In just four weeks a disused Stevenage office has been transformed into a state-of-the-art nursery for autistic children.
TRACKS autism is an independent charity which supports children with the learning disability and related conditions.
It relies on donations to operate and successfully raised £376,000 to buy and renovate a disused office block in Boulton Road.
TRACKS chairman Mervyn Terrett accepted the keys on Monday for the building, which was renovated by Stevenage-based Herts Business Award winners Conamar Building Services, and hopes to have it in use by early January.
He said the new building has a lot more space and is much better equipped to support the children’s complex needs than the current nursery in Mobbsbury Way. He added: “I have no doubt that it will be the finest autism centre in the country. It has bigger plays areas, a wet room and a wet play area.
“Outside there is a figure of eight race track and we will have a large sandpit and a shed for them to put all their toys in. It also has a room where children’s families can sleep or chat with other parents who also find themselves in similar situations.”
The centre operates on a one-to-one basis, much higher than normal nurseries, and Mervyn believes that despite its high cost it enables autistic children to integrate better into society.
He added: “It is proven that early intervention works. The support they get here can help them adapt and move into mainstream schools.” For more visit www.tracks-autism.org.uk.
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