Birtenshaw Children’s Care Services are provided for children with a physical disability, complex health needs and or a learning disability including Autism Spectrum Conditions. One focus of Children’s Care Services is on children’s ability and not on their disability. The Service has a holistic approach with individually tailored care plans for each child based on their strengths, needs and aspirations. They have access to specialist support and facilities and a programme of ‘positive activities’ provided by dedicated, experienced and fully trained members of staff.

Positive activities may include arts and crafts, music and drama, pony riding, cycling, and holidays. They can be one-off or on a regular basis. They also include leisure activities such as camping and exploring the local environment. Positive activities can also including enjoying the use of Birtenshaw’s facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool, sensory light room and soft play equipment.

Even an everyday activity, such as the car wash trip shown below, is a positive activity where it provides young people with a new experience that is common in ordinary life.