Information for parents
Are you a parent of a child living in the Bucks area who has recently been diagnosed with Down's syndrome, or have you recently moved to the Bucks area and wish to find out more about Sparkles? The following information might help with any questions you might have.
How do I secure a place for my child with Sparkles?
In the first instance please contact us and we'll be straight back in touch to guide you through the process.
Are places available?
We always try to accommodate children who would like to be part of Sparkles and generally don't have a waiting list. Occasionally a child may have a short wait.
When should we aim to start Sparkles?
Generally when your child can sit unaided and is able to concentrate for 30 minutes or so at one time. This is often from around 10 months, but each child is different and children will be placed in groups according to ability not age. When your child reaches school age they leave the Sparkles programme.
Am I expected to do fundraising?
All parents of children attending Sparkles become part of the charity and are encouraged to promote awareness of Sparkles and assist with fundraising. Sparkles requires around £15,000 annually to continue running at the current capacity, and there are more children wishing to join all the time.
Take a look at some our past fundraising events.
There are regular charity meetings which are very friendly and informal and to which you will be invited to attend.
Will my child continue to receive state funded Speech and Language Therapy if we join Sparkles?
Attendance at Sparkles does not affect your rights or access to NHS provided Speech and Language Therapy. Our therapist has good relationships with the NHS therapists in the area and aims to provide a service which enhances and compliments that which is provided by the NHS. NHS provision does vary in its type and frequency across Buckinghamshire for pre-school children with special needs and is usually coordinated through your local child development team . (This is likely to vary from area to area according to the local authority and according to your childs development and needs.)
I'd like to make a donation to Sparkles, how do I go go about it?
We definitely appreciate and are very grateful for all fundraising efforts or donations on behalf of Sparkles! Please go to the Make a Donation page for more details.
Where can I find out more about Down's syndrome and Speech and Language Therapy?
Please try the following helpful links:
Down's related links ...
Makaton related Links ...
Other Links ...
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