Special needs

[anyoneoutthere]

I have been nannying for about 10 years, but i have no special needs experience. I would very much like to gain this - but how? Special needs agencies wont take me on without it
Any ideas how to start?

do you have time to help out in a special school once a week? They're always looking for volunteers to help with swimming, riding, general day-to-day stuff and so on. I'm sure they'd love someone with childcare experience.

If you work during the week, maybe you could help out at a weekend playscheme for children with SN. In my area Barnados run a Saturday playscheme - there will be someone at your council who knows about what's on offer for children with SN locally and should be able to point you in the right direction.

You can come and work for me for a few months if you like! I'm about to lose my AP and haven't found a replacement. (I'm in Kent)

Alternatly you could volunteer at a SN toddler group or nursery school. Another way may be to take a Portage course (2 days less than £50 iirc) and help out at a Portage family group (like a toddler group) or shadow a Portage worker.

I need to be working during the week (morgage, bills etc...!!)
I have been applying for nanny jobs and mothers help jobs for children with SN. Either i dot hear anything, or they say no. Its so frustrating!!!

Many parents of SN children get direct payments. These are used to give the family support and respite.

If you look in the local free paper or council website chance is that you will find parents advertising who would be glad of an applicant with child care experience.

You could probably find someone whose needs fit around your current commitments

Yes ive had experience ofdirect payments - they are a great idea.
Ive just looked on my councils website and unfortunately there was nothing

Might i suggest you repost this in the special needs section too?

Ok i will - thanks lottiejenkins