Having access to quality childcare can be an issue for any family, but it may be particularly important - and often more difficult - if you are looking after a disabled child. You may want to organise childcare so that your child has an opportunity to meet other children; to allow you a break from your caring responsibilities; or to spend more time with your other children. If you are in a job already, or would like to start work for the first time, then access to reliable childcare may be a crucial issue. This guide aims to provide information about the different forms of childcare which may be available; any help you might be able to claim to pay for childcare; and where to go for help in finding out more about childcare in your area. We have also provided a list of useful contacts at the end of this guide which includes the relevant contact details for all of the organisations mentioned in the text.
Contents:
Types of Childcare
Childcare can take many forms ranging from formal (paid) childcare such as childminders, nurseries and out of school provision, to unpaid childcare from friends and family. In some parts of the country childcare and other support services are also increasingly available via your local school or children’s centre. The best type of childcare for you will depend on your child and your circumstances.
Unfortunately, in many areas the choice of childcare options available to parents with disabled children is limited. This may be for a number of reasons: a lack of existing, appropriate services; problems in accessing funding for equipment and extra staff; and, sometimes, negative attitudes of some childcare providers. Also, if your child has additional needs that require a greater level of support, then childcare costs may be higher.
In the future, when a new Childcare Bill becomes law, local authorities in England and Wales will be responsible for ensuring sufficient childcare is available to working parents with disabled children.
Informal childcare from friends and family
Many parents rely on informal support from friends and relatives to help look after their children. Having a carer that you already know and trust can make arranging childcare much more straightforward. However, you should make sure that any friend or family member you intend to use is physically fit enough to care for your child and has at least a basic knowledge of childcare essentials.
Informal childcare will often be free. However, sometimes circumstances may mean that you have to pay a friend or relative to look after your child. Where this applies there are two main issues to be aware of:
• informal childcare costs are usually not met by the benefits and tax credits system. See section on Working Tax Credit for more details. • if you pay someone to look after a child for more than 2 hours a day and the care is provided at that person’s home, then they may have to register as a childminder - whatever your relationship to them. For more information on who must register, see section below on
Childminders.
Not all parents will be fortunate enough to have an informal network of friends and relatives around to help. Even if you are able to make use of informal childcare periodically, your friends or relatives may not be available at the specific times you need or they may not be able to commit their time on a regular basis. Sometimes a carer's circumstances may change which may mean that they can no longer provide all, or some of, the childcare you have come to rely on. For these sorts of reasons many parents may have to look at more formal childcare arrangements.
Registered and approved childcare
Childcare needs to be safe, as well as fun, for your child, so it is important that any service you use is reliable and off a high quality. Most forms of childcare are required to be registered to ensure they meet minimum standards. Many childcare providers also take part in quality assurance schemes that shows they have gone further and meet higher standards which involve including disabled children; look for a quality kitemark or ask the provider.
Who is responsible for registering childcare providers
The body responsible for registering childcare providers will vary depending on where in the UK you live.
- In England, the responsible body is OFSTED;
- in Wales it is the Care Standards Inspectorate Wales;
- in Scotland, the Care Commission;
- in Northern Ireland it is the responsibility of local Health and Social Services Trusts. Contact details available at http://www.childcarechoices.n-i.nhs.uk
These bodies not only register providers but are also responsible for inspecting and regulating them, including dealing with any complaints about the standard of care that they provide. Contact details for each of these organisations can be found in the useful contacts section at the end of this factsheet.
Childminders
A childminder is someone who cares for other people’s children in her own home and who is paid for this care. Most childminders are parents themselves and care tends to be provided in a family environment, offering a mixture of care, play and learning. Childminders are self-employed and some can be very flexible in the hours they offer. In some areas there are networks of childminders who have received training to work with disabled children. Contact your local Children's Information Service, Children's Centre or national Childminding Association for more details.
Which childminders must be registered?
- Childminders in England and Wales who are looking after children under the age of 8;
- Childminders in Scotland if they care for a child under 16;
- Childminders in Northern Ireland if they care for a disabled child under 16 (or another child under 12).
