what childcare for DD?

[chocjunkie]

DD (3 with severely delayed/disordered language, sensory processing issues, APD) has just started at our local council nursery. they are very supportive and proactive re DD's needs. she has an IEP and is on EYA+.

the problem is, the nursery place is only for 15h/week. ATM, I am on maternity leave with DC2 which will run out in 4 month time - so for the time being, we are fine with the 15 hours she received as I am at home.

problem is, I don't know what to do once I have to return to work. I will need childcare for about 30 hours/week (I do part time).

before starting her new nursery, DD had been attending a private nursery. this place (with loads of hindsight) failed her terribly. they completely refused to acknowledge that DD has additional needs (I admit, I wasn't pushing for things enough either ) and therefore, didn't offer any extra help for her. suppose it was much easier for them to take our money and not bother about anything else (DD is very withdrawn and shy but never aggressive and disruptive, so didn't cause disruption at nurseryand it was easy to ignore her/her difficulties IYSWIM).

I am now really at loss as to what to do. where do I send DD1? she clearly needs a place that can support her. I wish I could just give up work but this isn't an option at all. my family lives quite far away and I only see them twice a year. so they can't help either?

any advise would be highly appreciated.

Is the council nursery only open for the 15 hrs or can you buy wrap around?

If you can't a childminder may be the way to go; lots of us attend loads of training to help children with additional needs and often have cared for other children with 'issues'. I think childminding is very adaptable

Does your LA have a Family Information Service. I'm pretty sure that the govt gave some money to LA's last year to looks at childcare for children with disabilities under something called DCATCH (don't ask me what it stands for). Our LA has a childcare advisor for families of disabled children who helps with visits to childminders and nursery settings to find something that can cater for the individual childs needs. Sadly all came 11 years too late for me though - I had to give up work when DD started school full time!

yep, council nursery only do 15h placements. I can't buy extra time there.

I never was really keen on a childminder but I appears I have to really think of it as an option.

@bbb - thanks. just googled and found a phone number of family info service for our council. will give them a bell later on.

I've done the Dcatch training