USW nursery for children with developmental delays awards scholarship for fourth year

The University of South Wales (USW) offers an Early Intervention Service (EIS) providing specialised support for children, aged six and under, with autism or developmental delays. For the last four years, they have awarded a family a scholarship, which has enabled their child to attend the service free of charge.

The service, which is celebrating 10 years since opening, looks like any other nursery setting but uses behaviour analytic therapy, a proven approach to help children develop essential communication, play and learning skills. Staffed by a team of qualified nursery and clinical staff, and supported by students studying psychology at USW, therapy is provided in a one-to-one and group-based format.

The means-tested scholarship allows families, that might otherwise be unable to access services, to receive therapy free of charge. This scholarship is funded by charitable donations and is named in memory of Emma Abberley - a dedicated USW student who was passionate about helping children with additional learning needs and sadly passed away. The scholarship continues Emma’s legacy by offering assistance to families in need.

Christopher Seel, Clinical Lead at USW, said: “At the EIS we support children with language and communication delays who are not able to express their wants and needs. We are passionate about giving children a voice, whether that be via picture exchange, helping them with speech development, or teaching sign language.”

Penny Abberley, Emma’s mother, said: “Emma loved volunteering at the clinic. Spending time with the children was her purpose in life. Through the scholarship this purpose lives on.

“The scholarship is Emma's legacy and I and Emma's family hope that the scholarship will go on for many more years improving the lives of the children and their families.

“We are grateful to the University and all those who help to make the scholarship possible. Emma had so much more to give and, through the scholarship, I hope she will be remembered for the love and passion she had for helping children with autism and for that I will always be truly grateful.”

The scholarship has received funding from Emma Abberley’s family but also raises funds from events such as the annual USW Psychology student ball. The team at EIS are delighted to be able to offer this scholarship once again and hope to be able to do so for many years to come. Donations are welcome to the scholarship fund by clicking this link or contacting the [email protected].