What is Springboard?
Springboard Chippenham is a charity that provides support for pre-school children (aged 0-5) with special needs and their families. We are based in the town of Chippenham in Wiltshire, but our catchment area covers the whole of North Wiltshire. We are the only specialist service of our kind in the north of the county.
Younger children and their families attend our stay and play groups whereas children aged 2 and above can access our specialist preschool.
The exact number of children the can attend Springboard are determined by the needs of the children we have. Some of our more complex children are staffed 1:1 (one adult: one child), the majority of our children are staffed on a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio (two/three children per member of staff).
Who can make a referral to Springboard?
A referral can be made by a parent and/or a professional who is working with the child.
How do I refer a child to Springboard?
If you have concerns about a child’s development and feel that they meet our referral criteria (see below) then please complete our online referral form.
Please do not refer a child without the consent of the child’s parents.
Please provide up to date contact information for the child’s parents – we cannot process the referral without them.
Referral criteria
We offer support to children with:
- Significant sensory delays/disorders of hearing , sight , language
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism – diagnosed or under review
- Medical syndromes or acquired illness
- Down’s Syndrome and other genetic syndromes
- Physical abnormalities
- Significant developmental delay in more than one area
- Children whose development has been significantly impaired as a result of abuse or neglect.
What happens after a referral has been made?
Once a referral is received we will contact the child’s parents/carers to arrange a centre visit with the manager or deputy manager. In some circumstances it may be possible to arrange a home visit. This meeting helps parents to find out more about Springboard and for staff to understand more about the child’s needs. From the information gathered at this meeting it will be decided whether a placement at Springboard is needed.
Please note that due to COVID-19 we are currently holding these initial meetings virtually.
Working with Mainstream Preschools or Primary School
If you are Preschool or Primary School Setting interested in an in-reach or outreach appointment, please click on the link below to request an appointment. The link will take you through a short, 6 question, tick box survey – this will help us to understand how we can help you and what you may wish to cover in the session.
Request in-reach/outreach appointment