Where a childminder is registered, their premises will have been inspected to make sure the childminder is a suitable person and to sets limits on the numbers of children that can be looked after at any one time.
If a childminder in England looks after children aged 8 or over (i.e. before and after school or in school holidays) they do not have to be registered. However, they can choose to become "approved" under the Childcare Approval scheme instead or complete a DfES approved quality assurance scheme. This may allow their care charges to be counted for Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Day Nurseries
Day nurseries provide childcare, education and play for pre-school children. They are usually open all day but not at evenings or weekends. While there are different types of nurseries, including private, community, council and workplace nurseries, all must be registered and inspected. Some council-run nurseries offer subsidised places to those children who are considered to be most in need.
After school clubs and other out-of-school care
Out-of-school clubs (sometimes called kids clubs) provide childcare and other activities for school-age children before and after the school day and during the school holidays. Often these are based on school sites, but they may also be in community centres, churches, nurseries or linked to a children’s centre. These clubs can be run by the school or by a voluntary, community or private organisation. Some play-workers and other staff that work in after school clubs will have experience of caring for disabled children but you may need to work with other staff to build their confidence and understanding in meeting your child’s needs.
In England, the government wants schools to offer a range of services to their local communities, including the integration of health and social services, childcare and family support. As a result, schools (including special schools) should increasingly be open from 8am to 6pm, and during the holidays. This initiative is known as extended schools services.
Extended school services have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of families with disabled children. However, barriers such as inflexible transport and a lack of expertise in offering these extended services need to be overcome before families with disabled children will be able to take full advantage. Contact a Family and other organisations are working with local authorities, schools and government to ensure families with disabled children get access to extended school services. For more information on extended schools visit http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/extendedschools
Extended schools are also being developed in Northern Ireland. There are also similar initiatives to create Community Focused schools in Wales and Integrated Community Schools in Scotland. Some of these schools include childcare in the range of services they offer.
Childcare for older children and young people
Disabled children may continue to need childcare well beyond the usual ages for children who are not disabled. As your child gets older, you may find it a struggle to find appropriate care. Services, activities and support for young people are often inadequate, un-coordinated and under funded. However, campaigns such as Make Space, run by 4Children, are developing a network of clubs in England for young people, many of which are inclusive. Contact 4Children for further information.
The Scottish Executive has developed a Framework for Out of School Care which requires local authorities to make plans to meet the demand for services for older children in their area.
Pre-schools and playgroups
Offering part-time care and education for children aged between 2-5, pre-schools and playgroups are run by voluntary groups and are usually managed by a parent management committee. Sessions tend to last for about 3 hours, although some groups are now offering extended or even full daycare. Pre-schools and playgroups are registered and annually inspected. In some areas, groups, known as opportunity groups, have been set up specifically for disabled children. See useful contacts section for details of organisations offering advice on pre-school provision in your area.
Nursery schools and classes
Nursery schools are usually open school hours during term time. Although a nursery school is independent of any school for older children, with its own head teacher and staff, it may feed into a specific primary school. Children can attend all day or just on a sessional basis. Some primary schools also offer nursery classes to pre-school children. Both nursery schools and nursery classes usually cater for 3 and 4 year olds but some will accept younger children.
Children's Centres
Children’s centres are being developed across the country, aiming to serve children and their families until the child starts primary school. In Wales this takes the form of Integrated Children’s Centres, while some areas in Scotland have Children and Families Centres offering a range of services including childcare. In England the intention is to have a Sure Start children’s centre in each community by 2010. Each centre will offer integrated services (health, education, family support and childcare), outreach to parents, a base for childminders, and links with Jobcentre Plus and schools.
Government guidance aimed at helping local authorities in England to develop Sure Start children's centres says they should offer disabled children and their families:
- Family support services (for example, training in managing sleep problems, challenging behaviour, etc.)
- Portage (home-visiting services)
- Therapy services (physiotherapy, speech & language, etc.)
