IPOP History
IPOP began as a pilot scheme of Barnet Play Association in November 1994. We started because we found that no disabled children went to playschemes or after-school clubs in the London Borough of Barnet.
So, that Christmas we supported 3 children at one scheme.
The response was amazing.
Now IPOP is 12 years old!
How we have grown!
Last year we supported over 300 children and young people at over 25 playschemes. And we continue to grow.
We discovered that disabled children and young people had difficulties attending music lessons, football clubs, and dance & drama classes so we have created this provision.
As our first children became older and their needs changed we found that they needed youth clubs to socialise. So, we worked with local partners and the Inclusive Youth Clubs project was created. Youth clubs now meet 4 times a week at different places around the Borough and organise holiday activities.
It's difficult going off on holiday without mum and dad so, last year we enabled over 60 young people to go on adventure holidays.
Parents of disabled children sometimes find it difficult to meet other parents in a similar situation. We now have a parent support programme where stories are exchanged, friendships are made and new skills learned.
We realised that families can find it difficult to go away on holiday on their own so, for the past two years we have organised a group family holiday, visiting Haling Island with 12 families most recently.
To meet these needs our workforce has grown from just three to over 100. To ensure that all our staff are well trained we have developed a comprehensive training programme. Our training sessions are becoming an increasingly valued resource in the community attended by parents and other professionals. Last year over 550 training places were provided, with over a third being attended by non-IPOP staff.
