Enter NCT15 at checkout to get 10% off your next order ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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Aileen’s Story....
Must have baby product....Tortle UK Here at Achieve we like to ensure we keep on top of all the latest gadets and gizmos that help you, the parent, make your life that little bit easier. Whether that’s with toys and books or ,advice on the latest health care products that will keep you and your brood in a healthy lifestyle. So, when we came across Tortle UK we knew we had discovered a life-changing product that we had to tell you about. Plagiocephaly is a very common condition in young babies, with over half said to experience it in some form. More commonly referred to as ‘Flat Head Syndrome’, many parents notice the flat at the back shape that it creates first, then voice their concerns to medical professionals only to be told that ‘they will grow out of it’. In some cases, this is true, however in more severe cases, Plagiocephaly can cause a variety of long term issues as well as cosmetic problems if left untreated. But why and who is particularly prone to it, you might be wondering? Well, all babies are at risk, but its more common in multiple or premature births and babies that spend a great deal of time on their backs. There is, thankfully, a preventable cure for Plagiocephaly, which is relatively unheard of here in the UK, perhaps as a result of a lack of research into the condition, invented by American Dr Jane. With both a helmet for treating the condition and a soft beanie for its prevention, combined with simple exercises to do with your baby, Tortle offers a perfect, affordable solution where there is no other! Tummy time is a very easy yet affective way of helping to prevent the condition, and this, combined with the Tortle Beanie offers the ultimate way to prevent Plagiocephaly in your baby. Available in an attractive range of designs and colours it makes for the perfect baby shower gift. 14
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Aileen is a 33 year old mother to two boys and the owner of Tortle UK, the UK’s only supplier of Dr Jane’s beanies. When her first son was born in 2010 she had never heard of Plagiocephaly. “I noticed a flat spot immediately after his birth but was told by midwife’s & Health Visitors that it was normal, due to his birth (which was straight forward with no complications) and it would correct itself. Over the next few weeks, his head shape worsened and I continued to ask for help. GP’s and specialists constantly told me “his hair would cover it”, “it should correct itself” and perhaps the most hurtful comment “stop focusing on his bad points and look for the good!” Still being concerned and not happy with what I’d been told, I turned to the internet and this is where I first heard the term Plagiocepahly. I decided to visit a specialist clinic for an initial assessment and the results confirmed by fears - we were in the severe category. We decided to go ahead with a helmet. Through my continued research I discovered Dr. Jane (inventor of the Tortle) whilst pregnant with my second son... he was born in November 2012 and I now actively practice repositioning, tummy time and Tortle time to prevent Plagiocephaly occurring again. I am happy to say my newest addition still has a perfectly round head! My mission is simple, to build awareness about plagiocephaly and it’s prevention.” To purchase from the range and to find out more visit tortleuk.wix.com/tortleuk and to view the support group set up by Aileen visit www.facebook.com/ FlatHeadSyndrome
Kids love fashion too! CATWALK CUTIES:There were almost as many tots in the audience as there were on the catwalk for the first ever Global Kids’ Fashion Week (GKFW) in London on Tuesday 20th March. Launched by AlexandAlexa.com, the online kidswear retailer, the invitation-only event saw Camilla Rutherford, Jemma Kidd, Jodie Kidd, Portia Freeman and their progeny on the front row at the first of two shows in the two-day event. The key children’s wear trends for fall/winter 2013’s were showcased via creations from over 30 established and emerging designers, including Kenzo, Roberto Cavalli, Oscar de La Renta, Billie Bush, Mini A Ture and Issosy, on diminutive models that walked skipped, danced and cartwheeled down the runway at Freemason’s Hall. No fashion week is complete without the obligatory after party so, for GKFW, the Lodge room was transformed into a children’s playland with a giant bubble machine, a manicure bar for little fingers from LittleBU, a photo booth and a popcorn vendor. It seems that fashion shows aren’t just for the ready-to-wear crowd anymore. “I don’t think [kidswear] is recognized enough, especially with the lesser known and emerging designers,” said model Freeman. “Since having my son, I’ve entered the word of children’s fashion and I love it!” While Tuesday’s media and VIP event showcased coming trends for next season, Wednesday’s consumer show will highlight current spring/summer 2013 trends from brands including Rachel Riley, Munster Kids, Finger in the Nose, Billieblush and Mishka Aoki to ticket-buying members of the public, with the proceeds thereof going to the charity Kids Company.
fashion
With Romeo Beckham appearing in the current Burberry campaign, blogs dedicated to Suri Cruise’s style, designers angling to dress Harper Beckham and fashion watchers eyeing-up Blue Ivy Carter’s wardrobe, it was only a matter of time before a fashion week was dedicated to kidswear. That time is now.
“The time felt right to launch GKFW this year, to showcase children’s fashion in its own right and celebrate this thriving industry,” AlexandAlexa.com founder Alex Theophanous told WWD. “Since AlexandAlexa.com was founded five years ago, we’ve watched the children’s fashion industry grow and evolve in to a stand-alone category with its own trends and creative milestones. “Each year another mainline designer branches out into kidswear — from Chloe’s ‘mini me’ girls collection launched in 2007, which is the current favourite of Harper Beckham, to Stella McCartney for Kids in 2010, which is one of AlexandAlexa.com’s best sellers. Alongside these global and established brands, we’ve seen emerging and independent children’s designers make their mark in the industry and gain a cult following — parents love discovering fresh new brands and we find they spend as much time hunting online for those unique kids’ outfits as they do for their own wardrobes.” The two-day event is being funded by AlexandAxela.com, with production and styling costs for the shows being partially covered by the brands participating. “We have created a stand-alone brand [GKFW], which we aim to roll-out annually, or even seasonally, following our feedback and experiences with the debut event,” said Theophanous. Story Source: WWD www.globalkidsfashionweek.com
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www.mothercare.com
Here comes the sun! Colour block beach robes for boys and girls, in 100% cotton towelling and lovingly made in the UK. Visit us now at – www.giggle-giggle.co.uk or call 01761 418194 for more info
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Vintage and vintage inspired gifts, interiors & homewares for children w: www.cherishandcherubs.co.uk e: info@cherishandcherubs.co.uk t: 07847-162534
When you buy Bhingles you're doing as much for your conscience as you are for street cred. Sure its soft, comfortable hard wearing and looks pretty damn fine, but better still Bhingles is made from sustainable cotton, using water and plant based screen printing inks and under ethical conditions. Make you and your little one feel warm inside? Thought so.
30% off and free p&p ENTER ‘GP’ into the promo code area when you pay.
Monkey + bob is a vibrant British brand that creates Clothes full of Character for Tots & Toddlers full of Fun! The irresistible bold simplicity of the designs, along with the secret Monkey + bob pocket on each garment, make this a brand that both children and parents love. The easy wear/easy care clothing is all made with 100% organic cotton which is beautifully soft against the delicate young skin of little ones, as well as being kinder to the environment. And it washes really well too. The Monkey + bob collection for the Under 6’s is designed for serious play, always keeping in mind our motto Comfortable, Practical & Adorable x
Gorgeous soft cotton children’s t-shirts designed with love in the UK Pixie and Punk clothes and associated children’s books and jigsaws have been created by Tagore Ramoutar, a resident of Twickenham, SW London. The clothes are inspired by Tagore’s travels and gifts he has bought for his children. Each t-shirt is a gift in itself and comes in a lovely cotton bag. The t-shirts are available with matching story books and jigsaws featuring the same characters.
www.pixieandpunk.com tagore@longshotventures.com
www.monkeyandbob.co.uk tel: 01494 758588 • email: info@monkeyandbob.co.uk
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Holidays with t h e k i d s o n b o a r d. . . If you are anything like me, the prospect of packing for yourself, the kids (and probably the hubby too!) can take the sunny glow of planning your trip away from home slightly...so here’s a checklist of those essentials that I use to set you off on the right road to family packing success! By the sea holiday …. The Absolute Must Haves • Tickets/reservation letters • Car hire letters/info • Driving licence • Car insurance cards/info • Health insurance documents • Maps/itinerary • Money/credit cards • Phone (and charger) If you are going abroad... • Passports • Foreign currency • European Health Insurance Card (if applicable) Medical & Bathroom • Small first-aid kit (thermometer, antiseptic cream/wipes, tweezers, plasters) • Paracetamol-suspension sachets • Rehydration sachets • Regular medication (eg inhalers) • Sun cream/aftersun • Sunglasses for you and your children • Insect repellant/bite cream • Toothbrushes and toothpastes • Flannels • Contact lens paraphernalia Beach Must Haves • UV suits/wetsuits/swimming costumes from Octopus Rocks • Sunhats and Swim Fin! • UV tent/sunshade • Towels • Goggles • Talc (for getting sand off small bodies) • Lightweight anoraks, if sun not guaranteed The ‘no tears extras’ • Favourite cuddle toys • Reading/bedtime books • Activity books/scrapbooks
Of course, there will be plenty more besides my list that you need for your family, but remember, in most destinations you will be heading, its likely there will be shops!