- Information & advice
- Counselling and support
Short-term breaks
It is sometimes possible to get the social services department to agree to fund services (often called respite care), in order to give you a short-term break from caring. Services usually involve your child going to stay elsewhere for a short time - for example, where your child is looked after by another family who have been trained to care for disabled children. Some parents have successfully argued for services to be organised on a regular basis to allow them to work part-time. See also the section on social services help and direct payments. You may also find our factsheet on assessments and services helpful - ring the helpline for a free copy.
Childcare in your own home
You may feel that it is essential that your child is cared for in their own home. For instance, there may be a need for bulky equipment or specially adapted facilities. Care in your own home can also simply be more convenient as there will be no need to drop off and pick up your children. Some parents may recruit a nanny or an au pair via an agency, while others may look to advertise and recruit a childcarer themselves. Although many do have nursery nurse or childcare training, there is no requirement for a home childcarer to have any qualifications. There is also no central register of home childcarers, so you will be responsible for vetting anyone you employ.
In order to get help with the costs of home care in Scotland or Wales via the benefits and tax credits system, you must use a registered provider. In England and Northern Ireland the situation is more flexible since it is possible for someone providing care to a child in the child's own home to become approved under a Childcare Approval Scheme. Once approved, that carer's charges will become eligible to be met by the tax credits and benefits system.
In order to be approved under the Childcare Approval Scheme, a childcarer must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have a relevant qualification or have attended an approved induction course in childcare;
- Have a paediatric first aid certificate from within the last 3 years;
- Undergo an enhanced disclosure check to ensure that they are an appropriate person to look after children.
For more information about how someone can become approved in England contact the Childcare Approval Scheme Helpline on Tel: 0845 767 8111 or go to http://www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk.
For more information on the home childcarers approval scheme in Northern Ireland go to http://www.childcarechoices.n-i.nhs.uk.
Childcare in the child's home (Wales)
Since February 2007 it has been possible for someone in Wales who provides care in a child's own home to become approved under the Childcare Approval Scheme for Wales. Once approved under this scheme, a carer's charges become eligible to be met by tax credits.
For more information about the Childcare Approval Scheme in Wales, Tel: 0844 736 0260 Web: http://www.childcareapprovalschemewales.org.uk
New voluntary childcare register (England)
In April 2007, OFSTED introduced a new childcare register. Childcare providers who are not compelled to be registered by law can however opt to register on a voluntary basis. This may apply to:
- Carers looking after a child in the child's home;
- Childminders looking after a child aged 8 or over in the carer's home;
- Activity based care for children under 8 that does not require compulsory registration.
If a childcare provider registers under the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register, then their charges will be eligible to be met by tax credits.
This new voluntary scheme will replace the Childcare Approval Scheme (CAS) in England from October 2007. Between April and September, a childcarer has the option of applying either to CAS or to the new scheme. For further details on the voluntary part of the childcare register, Tel: 08456 40 40 40.
Coming across discrimination?
Childminders, nurseries and other childcare providers must not discriminate on grounds of disability, race or gender. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, any childcare provider must make "reasonable adjustments" so that disabled children will be able to use their facilities. This might include adapting premises to make them accessible or training staff to use special equipment. However, what is seen as reasonable will depend on the resources available to that childcare provider and other relevant factors. This means that more would normally be expected from a large nursery than a childminder.
Call the Disability Rights Commission or the body responsible for registering the childcare (eg OfSTED) if you are concerned that the childcare provider is not doing enough to include your child. Contact details are in the useful contacts section.
Getting help in an emergency
Sometimes, even the most reliable childcare arrangements can break down at short notice. For instance, your child may be too ill to attend the usual placement, or your childminder may be unwell or your nursery may be closed due to industrial action. It can be useful to have a plan of action to cover any such eventualities. Are there any friends or relatives who can provide temporary childcare in an emergency? Is there a local nanny agency that can provide a carer for a few days at short notice? Will your local social services be willing to provide care services in an emergency?
