Does anyone take their DC to "NT" after school activities

[Eveiebaby]

I really want to take DD to a gym class. Physiotherapist suggested it a few weeks back and gave me the contact details for a local class for kids with disabilities. Unfortuantely the class does not seem to be running anymore. DD is slightly behind with motor skills and her attention can be a bit hit and miss in large groups which are the main two reasons for my hesitation. Her understanding is pretty good but my dilemma is should I just bite the bullet and enroll her in a regular class. Obviously I would speak to the instructor beforehand but I just wondered if anyone else has their DC in mainstream activity classes and if so how is/did it go. DD is 5 years old.

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

DS went to Beavers, Cubs and is now in Scouts. They were very supportive and inclusive. He did swimming lessons as well. I was just very open and honest with the organisers, and stayed close by in case of problems in the early stages. Go for it, most people who work with children will have come across some form of disability before. The first person you try may not be 'right' but someone will be.

[coff33pot]

Can vouch that Beavers is the best thing I enrolled DS for

They really make it a priority to include and cater for everyone.

Very few clubs down our way cater for children under the age of 6 (insurance reasons mostly) so I am limited as to choice. I was actually thinking of a dance class as he loves dance and music so I am currently hunting one down.

[Eveiebaby]

Thanks Ellen and Coff - would Beavers be ok for a girl? I always thought Brownies was for girls and Beavers for boys but I may be way off the mark here . Also, what sort of activities do they do at Beavers?

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

Rainbows is for the younger girls, from 5, then Brownies from 7? then Guides. They are for girls only. Beavers, Cubs etc are for girls as well as boys these days, but is still 'boy heavy' due to Guides. See what is available locally, there is usually a waiting list but worth putting her on it even if it doesn't later turn out to be her thing.

[Eveiebaby]

Thanks Ellen - will look into it maybe for her to do in about a years time but no harm in putting her name on the waiting list in the meantime.

[coff33pot]

Yes Beavers are for both girls and boys. It is about 50/50 in ours. My DD has now moved onto cubs and soon scouts then you have cadets as you get older.

Most of the activities are aimed at badges just like brownies and they do orienteering, health and safety lessons, crafts. Not that much different to be honest. There is a waiting list and Beavers start at 6yrs.

[dixiechick1975]

Does your local leisure centre run gym classes?

DD who is 5 goes to one for age 3.5-5 - she has a physical disability but copes well in the class. Again recommended by physio.

Parents have to stay (sit watching)

Your daughter would fit in well in DD's class from the sound of her.

Would also agree with rainbows suggestion - rainbows take from 5 but can be a long wait list.

[Chundle]

My dd has ADHD she gies to taekwondo which has many kids with dyspraxia and behaviour issues in the class. And she is also part of a football team, her club accepts all children regardless and they have a few who have varying issues such as deafness, AS etc. Think it's just a matter of finding the right all encompassing club x

[glitch]

I've put my DS on the list for Beavers for January. I'm going to speak to our county outreach team who I understand can provide a support worker for him so he can go without me. Have a look and see if your county do something similar.

He did do a gym class up until last year. They were so helpful and tried so hard to include him even though he is very disruptive and noisy (he runs away, wails and sceams). It only fell apart when the class size got much bigger and he just couldn't cope, the difficulty of him being in the class outweighed any benefit he might get from the activities in the end. I had a little cry when we decided that he didn't want to go anymore. Finding suitable classes / activities is so hard.

[intothewest]

I replied last night,but the message vanished !

DS has been going to a gym club for several years. He has been in a mainstream class when it fitted in,but now goes to a special needs class- If a child needs help (in mainstream class)in our gym a one to one is provided-

I would say it depends on your DD's level of need

DS has just started cubs,but I send a carer as he couldn't cope without a one to one- My friend sent her son who has Aspergers to Beavers,but went with him.

I have always been very open about my DS's difficulties (mmm they would be hard to hide !) and have always found activity providers helpful.

Oh and there's no waiting lists for cubs etc. here

[Dawndonna]

Mine do Taekwondo too. They love it and don't appear to have too many difficulties with any of the NTs. In fact the club appears to be very inclusive.