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Strap on a fin and learn to swim! Learning to swim... it’s a huge part of every infants’ right of passage, not to mention an essential safety measure. After school clubs, holidays and even that treat on a Saturday morning when its pouring with rain outside, the fun to be had in water is on a whole other level for the tots! Its also a proud moment for us parents when they take their first dip and attempt their first doggy paddle. Yet, how do you bridge that all important gap of armbands and panicked parents to getting your little ones free swimming, independently, for themselves? Well... with the SwimFin that’s how! Not only does it look cool (what tot doesn’t want to emulate a shark in water?!), but it also provides safety for them (peace of mind for you) and allows them to be the independent water child they crave to be. Designed by a highly qualified UK swimming coach, with over 30 yrs experience, it’s a vertical aid and suitable for children from 2 yrs+ of all abilities. For use on all four strokes the SwimFin is the answer to all your swim float/band deflating nightmares! Making swimming fun for all rather than a chore, the SwimFin has been proven to reduce the learning process by up to a third less time! Plus, you can spot your water baby anywhere in that busy pool or beach... lets just hope the lifeguards don’t blow the shark whistle!
www.swimfin.co.uk
WIN WIN WIN Octopus Rock is home to a fantastic range of stunning designer beachwear for boys and girls up to the age of 12. The online boutique features pieces from designers such as Vilebrequin, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, LoveBrand & co, Kate Mack, Sunuva and ilovegorgeous, to name a few! The Achieve mummies love their stand out styles, and we know your tots will love them too! Octopus Rock are giving one lucky Achieve reader the chance to win £75 worth of gift vouchers to spend at their exclusive beachwear boutique! Simply visit www.octopusrock. com to find the answer to the following question; Name a designer stocked at Octopus Rock that is not listed above. Send your name, answer and contact details to competitions@ crossproductions.co.uk before the closing date of 28th June 2013 with the subject ‘Octopus’ for your chance to win!
Car Seat - Safety First Transporting you and your family from A to B in your car isn’t as easy as taking a seat and strapping it in (anyone who has done it, will know of the confusion that occurs from simply trying to even get the car seat out of the box). Here are some guidelines from the NHS for Car seat safety.... If you’ve got a car, you must have a car seat, also called a safety restraint. Your baby must always go in their seat, including when you bring them home from the hospital. It’s illegal and very dangerous to carry your baby in your arms in a vehicle. The best way for your baby to travel is in a rear-facing infant car seat either on the front or back seat. This is held in place by the adult safety belt. The following advice should ensure your baby’s car seat is as safe as possible: • • •
Make sure the car seat is fitted correctly. Do not place a rear-facing infant care seat in the front passenger seat if your car is fitted with an air bag. Do not buy a second-hand car seat as it may have been damaged in an accident.
Belt Up Kidz is a Retrofit buckle that helps prevent young children from removing their arms from the shoulder straps of their Car seats, Highchairs, Buggies & Trikes. The buckle is adjustable to allow child growth across the chest area; the clips can also be adjusted further up the straps as the child gets taller. Belt Up Kidz comes with a choice of two covers, either a pink princess or blue dinosaur cover.
So no more little arms escaping and less distraction! The cost is only £10.99 including free P & P (UK) and is available from
www. b e lt u p k id z .co m
Look for the United Nations ECE Regulation number R44.03, or a later version of this standard, when you buy a car seat. This is the standard for new seats. However, if you have car seats that conform to a British Standard or an earlier version of R44, you can continue to use them. To find out more visit www.nhs.co.uk ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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The Ladybird Day Nursery My Car Step is an innovative product that enables young children to climb into their car seat unaided, preventing back strain and twisting for you, and banged heads for them. kids love My Car Step because it makes them feel grownup, and can help make setting off in the car smoother, quicker, and more fun. The universal design simply slides underneath the children’s car seat and can go in the front or back of any car. For use with group 1 car seats, that are anchored into the car by the seatbelt or isofix. It’s super simple to use, without any fuss or fitting and won’t damage your upholstery. It’s light weight but strong, compact and easy to carry. My Car Step has been safety tested.
Offering flexible hours to our parents, to fit in around their busy lifestyles and also offering care for school holidays and teacher training days. The nursery is registered to provide full day care for 29 children from 0-8 years of age. Our premises provides a number of carefully planned and structured areas and rooms for the children. The nursery also benefits from CCTV for added piece of mind for our parents. Open from 7.00am until 6.30pm Monday to Friday All year round, except for bank holidays. 110 Edgebaston Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B12 9QA
Take the drama (and back ache) out of car journeys, by letting your toddler climb in by themselves.
For more information contact: Sally@mycarstep.com or visit www.mycarstep.com
Kids love My Car Seat... My Car Step is an innovative product that enables young children to climb into their car seat unaided, preventing back strain and twisting for you, and banged heads for them. Kids love My Car Step because it makes them feel grown-up, and can help make setting off in the car smoother, quicker, and more fun. The universal design simply slides underneath the children’s car seat and can go in the front or back of any car. For use with group 1 car seats, that are anchored into the car by the seatbelt or isofix. It’s super simple to use, without any fuss or fitting and won’t damage your upholstery. It’s light weight but strong, compact and easy to carry. My Car Step has been safety tested. Take the drama (and back ache) out of car journeys, by letting your toddler climb in by themselves. For more information contact: Sally@mycarstep.com or visit www.mycarstep.com
Win W in W in. . . .. For your chance to win a My Car Step, simply tell us in one sentence why the My Car Step is what you need in your life! Simply send your sentence to competitions@crossproductions.co.uk by the closing date of Aug 18th 2013. 20
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0121 440 5706 i n f o @ t h e l a d y b i r d n u r s e r y. c o . u k
w w w.t h e l a b y b i r d n u r s e r y. c o . u k
Sing their name..... When it comes to discovering personalised gifts for kids, it doesn’t get much more personal than the CD’s, DVD’s alarm clocks and singing teddy bears at Sing Your Name Worldwide. The Sing Your Name products at Sing Your Name Worldwide offer a unique opportunity for a child (or adult!) to have their name sang back to them at various points during each song and story in an audio format! Imagine the delight on their faces as they recognise their name in a song that they love on their new favourite CD, or the thrill as they bring to life the characters in their own interactive DVD. Waking up with a Sing your Name Alarm clock adds the element of fun to a typically difficult part of everyday routine, what’s more the products help spark your child’s imagination, builds their confidence and boost their selfesteem. They are also educational too, with lessons in ABC’s, 123’s and even languages! They make wonderful, memorable, meaningful toys that your kids will love for years to come! To purchase from this brilliant range of personalised products, visit www.singyournameworldwide.co.uk Think that you could be a great distributor for the Sing Your Name Wordlwide products? Are you based in the Leicestershire area and would like to find a way of earning around hours which suit you and your lifestyle? If you are, Sing Your NameWorldwide would love to hear from you. Get in touch with the team at this number: 0775 8160707
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Bábógbaby...... language made fun! Infants love to learn, they easily soak in knowledge from all round them all day every day, without the headache and confusion that we seem to grow into when it comes to learning the older we get. Bringing up tots in a bilingual environment gives them the tools for language that they will draw from throughout their lives, giving them the confidence to learn new things and to continue with this positive, enriching learning pattern.