Time off work when care arrangements break down
You are entitled to some time off work to deal with an emergency involving the care of a dependant child. This does not cover situations of which you have advance warning. In addition, the time off is usually unpaid, although this will depend on the terms of your contract of employment. The time you get off is to allow you to make alternative care arrangements, rather than to provide care yourself for a prolonged period. Detailed advice on the right to time off for dependants is available from ACAS on Tel: 08457 474747 or go to http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/timeoff.htm
Help with Childcare costs
Childcare is usually expensive, sometimes more so for disabled children. For example, your child’s disabilities might necessitate a greater level of care and support which means your childminder has to reduce the number of other children she looks after. Given the costs involved it is important to find out about all potential sources of help with costs.
Free nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds
Every 3 and 4 year old is eligible for a free nursery place, commencing at the start of the term after their 3rd birthday. In practice the government meets the costs of two and half hours care a day, five days a week over the school term. If your child attends nursery for longer than this, you are likely to have to pay for the extra hours. Not all nurseries, schools and playgroups take part in this scheme. If you are having a problem finding a suitable place which offers free early education, you should raise the matter with your local education authority (or Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland).
Free nursery places in the future
By 2010 the free minimum entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds in England will increase to 15 hours per week, with parents able to take up the entitlement more flexibly, over a minimum of three days. The Welsh Assembly government are looking into offering free, part-time childcare for two-year-olds in certain areas.
Working Tax Credit - the childcare element
Working Tax Credit is a benefit for working families that is paid by HM Revenue and Customs. The amount of tax credits that you receive depends on your annual taxable income and on your family's circumstances, and it can include an amount towards certain childcare costs. This is known as the "childcare element" of Working Tax Credit.
In order to be eligible for the childcare element you must be at least 16 years old and either:
- A lone parent who works 16 hours or more a week; or
- A couple where you both work 16 hours or more a week; or
- A couple where one member of the couple works 16 hours or more a week and the other is classed as incapacitated (or is in hospital or prison).
So long as a child is on DLA or is registered blind, you can get help with eligible childcare costs up until the September after their 16th birthday, otherwise eligible childcare costs can only be included until the September after their 15th birthday.
What is the maximum amount of the childcare costs included in WTC?
The amount of childcare costs that can be met by tax credits is capped at £175 per week for 1 child, and £300 per week for 2 or more children. In addition only 80% of childcare costs can actually be met. This means that the most it is possible to actually receive towards your childcare is £140 per week for 1 child and £240 per week for 2 or more children. These are the maximum amounts payable, the actual amount that you receive will depend on your income and family circumstances.
What type of childcare costs will WTC help with?
Tax credits will only meet the costs of childcare that is registered or approved.
This includes:
- Registered childminders, nurseries, and playschemes
- Out of hours clubs run on school premises by a school or Local Authority
- Childcare schemes run by school governing bodies under the "extended hours scheme"
- Childcare schemes run by "approved" providers
- In England, a childcarer approved by the Childcare Approval Scheme
- In England and Wales, childcare in your own home provided by a domiciliary worker or nurse from a registered agency
- In Scotland, childcare in your own home provided by (or arranged through) a childcare agency, including sitter services and nanny agencies, which requires to be registered
- In N Ireland, childcare in your own home provided by a homecarer approved under the Northern Ireland Child Care Approval Scheme.
- Approved foster carers (but only where the care is for provided to a child they do not foster)
What if the childcare is provided by a relative?
Tax Credits will not meet with the costs of childcare in the child’s own home if the person providing that care is a relative of the child. This applies even if the relative is providing care that would otherwise be eligible, for example a relative who is an approved childcarer. "Relative" includes a parent, step-parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister, whether by blood, marriage or through a partner who is not a husband or wife. In addition you cannot get help towards childcare provided by a relative, in the relative's home, unless they are also providing care to other children they are not related to.
Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and childcare costs
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are both means tested benefits paid by the local authority. One provides help with rent, the other help in meeting council tax. When your entitlement to Housing and/or council tax benefit is worked out, the local authority will offset any eligible childcare costs against your earnings. This will increase your chances of receiving rent and/or council tax rebates.
