Here are some stories and experiences from parents/carers or young people.

PLAYSCHEMES - Story by a parent

Both my children, one of whom has ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), attend a mainstream playscheme during Easter and summer holidays. This makes the holidays manageable. However this year I was told that due to lack of 1:1 funding my son could no longer go there.

On Kathy Pearson's (Parent Carer Council) advice I contacted Chris Bush at the Disabled Children's Service Co-ordination point. I am registered with the Database and Information Service, as they are trying to improve planning of services for disabled children.

Chris rang around and liaised with the playscheme manager, who has now managed to secure some 1:1 funding. This means that my son with ASD will not be excluded from the playscheme this year.

So if you want to ensure that your child is not excluded from a playscheme, my advice would be to contact one or more of the people below:

• Speak to Social Services if your child has been assessed
• Register with the Database and Information Service and speak to Chris Bush or Bhanu Mistry on 0116 223 2295
• Contact playscheme manager and ask them to look into funding
• Contact Mencap on 0116 2510011
• Contact Jigsaw about their playscheme for children with ASD on 0116 287 6747.