The Bábógbaby gives your child this wonderful opportunity. The brain child of Adrian Devane, Bábógbaby comes in four different languages, English, Welsh, Irish and Scots Gaelic and features interactive buttons on his ears, paws and feet which teach your little one colours, shapes and numbers, teaching them the basics in no time. Achieve magazine loves the Bábógbaby, its fun to use, has the accessibility factor with the voice of a child and adds that much needed educational element to playtime that often seems overwhelmed by big plastic toys! To find out more and to purchase your very affordable Bábógbaby, simply visit www.babogbaby.co.uk
Happy, Calm Kids = Happy, Calm Grown Ups! Do you as a parent often feel that the toys, TV and films that our little ones are offered up on a plate are all too commonly filled with themes, lessons and stereotypes that simply don’t reflect the values and ethos that you would like them to have? Too many princesses with flowing hair being rescued by princes? Too many villain men seeking out riches to make their happiness complete? Or, perhaps you are all too aware of the typically British notion of the stiff upper lip that might not necessarily encourage our young minds to express their emotions, good or bad? Well, one dynamic, creative sister with duo felt enough was enough and set about creating a range of forward thinking, fun, feel good and heartfelt books, games,CD’s and posters with a group of characters that provide children with the tools to express themselves, utilise their incredible imaginations and, above all, feel good about themselves. Whether playing in a group, one-on one with a parent or simply learning alone, the Feel Good Friends range provides fun tools to help children express themselves , all helping the children to learn and grow through an understanding of ways to express themselves, feel secure and confident. To find out more and to purchase from the range visit
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S.E.N: the very initials can mean an array of different things to a huge spectrum of people. In a nutshell, according to the information from our government, the term Special Educational Needs is specified where; ‘Children have needs or disabilities that affect their ability to learn. For example: •behavioural/social (eg difficulty making friends) •reading and writing (eg dyslexia) •understanding things •concentrating (eg Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) •physical needs or impairments ‘ Of course, the field is much bigger than this, with a huge variety of exceptions and changes to these statements and over the next few pages we take a look at just a handful of areas to the SEN spectrum. You will find all the latest from Anna Kennedy and her important work for autism, information on an exciting festival called Disability Rocks as well as scientific research from GcMAF and news from the Doncaster School for the Deaf and much, much more.....
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The Autism Show
goes national Following two successful years in London – with over 3,500 parents, carers, professionals and individuals on the spectrum visiting the event each year – the Autism Show in association with the NAS has also launched in Manchester for 2013. The Autism Show Manchester will take place two weeks after its sister event in London on 28 and 29 June 2013 in EventCity, Manchester. The EventCity venue was chosen for its ease of access and flexibility of space for those visitors on the autism spectrum. It also has copious amounts of free parking space immediately outside the venue and a very prominent location opposite the Trafford Centre. “We know that there is a large community who live and work with autism in and around the North of England who would like to access all that the event offers, but are currently unable to find the time and/or money to travel down to London”, explains organiser Geoff Soppet. “Due to the strength of demand, we have decided to bring the event closer to many more doorsteps”. Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism at the NAS, adds that “The Autism Show is a fabulous opportunity for people on the spectrum, families and professionals to get together to share knowledge and experience, and to keep up to date with developments. I’m therefore delighted that this year, as well as its usual London venue, the Autism Show is going to Manchester, giving even more people the opportunity to attend”. The new Manchester event will mirror the quality content and production values of the original London event. It will involve the usual mix of leading professional and high profile speakers, hundreds of specialist products and services, free one-to-one specialist advice clinics, practical workshops, interactive sensory features, inspiring performances in Autism’s Got Talent and insightful talks from individuals on the spectrum. The Autism Show has an all new talks programme this year and is working closely with the National Autistic Society to deliver more practical and education based sessions than ever before. Headline speakers confirmed so far in The Autism Matters Theatre in partnership with Reseach Autism include Janis Sharp, mother of Gary McKinnon, Carrie and David Grant, TV presenters and parents of two children with autism, and autism campaigner Baroness Browning. New areas have been added such as the Sensory Integration feature by Rompa which allows visitors to try out equipment and gain a better understanding of SI therapy. At the same time The Autism Show will retain the popular 1-2-1 Advice Clinics, Autism’s Got Talent performances, The Sensory Room and Quiet Room and the interactive BIC Art Zone. For the most up-to-date information and to book advance tickets, saving 25% off the door price, visit: www.autismshow.co.uk
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News from the
NSPCC... From 1st April 2011 – 31st March 2012 there were 5,676 counselling sessions with 11 and unders whose main concern was Bullying. Of these counselling sessions, where Bullying was the main concern, there were 19 counselling sessions where Autism was mentioned as a related concern. Overall, in 2011/12 Autism was mentioned as a related concern in 58 counselling sessions with 11 and unders. These facts and figures from the NSPCC are directly related to the work that Anna Kennedy is doing with her Give us a Break AntiBullying Campaign, find out more over the coming pages.... www.nspcc.org.uk
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNED, STABLE PLACEMENTS FOR CHILDREN The importance of stable attachments for children, in terms of their emotional well-being as children - and also in respect of their emotional and psychological development into adulthood – is well recognised. When children lack the opportunity to develop positive attachments, they can suffer while they are still children; and there is an increased likelihood that they will develop emotional and psychological difficulties later in life. It can often be the case, sadly, that children living in care settings have a prior history of attachment difficulties, perhaps through the physical absence of parents, or possibly through a parent’s own difficulties adversely impacting on their ability to meet the emotional needs of their child or children. When a child has long term needs, perhaps in the form of physical health problems and/ or developmental difficulties, it can be incredibly hard for any parent, whether singly or as part of a couple, to consistently meet the full range of their child’s needs, including their emotional and psychological requirements. When professional agencies work with families, it is vital that the full range of needs of children as well as of parents is recognised, and that preexisting attachment difficulties are not compounded by a succession of poorly planned placements. Sometimes it can be easier to assess and address issues which are visible; and/ or which are presented as “problems”. Physical health needs or behaviours which challenge people and services may be easily identified (if less easily addressed). It can be harder to see, however - and in the context of scarce resources and immediate priorities - harder to give an emphasis to, issues which may be more subtle and less visible, but of huge
developmental and other significance, for the child themselves and for those around them, in the present moment but also for the long-term, as that child becomes an adult, who may, for example, have children themselves.
placements, and who understand the importance of sticking with children when things are difficult; working with families also, where this is at all possible, in an empathic, professional, compassionate and knowledgeable way.
The “clock ticks”: on every child’s development. While children can be hugely resilient, physically and emotionally, time can eventually run out, in terms of the best opportunities to get provision right for children, so that their full range of developmental and other needs is met, in a way that can at least be considered “good enough”, and ideally, optimal.
If a placement for a child or young person is planned around their specific needs right from the outset, taking into account all available information and properly considering that which is really important to the child, as well as their family and carers, including the things the child values most and the outcomes which are most important to them and to key others in their lives, then it is much more likely that this placement will be built on strong foundations and that it will be the right one, from the outset.
Professional agencies often work in loco parentis. The responsibilities on agencies are no less than they are on parents themselves. We are charged collectively with working in such a way that we recognise and meet the individual needs of each child and young person who comes into our individual or joint care. We have to recognise that the “clock ticks” on us too; and that for the benefit of each child we really must work together positively and use our resources as best we can, to ensure that every opportunity is taken in a timely way, to meet visible and invisible needs, while these opportunities remain. For a child to meet the developmental milestones associated with healthy attachment, they must have around them people who understand these needs, who can and will commit to providing stable, developmentally appropriate and emotionally nurturing
Placement breakdowns often cause the disruption, as well as the permanent loss of important attachments for children and young people. Key interprofessional relationships, often centring on the placement in which a child lives, are also frequently lost at the time of such breakdowns. A succession of such temporary professional relationships can be very damaging for the child at the centre of them; as well as very costly, financially and hugely frustrating and demoralising for children, families and professionals alike. We must aim to avoid this scenario; and instead seek to individually and collectively, provide the very best foundations possible, for the positive development of those we support.