In deciding who can get help with childcare, the types of childcare that can be taken into account and the amount of childcare that can be met, the local authority’s rules are almost identical to those outlined above for the childcare element. However unlike tax credits, 100% of eligible childcare can be taken into account rather than only 80% (subject to a cap of £175 per week for 1 child/£300 for 2 or more children).
Carer's Allowance and childcare costs
Carers Allowance is a benefit that is paid to carers looking after a severely disabled child or adult. One of the qualifying rules states that if the carer is working he or she can earn no more than £84 per week. In calculating earnings, certain deductions can be made including a deduction for any alternative care costs that the carer has when they are working. This means that if you are paying someone to look after your children when you are at work, it is possible to deduct these costs from your earnings.
The maximum amount that can be deducted for care is half of what otherwise would have been your net earnings. Unlike the other benefits mentioned above there is no need for the care to be registered or approved, so paying a friend or a neighbour to provide care counts. Unfortunately if you pay "a close relative" to provide care this will not be taken into account. Close relative includes a parent, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife or partner of either you or your child with disabilities.
New Deal schemes and help with childcare costs
The New Deal is a government programme which aims to help certain groups move from benefits into employment. There are two New Deal schemes to help with childcare costs, New Deal - Childcare Assist and New Deal - Childcare Subsidy.
New Deal - Childcare Assist
The childcare assist scheme provides one-off help with childcare costs in the week immediately before you start a new job. In this way you can be re-assured that your child has settled into childcare before you actually start in your new post. To qualify you must have been taking part in either the New Deal for Partners or the New Deal for Lone Parents. You must have a firm job offer with a start date, expect to work for at least 8 hours a week and have at least one child who requires care whilst you are at work. Only childcare bought from a registered or approved provider can be met.
New Deal - Childcare Subsidy
The childcare subsidy provides help with childcare costs if you start part-time work of less than 16 hours. To qualify you must have been taking part in the New Deal for Lone Parents or New Deal for Partners and the job in question must have been recommended by your New Deal personal adviser. Only certain approved forms of childcare can be met and the maximum payment is £67.50 for 1 child and £100 per week for 2 or more children. Payments of the subsidy are made directly to the childcare provider and can last for a maximum of 52 weeks.
In addition, if you are a lone parent your New Deal personal adviser may be able to help with childcare costs while you are on an approved training course or attending job interviews.
Further advice: If you want advice about any of the benefits mentioned above please call the Contact a Family Helpline. 0808 808 3555 (weekdays 10am-4pm and Monday evenings 5.30pm to 7.30pm) e-mail: helpline@cafamily.org.uk. We employ a welfare rights specialist who is able to give detailed advice about any aspect of claiming benefits and tax credits
Childcare Grant (England and Wales only)
Higher Education students in England and Wales may be eligible for a means tested childcare grant from your local Education Authority. This will only meet the costs of registered or approved childcare. You should ask for a childcare grant alongside your application for help with tuition fees and student loan. You may also be eligible for a Parents Learning Allowance to help meet course-related costs. Please note that you cannot receive a Childcare Grant if you already receive the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.
Care to Learn (England and Northern Ireland)
If you are a young parent under 19 and you want to continue in education at school or college or undertake training, you may be able to get help with childcare costs via the Care to Learn Scheme. You can get help towards the costs of registered childcare and travel to and from the childcare placement. Payments to cover childcare costs are made directly to the provider. To find out more about accessing Care to Learn funding in England contact Tel: 0845 600 2809 or go to http://www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn. For Northern Ireland contact your local Education and Library Board.
Welsh Assembly Learning Grant
Students who live in Wales may be able to access help with childcare costs via a learning grant from the Welsh Assembly. Contact your local authority for more details.
Childcare Grant for Lone Parents (Scotland)
A means tested grant towards registered childcare costs for lone parents in higher education. Paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
Childcare Grant Northern Ireland
Means tested grant for full time students in higher education with dependent children in registered or approved childcare. This cannot be paid if you receive the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. You can also apply for a parent’s learning allowance to help with course related costs.
