Parents have praised a family-friendly pub for going the extra mile for children with autism. The Puss In Boots pub, in Offerton, Stockport, has introduced a new concept where little ones can choose the pictures of the food they want to eat and stick it on their menu with Velcro.
The 'SEN-friendly menus' - standing for special educational needs - mean that even non-verbal children are given the independence to make their own choices. They were introduced after assistant manager Leah Hyde came up with the idea after experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be for families with additional needs to eat out.
"'My younger brother has multiple different needs including autism," said Leah. "Going through life with him has made me want to create a more inclusive future. Going out for a family meal is such a nice time and I wanted to try and make that experience as enjoyable for all families.
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"By being the assistant manager of the Puss In Boots I saw an opportunity to make a family pub even more inclusive. I hope this is a stepping stone for a more understanding future."
Bosses of the Almond Family Pubs chain are planning to introduce the menus at their other sites - the Spread Eagle in Romiley, Jolly Sailor in Stockport and the Fletchers Arms in Denton, Tameside.
Director Vicki Almond also knows just how much of a difference something like this can make to people's dining experiences. "My eldest daughter has learning difficulties so I understand first-hand how ideas like this make a huge difference to the experience of eating out," she said. "We are really proud of Leah for the idea and that we are able to introduce these visual menus at all four of our pubs.”
Puss In Boots customers have been full of praise for the idea after it was shared on the pub's Facebook page. Commenting on the post, which has attracted hundreds of likes, one mum said: "I am a SEN parent and a SEN teaching assistant and this is just amazing, thank you. What a difference this small change will make to your SEN customers' experiences."
"What an absolutely amazing thing to do," said another. "I wish all restaurants were like this. But hopefully they will follow suit, what a brilliant example you are setting, thank you."
Customers can simply ask a member of the team for the SEN menu and it will be brought to their table.
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