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Disability Rocks is back for its second year at Nell Bank, Ilkley on June 8th 2013 and you are all invited.... This year the festival is set to open its gates yet again to what’s sure to be an astounding success, with a bigger line up and a huge diversity of acts, workshops and activities than ever before. Event organiser and festival extraordinaire Richard Sutton told us more about the origins of this unique event; “I started the festival after finding that there was a real gap in the market for an entertainment event for those with a disability. Having a young boy with a disability means that I am heavily involved in various support groups, and the general feeling was the same – why did such a thing not already exist?”
An accessible festival that centred on music and the arts for those with a disability, their carers, friends and family was born, with Richard determined to make the festival a place where revellers could be assured of their safety and comfort in their surroundings. The result was a storming success with 2012 setting the tone for an even bigger affair in 2013! Beadman and many more who will be bringing their eclectic music mix to the main stage. Singing The advance ticket event this year is already Hands will also be performing their unique Makaton attracting huge attention, with many brilliant Singing and signing show for children of all ages acts already confirmed...look out for comedienne too. Francesca Martinez, music acts including Danny & The Champions Of The World, The Loose Salute, However, there’s plenty more besides the acts for Bo Weavil ,Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou, Bethia your entertainment, with drumming, DJ and arts 26
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workshops and the infamous Sensory Yurt dropping by again. Not forgetting the Peace Artistes, who will be roaming the festivals’ beautiful grounds performing in their own colourful style and The Ossett Ukelele Club who will be playing this years ‘must have’ instrument. Plus, new for this year is the busking stage, where you the audience can book your own 15 mins of stage fame to perform acoustically. Set in a stunning location with quirky food choices such as the pizza stove Land Rover (yes, really!) ,
fish and chips (with a choice of posh fish too), a BBQ (for the classicalists amongst you) a vintage ice cream van (perfect for that lovely sunshine that will be spreading its rays over the site!) and even a Mexican bar serving mocktails (plus the odd alcoholic one to those that desire!) there is something to suit every taste bud. With more activities, stalls and food pitches than before, this years event is an experience not to be missed!
To find out more and to purchase your tickets now at a very attractive price (quick they are going fast!) visit www.disabilityrocks.org
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Christopher who leaves college this July it will be a very different young man to the one that started college in September 2010. On the outset of his college journey Chris was a young man who had major problems in his social life. He would often be very quiet and reluctant to try new things and was unable to say how he felt. At the point he relied very much on his mum to be his voice. Chris would often lack motivation, be inflexible and appear lethargic. Chris had a short attention span and could not work independently.
attained. Chris has achieved good qualifications over the past three years, both academically and vocationally but it is more the progress as an individual that has When Chris started college he would made Chris the man he is becoming. not engage during his Emotional Chris has become much more Literacy sessions and would sit sociable and has a wide circle of and play on his phone. He often friends. Chris can now make his own appeared tired and unbothered. This decisions and it was one of these session is predominantly a social decisions that may lead to full time interaction period which should employment after his college life. encourage students to talk and Whilst most people were thinking interact with each other and their that Chris decided that he would staff. Chris would not talk to others prefer something completely and he would refuse to join in with different and asked about the games and any other suggested possibilities of factory work and means of communication and more to the point the chance to socialising. operate fork lift trucks. Once he had been given the chance to explore Chris would not join in with sports this possibility Chris has secured a and activities and would sometimes work placement once a week with a be in tears if he felt under pressure local company who have been over to leave his “comfort zone”. the moon with both Chris’s work and his attitude. The company have Fast forward to 2013 and the future been so impressed with Chris’s work looks very bright for Chris and he that the likelihood is that a full time must take credit for the changes post looks on the cards in the future. that he has made and the progress Chris has made new friends whilst
working in this environment and seems settled in the job role. Chris has recently passed his fork lift truck driving certification which proves how much progress he has made. On a social note it must be said that Chris is now a very changed young man who has recently joined a local rugby club and trains with them most weeks. Chris has also started running with the newly formed college group and has expressed a desire to train for this years Sheffield Half Marathon. Chris is also a valued member of the vocational access football group and has developed really well at a game he “hated” and would refuse to take part in back in 2010. Chris has lost weight and his appearance is excellent. He is often to be found in the college common room where he mixes socially and is good fun to be with. All in all a journey that Chris can truly be very proud of!
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Hollybank Trust cares for and educates children and adults with profound and multiple disabilities in West Yorkshire.
Support, information and so much more....
Since we increased our provision to include adults, Hollybank has been expanding with new developments taking place each year. Hollybank began life as a residential school for disabled children in Huddersfield in 1954, moving to its current site in 1990. We acquired then built adult provision to accommodate our young people as they left school. Now more than 70 adults live either in a home on the main site or in one of our four community homes in nearby Holmfirth, Halifax, Barnsley and South Kirkby. In our school, all our students have individual programmes of personalised learning with integrated therapy which is based around their needs. A purposebuilt therapy centre houses a multi-sensory hydrotherapy pool, spa pool and rebound therapy room. In our beautiful setting, everyone can enjoy the sensory gardens with adapted playground equipment, walk among the flowers, trees and vegetable gardens, visit the polytunnel and enjoy plenty of outdoor events in the warmer months. Chief Executive Pam King said: “We made a commitment to look after our residents and pupils for life, extending our programme of education and multi-therapy activities to all our adults beyond the age of 19 through our Enrichment Programme. “Last year, we registered our largest adult home as a care home with nursing, so people with high medical needs can continue living here with their friends. “This year, we have opened our new children’s accommodation Orchard Court, which houses both permanent residents and those staying with us for short breaks.” Ranged over two floors with views across the Calder Valley, Orchard Court can sleep 15 children in en suite rooms. Each floor has its own assisted bathroom and open plan living room/dining-kitchen. Downstairs rooms lead onto a patio area and the upstairs floor has a spacious balcony. Orchard Court increases Hollybank’s capacity to take both children and adults on flexible short breaks/respite, tailored to their specific needs. But it doesn’t stop there. From September, Hollybank will launch Little Pips, a family support service for preschool children with complex needs. Families will attend once a week, focussing on meaningful and exciting activities and developing skills and ideas they can use at home. Activities will include makaton signing for babies, water confidence in the hydrotherapy pool and messy play. Find out more by ringing the Trust Clerk on 01924 490833 ext 501 or go to www.hollybanktrust.com
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The right access to information and support when it comes to an autism diagnosis can mean the difference between a life lived and a life worth living. The work that Autism Anglia does ensures that families and individuals get this information and support network that is so vital in lives affected by autism. An independent charity, which provides care and support to children, adults and families affected by autism, Autism Anglia covers services in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. They provide a vast range of services for those affected by autism, from direct support to the individuals themselves, through to training for professionals who are looking to understand autism more. Whatever the service, Autism Anglia strives to make it personal, with an approach that provides the individual with exactly what they need so that they can lead fulfilling lives or assist those affected in the right way. The charity, which was founded back in the 1970’s, started out because of a lack of the right education that parents wanted for their children on the autistic spectrum in the area. It was this drive to provide what was needed that led the charity to open Doucecroft School, which to this day offers outstanding levels of specialist education for 3-19 year olds. With options for traditional school day attendance, or boarding school facilities, the school offers the level of education and environment in which your child can thrive. Autism Anglia has helped thousands of children, adults and their families to deal with the news of an autism diagnosis, and has helped them to discover methods of support and the tools to help them enjoy life and live it to the full. “Without your service I am sure that my family wouldn’t be a whole unit anymore. Just keep going as you are, you all do a wonderful job.” A parent sings Autism Anglia’s praises. Autism Anglia relies on the fund-raising efforts of the public to continue the crucial work that they do.