NHS students childcare allowance
NHS funded students in England and Wales can apply for a means tested childcare allowance. For more details contact Tel: 0845 358 6655 in England and Tel: 029 2026 1495 in Wales . You cannot receive an NHS Childcare Allowance if you already receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. There is also a childcare allowance for lone parents on nursing and midwifery courses in Scotland - contact Tel: 0131 4768212 for more details.
Childcare Support Funds, Access to Learning Funds and Hardship Funds (UK wide)
In addition your college/university may be able to offer help with childcare via their own discretionary funds. Some colleges offer free or subsidised places at their own nurseries while others may help you pay for registered childcare elsewhere. As well as specific funding for childcare, colleges and universities usually have their own hardship funds to help students with the costs of studying (known as Financial Contingency Funds in Wales). This can include help with child care costs (including informal childcare costs). Help from these Funds are at the discretion of the education provider. Contact your student welfare service for more information.
More detailed information on help with childcare costs for students in England is available from the NUS Welfare Unit on Tel: 0871 221 8 221 (Tues, Wed and Fri 2-4pm).Students in Scotland should contact NUS Scotland on Tel: 0131 556 6598 while students in Northern Ireland can call NUS-USI on Tel: 028 9024 4691. Students in Wales should contact their local student union.
Workplace childcare, childcare vouchers and salary sacrifice
Some employers offer support with childcare costs by either offering workplace childcare or by offering childcare vouchers so that an employee can buy registered or approved childcare. This is usually done via a "salary sacrifice scheme" whereby an employee agrees to accept lower earnings in return for the assistance with their childcare. Neither the employee nor the employer has to pay tax or National Insurance on the first £55 per week of childcare support. This effectively saves money on childcare costs.
Any employee offered the option of help with childcare via a salary sacrifice scheme should seek detailed advice about the possible impact on any future entitlements to pensions, benefits and tax credits. For more information go to: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/money/viewsubsection.php?sun=32 or telephone the Contact a Family Helpline.
Social Services help and direct payments
It is possible to ask your local social services department (Social Work Department in Scotland) to fund a package of care for your child. This can include care in order to give you a break or to allow you to juggle work and caring. If Social Services assess that there is a need for such services they may offer to provide these services to you themselves. However you have the option of asking for a direct payment instead. A direct payment allows you to buy in care services that your child has been assessed as needing.
The amount of a direct payment should be enough to cover all the costs involved in buying in the necessary care. However there will be a deduction made that is equivalent to any parental contribution that would have been charged, had the social services provided the care themselves.
Unfortunately in some local authority areas, social service departments appear unwilling to fund care packages in order to allow parents to take up paid employment. They sometimes appear to view help with childcare as less of a priority than other services for children in need. If your child is refused care services that you need in order to be able to work, you may wish to challenge this via the social services complaints procedure. Please call the Contact a Family Helpline for further information. Parents in England can also access "A Parent's Guide to Direct Payments" available free from the Department of Health on Tel: 08701 555 455.
Help from charitable trusts
In some cases a charitable trust may be willing to offer financial assistance with childcare costs to families on low incomes who are looking after a child with a disability. Telephone the Contact a Family Helpline for details of grant giving trusts.
Extra help for working parents in London
Childcare in London costs up to 25% more than in other parts of the UK. The Childcare Affordability Programme has been set up to help working parents in London who are on low and middle incomes. Under this scheme, the Programme will provide a participating childcare provider with up to £30 per week in additional funding for a place for a qualifying child. In order to qualify you must receive tax credits of more than £545 a year (more than £1,090 if you have a child under 1 year). Places are subject to availability. For more information, contact your local Children's Information Service (see section on help in finding childcare in your area) or go to http://www.lda.gov.uk/childcare
Help in finding childcare in your area
The sorts of childcare available can vary greatly from area to area. In some places there may be specific services that have been developed for children with disabilities. Other areas may have projects which help families with a disabled child to access mainstream childcare. However in other places this sort of assistance may not be available.
