We welcome children whether or not they also attend RNIB Sunshine House School, providing:
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they are aged between two and 14 years
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they are blind or partially sighted with significant learning difficulties and disabilities
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we can fully meet their needs.
Day and overnight care
Learning and development takes place in a relaxed and informal environment with a range of flexible day care, overnight and short stay options to choose from including:
After school club
Fun and friendship carry on from the school day until 6.30pm including a hot meal. Ideal for busy and working parents/carers.
Play days
Varied day of activities during the school holidays making full use of facilities at Sunshine House including a hydrotherapy pool, adapted playground, interactive fountains and a soft play area as well as trips out and about. Option to combine with a sleepover or overnight stay.
Theme days
Focused activity days during the school holidays giving children and young people the opportunity to get together over a common interest. Like the play days, we make full use of the facilities at Sunshine House as well as getting out and about. Option to combine with a sleepover or overnight stay.
Sleepovers
Children can stay overnight up to six times a year without the need for an assessment from social services. Great for children wanting to spend extra time with friends and for providing some family respite.
Overnight stays
Extended stay option where children can stay overnight up to four nights per week (Monday to Thursday) for up to 50 weeks per year during the school term and during the holidays.
Specialist staff
Every child has a key worker that they can get to know and trust. Key workers are the consistent link between a child's education, care and family. Communication diaries are completed so that achievements can be shared, celebrated and built upon.
In addition to our day staff, waking night staff visit the children every 15 minutes, so you can be sure that your child is receiving the specialist care they need within a homely environment.
Although we are unable to provide for emergency admissions, we make every effort to support children who usually stay with us should an emergency situation arise.
Home from home
Our residential accommodation can support up to 12 children within two flats connected by a shared corridor. Each flat has four bedrooms - two single and two twin/double rooms.
We want our children to feel at home and encourage them to bring personal items for their room. Each time a child stays with us, they are given the same room so they can feel as though it is their space.
Families are welcome to pop in or telephone their child at any time. Each flat has a cordless telephone that children can take to their rooms for privacy. Staff are on-hand to provide children with the support they need to stay in touch with their family.
We promote fun and friendship, seeking to continue a child's learning and development in a relaxed and informal environment.
The children's home is able to make full use of the facilities at RNIB Sunshine House School including the hydrotherapy pool, soft play room, library, sensory garden and playground. Activities also take place within the local community and beyond with shopping trips, meals out and theatre visits.