To discover a wealth of information from the lovely people at Autism Anglia visit www.autism-anglia.org.uk
Arts Without Exception The Zinc Arts Centre, Essex, is one of the UK’s best kept secrets, until now that is. Working as an accessible home-from-home for all, Zinc works with disabled and disadvantaged children, young people and adults to ensure they have the same opportunities, choice and control in their lives as the rest of society, using the medium of Art in its many forms. Whether as a residential visitor, a participant on a one – off course or a regular face, Zinc Arts uses the arts to provide a pathway to tools which aid creativity, personal development, social skills and perhaps the most vital two; raised confidence and a boosted self-esteem. This is all on top of the great deal of fun that a visit to Zinc will provide! Zinc Arts are on a mission to assist and develop the talents of artists with disabilities, or for those from underprivileged backgrounds, giving them the same possibilities as a non-disabled person in the art world. They do this by providing training opportunities which use the art forms of drama, dance, film, music, and visual arts, and combine them with the knowledge you will need to manage and deliver your own workshops as an artist. Zinc Arts believes passionately in the right of all people to enjoy and benefit from what the arts have to offer creatively, educationally and economically. “If there wasn’t a place like Zinc for our children, there would be nothing in the artistic field for them. They need to be able to express themselves and they can with the Zinc programme. Parent of participant, Children in Need LaunchPad programme. This passion is felt the moment you go through the front door, or make contact with a member of the highly skilled team. They do this work through vital workshops, residentials, training courses and conference events, as well as a great deal of work throughout the local community, ultimately bringing together artists, arts organisations, community groups, health and social care providers and a wide range of funding bodies. The team
provide pathways where society often struggles. Through the arts Zinc believes (as do we!) that individuals gain lifelong learning, training and employment opportunities through their inspiring high quality, diverse and experimental multi-arts work. Just glancing at the next few weeks timetable of events makes any trip to Zinc Arts Centre an exciting experience, from Zumba classes and meditation lessons to Youth Theatre groups, films at the Zinc screening and Art residentials, there is always something going on! The state of the art building provides a warm welcoming atmosphere and has been redeveloped to deliver the highest levels of accessibility throughout its facilities, fitted with all the mod-cons and with everyone’s needs considered. For example, the centre has a sensory and a quiet room which can be highly beneficial to those affected by autism, and the residential centre, The Hawthorne Suite, is specifically designed for groups attending Zinc for respite holidays, or to attend educational workshops and events at the centre. The impressive, beautifully finished accommodation boasts 25 bedrooms and can sleep up to 41 guests at any one time, making it the perfect location for residential trips, training or conference needs. “Wonderful venue! Perfect for splitting into multi-activity group work. Standard of rooms was superb, food was amazing we will certainly return!” Teacher, Alderman Blaxill School Not only does Zinc possess all the facilities you could need for your stay, with multi-purpose rooms, purpose-built accommodation suite, catering facilities and more, but Zinc Arts can also offer you workshop activities which they tailor specifically to suit your learners needs and your learning objectives. Their professionally trained artists and facilitators are renowned for delivering work that is accessible, fun and challenging, engaging even the hardest to reach learners to achieve their full potential.
To discover more about the range of diverse work and facilities on offer at Zinc Arts visit www.zincarts.org.uk
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w w w. c r e l l i n g . c o m Tel: 01253 852 298 / Fax: 01253 821 780 E-mail: jenny@crelling.com
Achieve readers ...meet
Anna Kennedy OBE Here at Achieve Magazine, there is one particular woman’s charitable plight that has truly inspired, and she goes by the name of Anna Kennedy OBE. Having been a tireless campaigner for Autism Awareness for years now, there aren’t many aspects of the Autistic Spectrum that Anna hasn’t tackled in support of children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. A parent of two boys with Autism, Anna’s personal experience with the condition has led her to establish two specialist schools, to front many, many campaigns, and in the process, win an abundance of awards and accolades (most notably, her OBE title!), not to mention becoming the voice for countless parents and children affected by the condition in the UK, Europe and across the globe.
We are more than proud to bring our Achieve readers all the latest happenings from this inspirational charity within our launch issue. This Anna Kennedy special will provide you with details of the latest fantastic awareness campaigns, individuals affected by the positive work that Anna provides, and even an interview with none other than a Mr David Cameron....
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Step in the right direction!
One of the key aspects of Anna Kennedy’s work is her commitment to providing ways in which those affected by Autism make progress. Whether through raising awareness of the condition to the public, or by directly assisting those with autism to empower them and educate. The Step in the Right Direction DVD does both, and it does both very well. Produced in association with the dance mecca that is the Pineapple Performing Arts School in London, and the students of Anna’s Hillingdon Manor School, Step in the Right Direction demonstrates that making progress for those affected by autism through dance is more than achievable, with the view that dance aids children greatly with autism and helps them to connect with others and grow in confidence. great platform to bring awareness to an all too often neglected condition. This year, the dance day is back with Anna Kennedy and friends setting the general public the challenge of getting together and dancing it out. The concept couldn’t be simpler for this dance day festival, friends, family and work colleagues gather on April 26th, then simply queue the music and get moving! Apart from being great fun, its a fantastic way for those affected by Autism to get involved and be inspired....so what are you waiting for? Get on your dancing shoes!
Featuring Pineapple studio’s founder Debbie Moore, James Hobley of Britain’s Got Talent and Andrew Stone of Pineapple Studios Fame, the DVD offers a refreshing and fun approach to dance, opening it up to be enjoyed by all. Furthermore, last year saw the launch of the Step in the Right Direction dance day that had the nation tapping their toes, shimmying their hips and throwing their hands in the air at various youth clubs, schools and offices, all in the name of charity. Inspired by the ground breaking Step in the Right Direction Dance DVD, this popular dance day is creating a
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See http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Step-in-the-Right-Direction/dp/ B005P8823E
Give Us a Break...
Anti-Bullying Campaign
With a campaign that’s got many a celebrity tweeting their support, Anna Kennedy OBE has teamed up with the Anti-Bullying Alliance with a mission to raise awareness of bullying towards children and young adults with autism, which is becoming frighteningly common in our mainstream schools and colleges. Due to much of the bullying typically occurring during break and lunch times, the campaign was given the fitting title of ‘Give Us A Break’. The facts and figures are harrowing with 74% of parents of children with autism saying their child finds break or lunch times difficult, or even frightening, and 67% of children with aspergers reporting that they are taunted and bullied at lunch time. The campaign aims to bring awareness to this playground bullying, and ultimately, put a stop to it. Alongside raising awareness of the bullying that children and young adults suffer throughout mainstream schools, the campaign will also highlight the need to ensure children with autism feel safe during break times. This can be achieved by schools providing supervised and structured activities, monitoring the behaviour of their students more closely, and by being encouraged to share examples of lunchtime activities, including ways to keep kids safe and improve their social skills. If this information is striking a particular chord with you, get something going, particularly if you are a teacher, or supervisor at a mainstream school. Speaking on ITV News at the start of the month about the campaign, Anna Commented; “At our school, Hillingdon Manor, we run lunchtime clubs to help the children interact and make friends,
it works for us and it got me thinking that why shouldn’t this system work in mainstream schools too? After all, it costs very little. Schools could adopt a ‘buddying’ system where older students who want to help can be teamed with a young person who might be having difficulties, this is just one example of what mainstream schools could be doing to cut down these scary bullying statistics.” Helping to raise awareness of this far too common problem means applying the right kind of pressure to the right people, within our mainstream schools to make a change. Tweet, write and share on facebook to join the celeb ranks of Lennox Lewis and Arlene Phillips, to name a couple, looking to end break time bullying of Autism in our mainstream schools. You can find out more at www.annakennedyonline.com
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Achieve meets Tally...
