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Making friends: Abi and Fraser’s story

“Now, he is much more confident with other children we meet, and even talks about some of his friends and teachers at the nursery when we’re at home.”

My son Fraser started at Big Life’s nursery in Longsight just after his third birthday.

Fraser has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and finds it very difficult to think or talk about anything not in the here and now.

He was very difficult to communicate with, and avoided interaction with other children, preferring to be on his own.

Fraser was happy to go to nursery, but refused to join in any group activities. The staff at the nursery worked hard with Fraser, to encourage him to join in and sit with the others at meal and story times.

Gradually, as the staff spent time with him and supported him, Fraser began to sit with other children for longer, until he felt comfortable with the groups.

He also became potty-trained, which he hadn’t been previously, after help from the staff and seeing the other children going to the toilet.

Now, he is much more confident with other children we meet, and even talks about some of his friends and teachers at the nursery when we’re at home.

Sometimes he will even tell me about his day at the nursery and what he has done. The lovely people and fun activities at Longsight Nursery have made such an impression on him.

When I come to collect him, the staff are so friendly and tell me about what he has been up to – sometimes he doesn’t want to leave! He’s even been on a trip to Blackpool Zoo with the rest of the children at the nursery!

By the end of his first year, I noticed such a change when picking him up; I would often find him playing in a small group of children, joining in role-playing games, and generally being much more sociable than I have ever seen him before.

It’s given me confidence that Fraser will be able to settle in fine at school if he is given the right support, like he has been at Big Life’s nursery. Having said that, we will be very sad to leave!

Thank you to everyone who has helped Fraser – we are very grateful to you all.

Longsight Nursery gives children aged 0-4 the chance to learn through imagination, creativity and play in a safe, fun space.