Sefton Council’s Autism Team have been pioneering a new project to ensure that wraparound childcare is accessible for as many children and families as possible and have been working with local schools and providers to improve access, understanding and inclusion for children with autism and other neurodivergent profiles.

Inclusivity Built In

The collaboration between the Council’s Autism Team and local childcare settings will see specialist training, practical tools, and tailored support offered directly to staff working in after school clubs and holiday childcare schemes across the borough.

Big Difference

The project aims to make wraparound childcare environments like breakfast clubs and after school clubs as autism friendly as possible and work with providers to make small changes that make a big difference. The team started their work in Marshside Primary School in Southport, you can see the impact of the changes in this video.

Councillor Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said:

"This is an important step in ensuring that every child in Sefton, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the opportunity to feel welcome, safe, and supported in all areas of their development — including social and play-based settings like after school clubs.

“Childcare around school times is so important for families to enable them to work alongside raising a family or care for relatives and for the children themselves, these environments are great for building friendships, confidence and independence.

“The best thing about creating neurodivergent friendly spaces is that it benefits us all and the changes being made create a more structured setting for all children allowing them choice and flexibility as well as learning from adults and being supported to do what they enjoy.”

Creating Inclusive Environments

As the project develops, childcare providers will benefit from:

• Specialist autism awareness guidance tailored to out-of-school settings
• Ongoing support and consultation from the Autism Team
• Practical strategies for creating inclusive environments and managing transitions

The programme has been developed in response to feedback from families and providers, highlighting a need for greater inclusion and confidence in supporting children with additional needs during out-of-school hours.

This initiative reflects Sefton’s broader commitment to inclusion and equality, ensuring every child and family can thrive in supportive, understanding communities.