We can tell you all about the inspiring work that Anna does, but hearing a story from a family directly affected by her efforts truly illustrates how vital, and life changing her work is. Achieve met up with Tally Nothey, proud mother to Tevan and Geena. Tavan was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two and a half. Her story is one of determination, courage and fight...... Lets start with the diagnosis stage of Tevan’s Autism, as this is one of the most frightening times for parents with children diagnosed. Tell us a little about your experience... “Well, I thought I was just a regular mum really, going about running my business, my home and bringing up my children and then when my son reached the age of two and half, that’s when things started to change. My son didn’t appear to be developing in a regular way, I didn’t really see it at first, I guess it was a form of denial. Everyone kept telling me that ‘he’ll speak, he’ll do this, he’ll do that’ and then we got the diagnosis of Autism we reacted in much the same way that other parents describe, it was like a complete bereavement. It turned our world completely on itself, I honestly can’t remember what the consultant said to me, I was in total shock about what it meant for our family, what it meant for our sons future. We were given a box of information, which I didn’t even look at, and that was it....we were on our own. That’s honestly how it felt, from that initial diagnosis it was a battle for information, genuine help and a fight to get what I felt my son needed and deserved.” You received a second diagnosis didn’t you, regarding the type of Autism he had?
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“Yes, which again was a huge blow. We were told he had ‘Fragile X’, its rare to actually have a specific pinned down reason for your child to be showing autistic tendencies, but this diagnosis gave us a clear idea of why. The ‘Fragile X’ is basically where the X Chromosome is damaged, girls have two X chromosomes so if one is damaged they can usually cope, but of course boys have only one, so the damage is apparent. This diagnosis was where my journey for help truly began...” Was there help readily available? “Unfortunately no, I started to look into schools that would help Tevan, to the local authorities for therapies and assistance, it felt so fruitless... and expensive! The costs involved with fighting for the right support in the right schools are sky high, we spent in the region of £25,000 to get him into school, on solicitors, getting reports from occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, ...it’s no wonder that so many parents give up in trying to find a school to support them, and simply settle for what they are given. This wasn’t me, I was and still am, very aware of what life I want for Tevan, it’s not unlike what any other mother wants for their child really, I want him to lead a happy and fulfilled life, independently. The constant battles which we had with local authorities were some of the hardest times, we were even told officially by the mainstream schools’ headmaster, after a year of Tevan attending, that they didn’t want him there! We home schooled him for two years, with full time tutors and from there he learnt to speak, read and understand numbers, he also developed a wonderfully wicked sense of humour – all of these things we were told he wouldn’t do. We discovered the way in which Tevan could learn things, and so once we had that foundation he could simply continue learning...and find it fun to do so. Tell us about Tevan now that he attends Anna’s school.. “Well, I’ll start by saying its been wonderful for him at Anna’s school, his speech has improved immensely and he’s a happy boy. As soon as I discovered this school, I became tunnel visioned about him coming here, I knew what was good for my son. Its definitely been worth the fight to find a place where he could thrive. The highest point is where he has achieved beyond expectations and
been rewarded as such, he’s won medals at sports day, and for his academic improvements. He was so proud of getting them, the joy in his face is priceless when he gets them! Anna has taken things to the next level with the schools and awareness, and help by simply being there for those affected by Autism in general, its astounding, it really is.” We understand you are starting to follow in her footsteps? “Well, I guess you could say that in a way, yes, I volunteer at the school and in particular work on the brilliant Autism’s got Talent which has brought me so much joy. But I also now have an open house policy at the weekend within my own home, whereby parents can come and see what we do, or have done, with our son Tevan, I like to think it gives them a valuable insight into how things don’t have to be all doom and gloom, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Simply by talking to people in a similar situation to yourself, you can be lifted and be given hope.” So what does the future hold? “I don’t look too far into it to be honest! I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next five minutes let alone the next five years, so I try not to worry about it too much. I’m trying to live in the moment a little more, trying to enjoy my children now, to enjoy every bit, after all they are thriving and we are happy...what more could a mother ask for?” Visit Anna’s website www.annakennedyonline. co.uk to find out more.
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Find out more: Baston House; Sally’s Story Baston House provides a level of commitment to the education and well-being of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder that is world class. A specialist school founded by Anna Kennedy OBE, Baston House is a life changing school for all those that attend. We caught up with Baston Houses’ very own school liaison officer, Sally, who’s son Harry attends the school, to find out how Baston has improved their lives...
“At 12 years old, my son Harry has been attending Baston house for 2 years now, and previous to this he attended a mainstream school up until Year 6. Whilst his mainstream school pulled out all the stops to accommodate him, in the end they had to admit that they did not have the resources to fully support Harry, and stated they could no longer meet his needs. This culminated in me having to take my Local Authority to a Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal to get him into a specialist school, namely Baston House School. When Harry left his Mainstream School at the beginning of Year 6 he was academically very behind his non affected peers, functioning at a similar level to that of a Year 2 or 3 child. In his latest academic assessments at Baston House he is now at similar levels to his unaffected peers, and in some subjects actually above the National Curriculum levels for someone of a similar age. Harry loves going to school, he always has a smile on his face. He is becoming an independent young man, no longer hiding behind me, constantly looking for adult support. Baston House is equipping Harry not only academically but also socially for the future, Harry now talks about going to college and the type of job he would like to do. Home life has improved no end, he is a lot more sociable and now wants to interact in his brothers games of football or cricket in the garden. Other people have also commented on how much he has come on socially. Polishing our body armour and fighting for Harry to go to Baston House was the best decision we ever made. Visit the schools website to find out more at www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
BASTON HOUSE SCHOOL
An important milestone in the Hillcrest success story Baston House is a wonderful facility that is so desperately needed in our country and I am delighted to be associated with helping children with autism achieve their full potential”. Esther Rantzen Patron - Baston House School
Baston House School is an independent special school for children aged between 5 to 16 years, whose Statement of Special Educational Needs describes their Primary need as being on the Autism Spectrum and of a relatively highfunctioning nature. Our goal is to break down the barriers to learning that our students encounter and to help them to equip themselves for as independent a life as possible outside of school. Our approach is based on an eclectic fusion of child-centred and autism-specific strategies and techniques, with a clear focus on improving communication and interaction skills through positive interventions.
• Primary and secondary education • Study tailored to individual needs • Psychotherapoutic language structured environment • Ofsted approved
Open Days 11am - 1pm Next open day visit - 6th June Baston Road, Hayes, Bromley, Kent BR2 7AB www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 8462 1010 38
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Find out more: Hillingdon Manor Hillingdon Manor is just one aspect of Anna Kennedy’s success story, a result of her determination to create a place for her sons, and other children with autism to experience the level of education and support in which they could thrive and grow. The result of the blood sweat and tears poured into making this happen is Hillingdon, which offers a specialist school where mainstream and local authorities couldn’t provide. It all started in 1999, after Anna was turned away from 26 special needs schools for her two sons. Not one to settle for second best, Anna was hell bent on creating a school environment that was good enough for her sons. So, she re-mortgaged her house and created her own! Yes, you read that right, she built her own school! She transformed a derelict council building in Middlesex, West London into Hillingdon Manor School, thus creating the perfect, supportive environment for her children and plenty of others too.... Across three sites, the school is special in many ways, providing excellent levels of tailored teaching, extensive therapies and support for children and young adults with autistic spectrum condition. Making education accessible for key stages 1-5, Hillingdon provides a wealth of activities to assist the young people in their educational and personal development. Activities such as tending to the allotment, going on group trips bowling and even creating jam to sell to regular customers as part of business enterprise, are all ways in which a child at Hillingdon excels. News from Hillingdon Manor.. We caught up with Assistant Head of Hillingdon, Ciaran Walsh, to find out more about the school’s new curriculum: “Since September we have been implementing the Creative Learning Journey Curriculum, which so far has been a real success. The new curriculum was carefully planned and developed to ensure we were meeting the diverse needs of our pupils. This unique curriculum is skills based, which focuses on individual needs, and is delivered through different topics each half term. The topics we have covered since September include ‘All about Me’, ‘Around the World’, ‘Vile Victorians’ and ‘Earth, the Moon and beyond’.
