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Opinions please - childrens centre for 2.5 year old D

3 replies

Firsttimer7259 · 17/04/2012 17:07

We have coped with our Ds GDD by using a lot more childcare than we had planned for. She has 3 days nursery and 2 days nanny. We have no other support and my H is ill so I need this because I cant cope with looking after her full time. Problem is what I earn to pay for all this childcare is a bit patchy and we need to re-think.

One option is to replace nanny or part of nanny with 1 or 2 mornings at the childrens centre. But this centre has its own OT and Physio that would replace the ones we currently have. I worry that the provision at the Childrens Centre may be less good as it comes under the education funding rather than health funding. And the centre couldnt tell me how much time the OT or physio would spend on my D, also they wouldnt speciy what is done with ASD ('therapy') Its poss my D is autistic. The children to staff ratio at the centre is 5:1. (Our mainstream nursery is applying for an additional support worker for part the day for when D goes from 3:1 to 4:1 - they think she will need help with transitions and to participate fully) I know the childrens centre staff will have more experience with SN but 5:1??

WWYD?

OP posts:
Ineedalife · 17/04/2012 17:30

Hmm difficult for you, have you been to visit the children's centre and met the staff especially the manager and senco? I am a great believer in gut instinct and how a place feels.

The ratio is wrong though it should be 1:4 for under 3's i think, rising to 1:8 after 3.

If it was me, i would take her with you when you visit and see what the staff are like with her.

Fwiw, the 2 childrens centres that i have been to for training have been excellent and well resourced.

Good luckSmile.

EllenJaneisnotmyname · 17/04/2012 18:15

It's 1:4 for under 3's, isn't it? Is it a SEN group at the children's centre? I agree with Ineed, you need to visit preferably during a session.

Hellenbach · 17/04/2012 22:40

Can you apply for funding for the nursery place? Where we live 2 year olds can receive funding if you meet the criteria regarding income and/or special needs.
The children's centre ratio might be mixed age groups. My DS attended a centre for 18 months to 3 years with a ratio of 1:5
We applied for inclusion funding to provide a 1:1 support worker for him.

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