One parent's story
Barton Primary School recently commissioned a brochure covering all the groups held at the School and Early Years Centre. They have kindly given us permission to reproduce the article on the IW Toy Library and Opportunity Group. It is is an interview with a parent currently attending the group and tells of her experience:
Deidre's story
Deidre Welcomes the Isle of Wight Toy Library and Opportunity Group which provides special needs toys and play facilities at Barton Primary School and Children’s Centre on Thursday Mornings
Deidre and David Charleston returned from South Africa to live in the UK two years ago. They have three children Amy, four and three-year-old twins Cameron and Liam.
New friends through the children
Although Deidre was born in England she spent most of her life in South Africa and when she returned and settled in the Isle of Wight she had no friends or relations in the area. “England was different to the way I remembered it, and I found I had to make an effort to get to know people and make friends,” she says. “Fortunately, children are a great excuse to meet other parents, and taking them to nursery and playgroups is a big help!” Special facility for special needs Deidre’s connection with Barton Primary is not as a parent as such, as Amy attends another school nearby, but it is because of Amy that she is now a regular visitor to the school premises. “Amy has Down Syndrome, and for that reason I was really interested when I heard about the Opportunity Group held at Barton. It is specifically equipped for children with special needs and whilst many of the toys, books and games are suitable for children of any ability, it is equipped principally with the less able in mind.”
New ideas
Toy lending is a wonderful opportunity for any parent who is understandably not willing to spend a great deal of money on something which their child may or may not be interested in, and to be able to experiment with different toys and games before buying them is invaluable. For children with a physical or mental impairment this is even more useful, as Deidre has found for herself. “We’d bought Amy a tricycle, but she didn’t get on with very well and it was only by going to the Opportunity Group, where she was able to try out several different ones, that we found one which suited her much better. We also discovered the joy of dressing up – they’ve got a huge box full of clothes for the children which they love playing with, and that’s something I’d not thought of before.”
Something different for the twins, too
Whilst it was Amy’s needs which introduced Deidre to the Opportunity Group, it is not just Amy who has benefited as Cameron and Liam also thoroughly enjoy their weekly visits. “At two and a half, they just want to play and be around other children,” Deidre explains. “It’s a change for them, and I think its also a good thing that because they are so used to being around children who have disabilities, they take no notice but accept it without question. It makes no difference to my boys – it’s just someone else to play with!”
Support for parents
Deidre has also found that the Opportunity Group provides a valuable support group for parents of children with special needs. “Whatever the disability, however severely it affects the child, parents who have experienced it have something in common, and we have found it very comforting to be able to share information and support each other. It’s a really friendly place to be and we don’t just turn up, pick a toy to borrow and then leave; we stay and chat, and play with the children whilst we are there. At the end of the session, we have singing and music, and there are special books with signing we use so that the children can join in. It is quite a lovely atmosphere.”
Wholehearted recommendation
Deidre feels extremely fortunate that she has found a facility which has not only helped Amy, but has been an introduction to the social life of her new home environment. “Barton Primary is a wonderful place; all the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating and I think it’s great that the school is prepared to offer the premises for such a good use. Even parents whose special needs children are at school come along each week because its such a nice place to be and have the chance to chat with people in a similar situation, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