The feedback from Parents, staff and children has been very positive with many parents commenting on how children are now talking about their learning more frequently, and teachers are noting how engaged the pupils are with the topics. It seems to be working very well so far, and with the launch of our new interactive site coming soon, which allows parents to view the Creative Learning Wheels and discover their children’s learning patterns, it hopefully will continue to have this positive effect!” To find out more visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk
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Anna meets.... David Cameron On her mission to get Autism heard, Anna Kennedy OBE sat down with the Prime Minister to get his view on the services and systems currently in place for children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in the UK. Here’s what happened when Anna met David....
Prior to the interview, Anna, who was recently awarded an OBE for her services to autism, turned to social networks to find out what issues parents of those with autism most wanted to quiz the Prime Minister about. Within an hour she had received over a hundred suggested questions from concerned parents. The following is an edited transcript of Anna’s interview with David Cameron: Anna: “I feel an awful lot of pressure from parents…We’ve formed a virtual [online] autism community. We are supporting each other and parents are very angry at this moment in time. What they are saying is: Why does accessing services for simple education and care have to be a constant battle? It’s bad enough getting a diagnosis. It seems like you are almost being penalised because you have a child with autism.
“Why is the system so difficult? The parents are so anxious, they feel vulnerable, they are worried about their children; they are worried about them becoming adults. It seems that fewer and fewer services are available for them.” David Cameron: “Were most of the questions about the process of getting a statement?” Anna: “…you’ve got local authorities that write these statements that are not worth the paper they are written on. These parents that don’t really know anything about the statementing process, It needs to be specified; it needs to be quantified. I know that you’ve got the new care plan coming together and you’re saying that health, social services and education are going to be working together; I’ve seen no evidence of that, so what action are you going take?” David Cameron: “You are absolutely right, I think the process of getting the statement of special education needs has been…very confrontational and also it hasn’t taken into account enough health needs and social needs and that’s what this new reform – it’s not in yet, we haven’t introduced it properly yet – should deliver. That when you’re getting your 40
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statement, rather like the Passport [to care] we were talking about, the person responsible for health and education…they’ll all be sitting there together so when you get the statement it should include everything. Anna: “I’ve spoken to parents where they’ve waited months and months for an appointment and the consultant paediatrician says this child’s got some autism traits. It’s like saying you’re a little bit pregnant. You either are or you’re not. David Cameron: “That’s true, you’re the expert, but isn’t it difficult with autism because there is a spectrum. I’m always struck when I see parents with autistic children because if you’ve got a severe learning disabled child, you’ll often find those parents in one group saying we’ve got a special school, we’ve got to save this excellent school. With children with autism, you have some who want special schools for autistic children, some who want mainstream provision with help for autistic children. The spectrum is quite big. I don’t know whether you find this with your school, but that does make it more complicated.” Anna: “You have got children who can cope in mainstream schools; then you’ve got children like my own two sons and it just wasn’t working for them. I shouldn’t have had to re-mortgage my house; I shouldn’t have had to set up my own school. I’m glad I’ve done it because I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t even know that I had.” David Cameron: “When you first had your children and you were looking at where to go to school, did you find you got a good explanation of what was on offer? I think this is a real problem.” Anna: “No. I was told by Hillingdon the ball was in my court and it was up to me to find the right type of school. At first, I was told my kids were the only kids in Hillingdon that had autism, which made me feel really isolated.” Prime Minister David Cameron.David Cameron: “We have changed the rules about this and this was based on my own experience. You’ve got to make sure that parents are properly told about what is available. The presumption should be choice. It should be the choice for the parent, looking at the evidence, looking at what’s available to make a choice about the child. “There used to be the presumption heavily in favour of mainstream schools and that meant – interpreted by some local authorities – that they didn’t tell you about what was available. When Ivan was born they didn’t tell us about the school that he ended up at. They didn’t even tell us that it existed. We had to find out about it separately and that’s nuts.”
Anna: “The thing with autism is that there are so many different strategies – I think I counted about 17 of working with children with autism. Parents wonder, which one do I choose? What’s going to be the best one for my child?”
“We are changing the statementing process to make it more inclusive of the things other than education.”
Anna: “I’d just like to give you a letter, if that’s alright, from 12,000 families of adults with autism; all they’re asking for is an independent David Cameron: “Isn’t that inevitable because autism advocate, that when they go through we haven’t got to the bottom yet of some of this process of ATOS, that there’s somebody the causes and what the effects can be?” there. Because some of these adults come Anna: “I think the thing is training – consistency across as more able than they are.” in training. I think that is what a lot of David Cameron: “What it’s meant to be is mainstream schools are crying out for.” checking out what you are capable of doing, David Cameron: “The Government which doesn’t necessarily link to your medical condition. There are people who have a is putting money into the National physical disability but who are have incredibly Autism Centres, so we are funding fulfilling work lives because they’re able to do this research, but there are different all sorts of things. So we should be looking at what people are capable of. I also think the approaches and I don’t think we whole issue with ATOS and work capability can totally legislate for one while assessments, because someone is disabled it’s still uncertain.” or someone has stress or someone has other conditions, we shouldn’t write them off; we Anna: “What are the Government’s priorities should be asking, what can you do? Because, for children with autism? Parents need to hear actually, even if you can only work for a few something because they can’t see the light at hours a week or you’re only capable of some the end of the tunnel.” sorts of jobs, it’s much more fulfilling to be able to do something than actually to be written off David Cameron: “Help the parents make the that you can’t work.” choices. The approach this Government is taking is much more trusting of the parents, Anna: “I understand what you’re saying, but saying you should have more choice in safe have a read.” special schools, stop the closure programme which we did. And then to put more power David Cameron: “But I will have a read of the in the hands of parents whether it’s through letter.” Anna: “Thank you.” individual budgets and direct payments so you’re in command.
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Jelly and Bean Its only natural that as a parent (and bookworm!) I want to encourage my little girl to learn to read from as early as possible. The Jelly and Bean book series are perfect for any budding little reader... Dot and Dash was a particularly enjoyable read, we found the accompanying illustrations really great and Rose loved the fact that she could get to know the story after just a couple of reads. From a parental perspective I liked that she can practise her phonics and thought it was great that the words used within the story were listed at the back. My daughter loved reading these books, they really were stimulating for her as well as being lots of fun! The Jelly and Bean range also includes CD’s and worksheets, all are suitable for use within schools and other educational groups. To find out more and to make a purchase visit www.jellyandbean.co.uk
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GcMAFsaving people with cancer
Is there at last a way to save people even with terminal stage 4 cancer? According to the packed GcMAF Immunology Conference 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany, which six University Professors and fifty of the 300 doctors using GcMAF attended, the answer is a definite “yes” in the vast majority of cases. Even better, it uses the human immune system to do it, so there are no side effects. But what is GcMAF? All 5 billion healthy people have natural GcMAF inside them, it is a “director” of your immune system. In healthy people around 10,000 cells a day mutate into malignant or cancerous cells. Amongst other functions, the natural GcMAF in our bodies instructs your macrophages to eat those diseased cells.
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Macrophages are added to human breast cancer cells in vitro on the left. Nothing happens. Then First Immune GcMAF is added. In 60 hours two thirds of the cancer cells are destroyed, see photo on the right.This is a test Immuno Biotech perform on each batch, and record with time lapse photography. 44
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Cancer and other diseases or viruses are therefore destroyed by the immune system unless they can sabotage it first. They attempt to do that by preventing your body from making your own GcMAF. If successful, that collapses your immune system, and the disease grows unchecked. Without the GcMAF we make inside us every day, we would all have died of diseases while still children. So put simply, administering external GcMAF is a replacement therapy for those who can’t make their own. Taking the manufactured GcMAF simply replaces the missing part of the immune system. Okay, so what research has been done into this? How has it worked so far? GcMAF was first discovered in 1990 by Dr Yamamoto in Philadelphia; and since then 59 research papers have been published by 142 scientists stating that GcMAF is a vital part of the human immune system, which doesn’t function without it, and they report on the cancer and other diseases where it is effective. So, now that we are clear of the importance of the naturally occurring GcMAF, we can also understand just how ground breaking a copy of this naturally occurring immune system ‘director’ is. In three weeks of just one GcMAF dose a week, your immune system is rebuilt to above normal strength. Immuno Biotech extract and isolate GcMAF molecules, and state you need one dose a week for typically 24 weeks for many diseases and early cancers, a year for later stage cancers. Their GcMAF has undergone hundreds of laboratory experiments in universities, laboratories and clinics and has been the subject of 11 independent scientific research papers. So far, they have had successes with many common cancers including prostate and breast. The immune system can eradicate chronic inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, and their GcMAF has been successful here, as well as with Autism, Chronic Herpes, Chronic Acne, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Hodgkin’s, LMBBS, and various types of Immune dysfunction including allergies. Research has shown GcMAF can reverse Parkinson’s, and prevent deterioration in MS and ALS, and in its role of immune system regulator, it can reverse diseases that attack the immune system like Lupus and Arthritis. About 4,000 people have been treated.
