A child care centre has achieved an award recognising their centre as ‘autism friendly’.

Part of the adult community learning college, Carmelite House, Maldon, The Friary Playcentre won a bronze award for an Early Years Autism Friendly setting.

The award means staff have an understanding of conditions such as autism and how they need to meet the needs of children with autism at such a young age.

The award was presented by Lisa Morley, Chris Perkins and Sue Young, of Essex County Council part of Maldon specialist teaching and preschool services to Denise Holden and the rest of her team at the Maldon centre last Friday during a Christmas craft morning.