Alternative Provision  

Appeer Weekday Groups for autistic girls aged 10-18yrs

Who are the Groups for?

Our Weekday Groups are designed to support autistic girls who may not be in full time education, including those who are home educated and/or who have EOTAS or other weekday support via EHCPs.  We also support those who are in school but who would benefit from some peer connections, small group specialist support and respite from the busy school environment.  We are able to consider applications from autistic girls in the Surrey, SW London, Hampshire or Berkshire areas who can attend independently without 1:1 support and who meet our admissions criteria (see our Admissions Policy here).  For ages between 10 -18yrs. (i.e. school years 6-13 inclusive).

We encourage parents and carers to stay for the group if they are able.    We offer a dedicated space for parents and carers to connect.   We have specially trained and experienced staff (also parents of autistic daughters), who gently facilitate these Sessions.  This is an opportunity for parents and carers to realise they are not alone and to share with their peers experiences of parenting an autistic daughter.  Our parent/carer Facilitators are able to offer advice and signposting which complements the support the girls are offered and may enhance successful outcomes. 

What is the aim of the Groups?

The aim of the Groups is to increase the Attendees' social inclusion and:

• Build positive social experiences in a supportive setting.
• Gain life skills like cooking, accessing community venues and more.
• Learn about their autism and support needs.
• Hidden curriculum promoting SEMH and wellbeing.
• Can act as a stepping stone into educational settings.
• Concurrent facilitated parent/carer peer support.

What will happen in the Groups and how long will the Sessions be?

The Groups take place in the mornings from around 10:30 am (10:00am on Wednesdays).  We offer a 3 hour group Session where autistic girls connect whilst enjoying a range of activities in a low-pressure setting underpinned with a wellbeing-promotion foundation.

   

There are 2 activity sessions each morning, split by a choice-led break with option of quiet room.  Pupils can optionally stay on for lunch, which is prepared together. 

Young people are supported by a high ratio of staff, including autistic and neurodivergent adults, and those with specialist education, psychology, and youth work backgrounds. Young people are in small groups of between 6 and 8.  Parents/carers also have their own Facilitator and can access informal peer support and respite. 

How many Sessions can a young person attend each week?

The majority of young people attend just 1 three hour Session per week.  However, we are able to offer young people 2 Sessions per week if it is considered beneficial.  For example, they might attend Monday as their first Session and Wednesday as a second Session.  

Who will be running the Groups?

Our Weekday Group is managed by Cathryn Jagger our Engagement Director.  Our curriculum is devised by, and overseen by Jo Dilworth (CEO). The younger group (approximately 10-14 years) is run by Kris, our Girls Programme Manager.  Kris is supported by Jess, Robyn and Lindsey, our Youth facilitators. The older group (approximately 12-18 years) is run by Georgina, our Teen Programme Manager , and is supported by Michelle, Nicky, Robyn and Kris.  The parents and carers' Sessions are run by Cathryn and supported by Jo M, our Parent/Carer Facilitator. 

Where will the Group be held? 

The Groups are held at a venue in St. John's Woking (**not our registered address, 8 Park Road).

Times and Dates -

Group A - Mondays

Key Stage 3/4/5: Mondays 10.30am-1.30pm

Group B - Tuesdays

Key Stage 3/4/5: Tuesdays 10.30am-1.30pm

Group C - Wednesdays

Key Stage 2/3/4: Wednesdays 10am-1pm

Term dates:

Spring Term 2024 - Weeks 1-6:  2nd January* -9th February 2024 - 1 week half term - Weeks 7-12: 19th February – 29th March 2024

Summer Term 2024 - Weeks 1-6: 15th April -24th May 2024* -1 week half term - Weeks 7-12: 3rd June – 12th July 2024

*Monday groups are invited to attend on Tuesdays when there is a bank holiday.

Visit to a community venue once per term during holiday time e.g. leisure centre, climbing, heritage venue (at no extra cost).  

What is the cost? 

If a young person is attending 1 Session per week, the cost will be £1,800 per term (12 weeks/12 Sessions).  If a young person is attending two Sessions per week the cost is £3600 per term (12 weeks/24 Sessions).  Places can be funded by LA referral, Schools or self-funded.  *Costs for September 2023 - July 2024

The Programme is highly rated by parents and girls on measures including social comfort, self-confidence, life skills, meeting peers and reduced isolation. Most girls find they can attend every Session, despite many having been previously unable to access school or activities within the community.

 

For more information – email cathryn@appeer.org.uk or ring 07990834917

Professional Referrals:

If you are a professional, e.g., a member of the local authority SEND team, social worker or SENDCO at a school, who would like to refer a young person to this Programme, please complete our standard application form here - there is an opportunity for you to add your name and contact details on the form along with the young person's name and next of kin.  Please send us any relevant and helpful documentation, including the young person's EHCP, to help us assess how/if this young person may be eligible for and supported within our Programmes (send to cathryn@appeer.org.uk).  The Girls and Teens Programme Managers and Co-CEO assess each application regularly and may arrange trial sessions if young people have not accessed Appeer Sessions before.

Family Applications (Self-Funding):

If you are a parent/carer who would like to apply for your young person to access this Programme, and are able and willing to self fund, please:

1) if your young person has already attended some Appeer Sessions please email cathryn@appeer.org.uk, to let her know you are interested in our Weekday Groups.  Cathryn will be in touch to discuss further.

2) if you are new to Appeer please email cathryn@appeer.org.uk to ask for a link to an application form.

As above, the Girls and Teens Programme Managers and Co-CEO will be assessing each application and may arrange assessment Sessions if young people have not accessed Appeer Sessions before.

Feedback:

“F has started to speak with the other girls at the sessions, she said she even did a little in the first week which was amazing and should not be underestimated how incredibly difficult that is for her”.

“I came to understand myself better and accept myself for who I am ….. Ever since …. [Meeting autistic girls] through Appeer, I’ve realised that I’m not alone and it’s such a comforting feeling.” Autistic teenage girl.

  “They are very very fun and have helped me talk to different people” 10-year-old autistic girl

"I don't know what we would have done without Appeer, S was declining so fast....she wouldn't leave her bedroom, let alone the house.....Her world was so small and she existed purely in survival mode. The time and investment Appeer put into making her feel safe enough to enter the setting, was amazing in itself. We are seeing her heal, and slowly parts of her personality come back. She says she loves having people she doesn't have to explain herself to. Having her get herself up, dressed, and looking forward to going to Appeer has changed everything. We will be forever thankful to you all and the work that you do." Parent/Carer