Each local authority has a Children’s Information Service (Childcare Information Service in Scotland) which should be able to provide you with details of the various childcare providers in your area. To find out the contact details for your local Children’s Information Service phone ChildcareLink on Tel: 0800 096 0296 or visit http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk.
For details of childcare providers in Northern Ireland you should contact the Northern Ireland Childcare Advice and Information Helpline on Tel: 0800 028 3008 or visit http://www.employersforchildcare.org.
Case Study
A random telephone survey of thirty CISs across England in August 2005 showed a huge variety in the type of support and information offered to parents of disabled children. In many areas the CIS was unable to offer specific details on childcare suitable for disabled children, whether childcare workers had knowledge or skills of disability and others sent large volumes of irrelevant information.
Example of good practice
Redbridge CIS employs a children with disabilities information officer who is available to give dedicated advice and support on finding suitable childcare, access funding, and supports childcare providers access appropriate aid and equipment, training etc.
Contact a Family Lewisham's ACE National project are conducting audit of childcare, leisure activities and other services. This process will help improve information to parents, identify gaps in provision and put in place training to improve skills in the workforce.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of local knowledge in trying to find out about childcare in your area. You should try and ask other parents you meet about their experiences in finding childcare. Children centres and schools will also have an increasing role to play in signposting and providing childcare themselves.
The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 law means that carers’ assessments in England and Wales must consider whether the carer works or wishes to work, study and their opportunity for leisure activities. Therefore the professional conducting these interviews (usually social services departments) should have information available on childcare and other alternative care services available locally. Other professionals you come into contact with should also be able to help as it is important they do not solely focus on the medical needs of your child.
Another service now available to find out about schools, childcare and nurseries near you, including OfSTED reports, out of school care and contact details is http://schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk/ (England only).
Other local authority departments can also help you find childcare such as the early years and childcare team (sometimes called the EYDCP or Sure Start). Some have inclusion workers/projects responsible for ensuring the views of disabled children, young people and their parents are sought regarding the development of local childcare. In some parts of the country local authorities have childcare partnerships who aim to develop childcare services in line with local needs.
You can also try the youth service and Connexions/ Careers Service in your area for older children. Many local and national voluntary organisations also help find and provide childcare.
Making sure that a childcare place is suitable for your child
Once you have identified a childcare provider who has a place available you need to assess whether this service will be able to meet your child’s needs. While you may wish to seek the views of other parents who have used a particular childcare provider, the best way to find out about a service is visit it yourself to see how you feel about it. There are some things about the service that you will be able to see when you visit but there are likely to be a number of issues you will only about through asking questions.
- Do the childminder or childcare staff seem positive about the children they are caring for?
- Do other children appear to be settled and happy in the setting?
- Is there a good range of activities and equipment available for the children?
- Does the childminder or childcare staff have any experience of children with disabilities?
- Do the staff seem to have a "can do" attitude to adapting activities and making things work for your child?
- Do they make you feel welcome and do you feel confident that they will keep you involved in the way your child is looked after?
You will also need to talk to any potential childcare provider about any special needs that your child has. Try and think about any particular issues that a carer may need to deal with in looking after your child (e.g. will staff need any special training). If your child requires medication you will need to make sure that there is a clear policy about storing, giving and recording medication.
Some parents like to spend some time with the childcarer initially, so that you can pass on tips on how to manage your child’s disability. You will be the best person to discuss your child’s needs. The community nurse or any other health professionals that work with your child may be able to train and support the childminder or childcare staff. Your local council will have information about any funding for staff training or funding to help pay for additional staff, specialised equipment or adaptations that would allow a childcare provider to offer a place to child whose needs they would otherwise have had difficulties meeting. Some childminding networks give extra training and support for childminders that look after disabled children.
