Bexhill MP Huw Merriman recently joined parents and carers at a special playgroup that meets every Friday morning at Sidley Children's Centre. The playgroup is specifically for parents and carers of children on the autistic spectrum or with undiagnosed speech and communication delays, who often find it difficult for their children to socialise at other groups.
The group was set up by local mums, Jill Cramp, Natasha Ray and Joanna Barfoot, whose four year old son Leo, was diagnosed with autism when he was three. Jo explained to Huw that she felt uncomfortable at other parent and toddler groups and playgroups as Leo's autism meant that he did not 'fit in'. His social and communication skills were different to other children. Together with Natasha and Jill, Jo wanted to create an environment for autistic children and their carers where they were understood and the parents and carers felt supported. With the help of Sam Glassock, the Bexhill Children's Centre Volunteer Coordinator who works for East Sussex County Council, they set up Owlets playgroup for autistic children in January this year and they now meet every Friday morning. They have recently welcomed Kelly Gillman to the team.
Huw said "Jo invited me to visit Owlets playgroup as she knew that I am interested in the support and care that is provided to autistic children and their families. Since being elected in 2015 I have met many parents who feel they have to fight to get the support and education that their child needs. This cannot be right. As well as working closely with our local education authority I am also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Autism. This is a cross-party group that aims to raise awareness of autism and Aspergers syndrome and to campaign for changes to benefit those with autism and their families.
It was a pleasure to visit the playgroup and chat to the parents and carers who clearly enjoy being in such an understanding environment with their children who were all having a great time. I have asked Jo to keep in touch and she has kindly offered to help with a Parliamentary enquiry into access to education for autistic children which I am currently co-chairing for the National APPG on Autism."
Speaking after the visit, Joanna Barfoot said "I feel Leo has been very fortunate with the care he has received from the staff at Amberley Nursery, where he receives one to one support, and their SENCO, who has been a huge support to myself and Leo. Unfortunately, after talking to parents at Owlets playgroup, I have learnt that this not the case for everyone. Many parents are having to fight to get their children’s basic educational needs met. Any parent's goal is to raise a child to become an independent adult and be able to take their place in society. A diagnosis of autism should not be a barrier to this. Helping our children to gain the skills they need for the future starts in the foundation stages of education and I applaud the work that the National Autistic Society and the APPG for Autism are doing to ensure that all children on the spectrum receive the education and support they need. I am very grateful to Huw for visiting us at Owlets, and for giving me the opportunity to help with the enquiry into access to education for autistic children."
