to use this childcare although it is for 'deprived' families

[ChirpyGirl]

I was talking to HV earlier about finding a playgroup where DD1 (2.3) can go for a few hours a week to get used to other grownups looking after her and larger groups of kids than she is used to.
She mentioned that as I live in a deprived area of town I would be eligible for a free childcare place in some nurseries and could take that.
I am a SAHM and don't need the childcare but it would be nice for reasons above and as I have another DD (7months) so would be nice to have time with just her for swimming etc.

Is that out of order for me to 'take' a place that could go to someone who might desperately need it? I am not deprived/poverty line but would have to budget closely to find money for this if I had to pay.

Opinions?

They can probably spell too [blush}

yeah but no but. DS has big problems with language (12 months ago assessed as being severely delayed with speech and understanding). I felt far more confident that a Surestart led group would be sympathetic (and appropriately trained)to deal with his problems with language than a bogstandard private run jojingles/musical minis type group.

I'm confused why would jojingles be in any way equipped to deal with severe language etc dalay? It's 30 minutes of banging a tambourine isn't it.

I would have thought you should be getting proper advice about that kind of stuff from a Dr/SALT/physio etc according to problem, have you been to see your GP to get referred?

I was advised by HV and private SALT to take DS to as many mainstream toddler groups as possible, to help with his social and language skills. Music groups are useful as they encourage listening skills, which are important in developing speech and communication skills.

ahh
you must have been bored senseless

there's only so many times I can sing the wheels on the bus without falling asleep...

Bit you had to get private SALT

oh I see my post about "deal with language" wasn't well expressed - by deal with I didn't mean give him speech therapy - just that the people would be understanding if he didn't follow instructions/concentrate at story time as well as the other kids his age.

in terms of private SALT - I first "knew" something was amiss when DS was 2.3 - couldn't get referral until DS was 3.0 - and then there was an 8 month wait for first assessment. So I didn't want to hang on any longer once he was 3 - as by 3, it's a lot less likely that a late talker will magically sort themselves out and catch up without intervention.

ah
We went to monkey music once and the woman got her knickers very knotted about where my dc sat then they twirled round with a chiffon scarf for 10 minutes.

we never went back

they hounded us for weeks by phone to register (even got cheery phone call number 22 to tell me we were all registered for next term!)

that's a long wait