Future Government Initiatives in England and Wales
The Childcare Bill which is currently before Parliament, is the first ever piece of legislation specifically on early years and childcare. Under this legislation which is expected to come into force in 2008, local authorities will have to ensure there is sufficient childcare in their area to meet the needs of working families with disabled children (up to the age of 16). Local authorities will also have to provide improved information on childcare to all parents and other services available locally; this should hopefully improve parent’s choices in finding childcare. Contact a Family will be monitoring the situation so please let us know what is happening in your area.
Useful contacts
Childcare regulators
OFSTED. Regulates childcare provision in England. Contact Tel: 08456 404040 for general queries about childcare regulation and Tel: 0845 601 4772 if you have a complaint about a childcare provider. Web: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk
Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales. Regulates childcare provision in Wales. Contact National Office on Tel: 01443 848450 for details of contacts in your region. Web: http://www.csiw.wales.gov.uk/index.asp
The Care Commision. Regulates childcare provision in Scotland. Contact Tel: 0845 603 0890. Web: http://www.carecommission.com
Call the Disability Rights Commission on Tel: 08457 622633 for guidance on legal requirements relating to childcare providers
National childcare organisations
Daycare Trust. A national charity promoting high-quality, affordable childcare for everyone. Provides information about all aspects of childcare. Tel: 020 7840 3350 Web: http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk
National Childminding Association. For information on childminding and finding a childminder in England and Wales. Tel: 0845 880 0044 Web: http://www.ncma.org.uk
Scottish Childminding Association. For information on childminding and finding a childminder in Scotland. Tel: 01786 449063 Web: http://www.childminding.org
Northern Ireland Childminding Association. For information on childminding and finding a childminder in Northern Ireland. Tel: 02891 811015 Web: http://www.nicma.org
Pre-school Learning Alliance. Provides information on preschools and playgroups in England. Tel: 020 7697 2500 Web: http://www.pre-school.org.uk
Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association. Helps develop quality care and education in pre-school groups in Wales. Tel: 01686 624573 Web: http://www.walesppa.co.uk
Scottish Pre-school Play Association. Helps develop quality care and education in pre-school groups in Scotland. Tel: 0141 221 4148 Web: http://www.sppa.org.uk
National Day Nurseries Association. A membership organisation promoting high quality nursery provision. Provides lists of member nurseries as well as tips on choosing a quality nursery. Tel: 0870 774 4244 Web: http://www.ndna.org.uk
4Children (formerly Kids Club Network). Provides support and advice on out of school clubs Tel: 020 7512 2112 Web: http://www.4children.org.uk
Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs. Provides support and information to out of school childcare clubs across Wales. Tel: 029 2074 1000 Web: http://www.clybiauplantcymru.org
The Scottish Out of School Care Network. Offers advice and information in Scotland to parents and childcare providers regarding out of school care and care for school aged children. Tel: 0141 564 1284 Web: http://www.soscn.org
NIPPA - the early years organisation. Charity promoting high quality childcare for children aged 0-14 and their families in Northern Ireland. Tel: 028 9066 2825 Web: http://www.nippa.org
Employers for Childcare. Provides support to parents in Northern Ireland in finding childcare. Also works with employers to encourage investment in employer-supported childcare places. Tel: 028 9261 0661 Web: http://www.employersforchildcare.org
Other help available
ACE (Action for Carers and Employment) National. Project looking at alternative care services available to support carers work. Tel: 020 7608 8742 Web: http://www.acecarers.org.uk
Working Families (Waving Not Drowning project). Provides advice on all aspects of combining work and caring. Tel: 020 7253 7243 Web: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/asp/family_zone/f_disability.asp
Early Support Programme. A government initiative seeking to improve services for families with a disabled child under the age of 3. Produces an early support family pack. Tel: 0845 602 2260 Web: http://www.earlysupport.org.uk
Other useful websites
Visit http://www.surestart.gov.uk for information on how to find the right childcare, paying for additional support and who to turn to for help. The also produce a useful booklet, "Looking for childcare?"
Visit http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk for information on all aspects of the children services agenda and other useful websites for parents and carers.
Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk for the widest range of government information and services
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