Babies and young children, who have a health condition like spina bifida or hydrocephalus, may require specialised care, support and teaching to reduce the effect of their condition on learning. Children with spina bifida may also need support with physical needs such as mobility and catheterisation.
If you are seeking suitable childcare for your child, expert advice is vital. This short guide will point you in the direction of the advice needed when looking for appropriate childcare.
When choosing childcare for a child with additional needs, parents and carers may have specific ideas about the type of care they are seeking.
Make sure you have a list of questions to ask and things to look out for, such as:
If your child has additional needs, it is a good idea to join the Disabled Children’s Register in your area. By registering with the Disabled Children’s Register, you can request an assessment of your child’s needs, which will identify the level of support they may require from a childcare provider.
Your health visitor or your local Family Information Service (FIS), can help you to register. Find your local FIS here.
Wales and Northern Ireland do not have Disabled Children’s Registers.
In Wales, there is a local Family Information Service (FIS) in each local authority area which can provide information about a range of services. Parents and carers can also contact their local FIS for information on childcare options in their area and help with childcare costs.
In Northern Ireland, Health Visitors and Child Development Clinics are the main “local” point of referral. More information can be found by visiting your health trust http://online.hscni.net/hospitals/health-and-social-care-trusts or at https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk
Action for Children have a search tool on their website to help find a children’s centre near you in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
England
Your Local Offer - Each Local Authority in England has a Local Offer, which lists all the SEND provision and services in your area for children, young people and adults. It contains a wealth of information including local childcare services.
Ofsted - Registered childcare can be found by looking on the Ofsted Childcare Register – You can also check if your childcare is registered with Ofsted here
Coram Family and Childcare has guidance to support families, as they choose suitable childcare for their child with additional or complex needs. They also have information on group settings, childminders, home carers and real stories to read. You can sign up to their newsletter for updates.
Coram Family and Childcare have also devised their Childcare Finder and 5 steps to choosing childcare
Contact provides useful advice on early years support
Northern Ireland
Visit www.nidirect.gov.uk or www.familysupportni.gov.uk for information
Wales
Click here for more information
England
You may be entitled to 15 hours or even 30 hours free childcare for your child. If your child has additional needs, you should not be charged any additional fees. You can apply here
Coram Family and Childcare provide further information on help with childcare costs or contact your local Independent Advice and Support Service. Find yours here
Wales
Contact your local Family Information Service for support with finding childcare.
In Wales, children aged three and four can get up to 30 hours of free childcare per week if they are eligible, with a guaranteed 10 hours per week for all three and four-year-olds, as part of the Foundation Phase. Free childcare for three and four-year-olds is also known as 'the childcare offer for Wales'.
Click here for further information or contact SNAP CYMRU for advice.
Northern Ireland
NI Direct provide detailed information and guidance on ‘childcare for a child with disabilities’
Family Support NI provide a search directory for childcare providers in Northern Ireland, and also give detailed information on help with childcare costs
In NI, working parents of children under 12 may be eligible for help with childcare costs through the Tax-free childcare scheme. Click here for further information
Information about the conditions for childcare providers
Once you have chosen the right childcare provider, you may want to give advice about your child’s condition. In order to help you, Shine has information on the possible effects of the conditions on learning and effective teaching strategies for early years settings.
You can also contact Shine for specialist advice by telephoning 01733 555988 or clicking here to email us