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 that 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 (below).
Before you complete the form please check the following:
- That the child’s home address falls within our catchment area – click HERE to check. We accept referrals from the area highlighted in yellow.
- That the child’s parents are aware that you are making a referral and that you have their consent to proceed.
- That you are using up to date contact information for the child’s parents – we cannot process the referral without the correct information.
Referral criteria
The admission of children to Springboard is based on meeting the following eligibility criteria:
Children must be under the age of 5 AND living in North Wiltshire with one or more of the following needs:
- Significant developmental delay in one or more areas
- Significant sensory delays/disorders of hearing, sight, language
- Children whose development has been significantly impaired as a result of abuse.
- Children whose physical, emotional, social, or intellectual development is likely to be significantly impaired because of their circumstances
- Children with diagnosed or under review medical conditions including Autism, genetic syndromes, physical disabilities, medical syndromes, acquired illnesses and neurological developmental conditions
What happens after a referral has been made?
This is what will happen when we receive a referral form for a child:
- We call the parents to let them know we have received the form. This is an opportunity for us to ensure we have all the right information.
- An initial meeting is arranged to meet the family; this can be a virtual call or a home or centre visit. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and assess the needs of the child.
- Using the information on the referral form and from the initial meeting, the following outcomes are possible:
- A child meets eligibility criteria – a placement is offered with immediate start
- A child meets eligibility criteria -a placement is appropriate however no spaces currently available – the child would join the waiting list
- A placement is not appropriate –support provided in mainstream/ parental attendance at workshops
- A placement is not appropriate – parents are informed, no further action
Working with Mainstream Preschools or Primary Schools
If you are Preschool, childminder or Primary School Setting based in North Wiltshire seeking inclusion support or advice please visit our Support for mainstream settings page