The five main causes of cancer are: Too much sugar, poor nutrition lacking in amino acids and trace metals, lack of vitamin D, lack of oxygen and exercise, and severe shock stress.
abilities: attention and focus, learning and understanding, receptiveness and awareness of the environment and people around them, in addition language social skills.
Doctors at the conference presented their astonishing results, and those that use the right complimentary therapies are not losing one stage 4 cancer patient. Those therapies include no sugar, good nutrition, vitamin D - all listed on the www.gcmaf.eu website under “Treatment Strategies.”
Finally, they also reported improvements in behaviour: less hyperactive, less stereotypical, more cooperative and compliant.
In ME, or CFS, the GcMAF and Autism full recovery rate has gone up from Children with Autism have been found to improve at five weeks with substantial 30% last year to improvements at 8 weeks. Dr Jeffrey Bradstreet has now treated over 50% this year. 1,000 autistic children with Immuno Biotech, GcMAF and the results are well established. 85% improve, and 15% have their autism eradicated. In all 1,800 children have been treated with GcMAF.
In the opinion of Dr Bradstreet and other doctors using GcMAF for autism, it is a viral disease to a greater or lesser extent. In 15% of children viruses are negligible, and GcMAF probably will not help. In 85% viruses are involved, and they will respond to GcMAF. In 15% of children autism is mainly a viral disease, and these children make full recoveries. GcMAF simply rebuilds the immune system, which then eradicates the viruses that cause half of autism. Improvements in the child are often seen as early as five weeks. The most common reported improvements concern cognitive
Isn’t this all too good to be true? This is likely to be the next question on your lips, along with ‘If it works, then why doesn’t every hospital and doctor use it?’ The simple answer is pretty controversial and effectively boils down to money and bad government. The lobby the billion dollar pharmaceuticals have with government is so powerful they can affect the laws. In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, insists on a spend of $900 million and a 10 year wait to approve any new treatment. So only the massive pharmaceutical companies can play, and inexpensive but effective treatments never make it. The FDA is defending itself in court case 99-16746 on a charge of causing 3 million deaths. With its billions, it’ll easily win.
In the UK it is little better: under Britain’s appalling medicines laws, NICE, a rather nasty organisation masquerading as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, ruthlessly controls what doctors can prescribe. They have banned the superb scientific discoveries in cancer of the last 30 years, but allow the 100 year old poison of chemotherapy, which started off as World War One mustard gas and, not surprisingly, has horrific side effects and an abysmal failure rate. But pharmaceutical companies make $200 billion a year from chemotherapy, and have enough power to force it on us. For example, they can ensure it is their men who get appointed as NICE directors and officers. GcMAF is just 5% the price of chemotherapy, and they are determined it will never see the light of day. Lord Maurice Saatchi, of Saatchi and Saatchi advertising, former Conservative Party Chairman, had to watch his wife die of cancer while his doctor told him there were superb discoveries out there he was not allowed to use, and chemotherapy would only shorten her life. So he’s introduced a Bill into the House of Lords which will allow doctors to prescribe whatever they judge best. If he succeeds (unlikely), sometime after 2015, cancer will cease to exist and become just a memory of incredibly bad government in Britain. To find further, in depth information, and to purchase GcMAF visit ... “http://www.gcmaf.eu/”www.gcmaf.eu.
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Anna’s Corner
Jolly Phonics Extra Tough Furniture...for by Caroline Knowles
a better environment
Our school on the Wirral has a relatively high number of children with special education needs (SEN) and we have a reputation for taking children that other schools won’t take. Over the last year I have been using Jolly Phonics Extra, a synthetic phonics programme specifically designed to help struggling readers, with a group of year 1 children. In order to help my struggling readers, I formed a Phonics Friends group at lunchtime which consisted of my year 1 readers and three year 6 children who had problems with reading. The group all had a straight forward synthetic phonics lesson in the morning and then at lunchtime they would get together with their ‘Phonics Friends’. The year 6 children would take a year 1 child and they would use the large Jolly Phonics finger book to go through the sounds. Working together has really helped the children to learn quickly and effectively.
Children with special education needs have various challenges to overcome, some have problems remembering things, so they may know their letter sounds but can’t blend. I have a little boy who has memory problems, he can learn the sounds and think they’re fun, but when it comes to sounding out a word, such as f-a-t, by the time he’s got to ‘t’ he has forgotten the beginning. Putting things in place to help him, adding extra tools such as the talking pen, helps to reinforce what he’s learning in a fun and interactive way.
www.jollylearning.co.uk
At Tough Furniture we have been creating tougher than tough modern looking furniture for over 22 years and in doing so, have delighted many customers with our excellent customer service and expertise. Our furniture is ideal for a variety of environments where many kinds of challenging behaviour could cause damage to both the furniture itself and the individual using it. By working closely with our customers we have been able to solve the many different challenges faced by their clients on a day to day basis and incorporate these solutions into our furniture. The ranges that we provide are a response to those years of close working relationships, and have led us to become unrivalled in our field. We have a wide range of attractive, value for money, robust furniture solutions that suit many different needs and budgets. Specifically, we provide pieces that would be of particular interest to individuals with Autism, such as tough beds that have been thoroughly tested to ensure optimum durability for those days when jumping up and down on them is essential, as well as ultra tough cabinet doors, computer and tv protection cabinets and of course the pieces that provide room safety such as window protection screens. These furniture solutions leave you the parent or carer with the peace of mind that many potential dangers and hazards have been eliminated. You, the customer, are our first priority and we look to working with you in creating the perfect furniture to meet your needs, right here in the UK. We deliver our goods personally and provide all the after sales care you require for complete customer satisfaction. Visit www.toughfurniture.com to see our brochure in full and to find out more, or give us a call on tel: 01588 674340.
Achieve is very happy to welcome the UK’s most prolific and passionate Autism Campaigner, Anna Kennedy OBE, as our regular columnist. Anna will be bringing us all her latest news, advice and happenings, and occasionally an interview with a celebrity affected by the condition. This issue, Anna looks at structure for adults with Autism. Message from Anna... Hi Achieve readers, I am delighted to have this regular space to share things with you directly that will hopefully be of help to some of you out there, or at the very least provide an interesting read for you! I receive so many messages from parents who have children affected by autism spectrum conditions who are now adults, either at home or in different circumstances, and cannot see a way forward. This is where I would like to assist. What is your son/ daughter’s behaviour support plan? What support services are Social Services providing for him /her? Has he /she had a community services care plan put in place? How old is his/her care plan? Is it adequate? Do you need to call a review or reassessment of his or her needs? It seems to me, more often than not, a lot of the concerns that parents have mentioned are based around the lack of structure that their son or daughters’ life has in both short, medium and long term goals. There is unfortunately not a quick, short solution for this situation, its not something that can be dealt with overnight, it will take time. Parents need a plan, a plan of how they are going to execute structure with their son or daughters support. It’s never going to be easy to get it going, but the key thing is to get it going! Well, I really hope this helps! I am always keen to hear your experiences and comments, and of course look at ways in which we can help as a community. So, please share your experiences at the Annakennedyonline Community facebook page or find me on twitter: @Annakennedy1. www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/ benefits-and-community-care/care-andbenefits-for-adults-with-an-asd/self-directedsupport/support%20plans.aspx ACHIEVE MAGAZINE
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