Mission Statement

"To look beyond what a child can do and how a child behaves, to see their real potential for development and learning. To provide early intervention that gives children with learning disabilities or challenging needs the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and not their disabilities."

"To invest in whole families enabling them to look at their child with new vision by giving practical support empowering them to move forward and enjoy the achievements that bring life changing confidence and joy to their child"

Leap aims to support

Children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour to be included socially and educationally
Help families and Children in their transition to their chosen play group, nursery or school setting

Education

Included in a structured programme of intervention is provision of relevant learning opportunities that meet the needs of individual children. Children will encounter new experiences, extend their skills and develop their confidence to try new things building upon what they already know. Learning experiences will be planned to be of the highest quality, considering children's needs and prior achievements to help them progress towards their goals.

For children with special educational needs in addition to their challenging behaviour we are here to help children to make their best possible progress by making good use of individual education plans and a range of teaching strategies, for example the use of alternative communication, including signs and symbols, developing understanding through all the available senses and the adaptation of activities and environments to meet individual needs

Health

Leap aims to encourage families to access health services where the child's disability or behaviour has previously been a barrier and has perhaps made it difficult to attend appointments

Leap aims to assist families to establish relationships with health professionals should they not already exist but may prove beneficial to their child and their family.

Throughout the programme LEAP seeks to encourage healthy eating, good personal hygiene and includes planned opportunities for physical activity and the development of fine and gross motor skills.

In all activities LEAP aims to relieve family stress by helping families see that with support they are able to effect change in their situation improving

In all activities LEAP aims to relieve family stress by helping families see that with support they are able to effect change in their situation improving the outlook not only for their child but also for their whole family.

Strong Foundations

The founding of a centre for Early Child Development builds on the extensive work already carried out with children aged 2 years to 6 years at the Cheshire Academy in Crewe. The Cheshire Academy was opened in November 1993 and works with children with physical sensory and learning disabilities including children with challenging behaviour.

Do you have to have a referral from Health or Education

No you do not require a referral. LEAP does have referrals from Health and Education professionals however this is not a pre-condition to access LEAP. If you feel family and your child would benefit from the work carried out in LEAP please contact the Cheshire Academy on (01270) 255355 or E mail cheshireacadem@aol.com or alternatively come in and have a chat with us at the Cheshire Academy on Macon Way in Crewe

How is LEAP organised

Sessions are organised in a classroom setting. We work with a group of 6 children with a fully qualified teacher who has experience in teaching children with special needs and challenging behaviour, and a therapist who specialises in teaching social skills and who has 20 years experience in working with children with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. These classes are run as a 6 weeks intense course where you will required to attend with the child for 3 morning sessions (9.30m-11.30am). After the 6 week course we evaluate each child's programme and discuss their progress. For most children further courses will be required. Also available at LEAP is individual 1 to 1 sessions lasting 1 hour. These time slots are in the afternoons.

Cost

There is a cost for attending LEAP sessions. We are a charity and we keep this to a reasonable charge.

How to contact LEAP

If you would like to talk to someone at LEAP about your child please do not hesitate to phone Jane on (01270) 255355 or e mail cheshireacadem@aol.com. Alternatively come in and have a chat with us at the Cheshire Academy on Macon Way in Crewe