After-school and school holiday childcare provisions for disabled children

[plainjayne123]

Does anyone now what is available for after-school and school holiday childcare provisions for disabled children? Any possibilities would be very welcome.

There's nothing here for ds. He did used to attend an after school club but quickly had issues with the other children (he's being assessed for Aspergers). You could try a childminder? Your local council may be able to tell you if they have provisions, they have a lot less children so it may be better than an after school club. I found it easier to work from home as I could change my hours to suit him.

We never found anything that DS could access, we sorted out childcare within the family instead. If I couldn't have done that, I'd have looked for a childminder who was willing and able to listen and adapt.
It is a thankless and challenging task.

Our child has severe physical and learning disabilities, he will be in a wheelchair and he will be going to a special school. At the moment he goes to a mainstream nursery but that won't be possible when he is older of course. There must be parents of disabled children who work fulltime and I am wondering how they manage to do this??

OK thanks.

Over the years we've used a mix of nannies, after school clubs, school clubs, neighbours and family. It hasn't been easy at all.

Your best bet is to talk to all the parents at the nursery, ask staff and those at the special school he will attend. Local support groups for children with disabilities similar to your child's. They will know of the options available to you in your area.

DS goes to a special school - none of the pupils have access to after school care / clubs - a few lucky ones do get respite now and again.

It's not easy to find childcare.

we have various groups - a scout group, a daycare service during holidays, SENSE do holidays for disabled kids as do the NCDS. We also get respite on a regular basis - i wouldn't say we were lucky, it wasn't easy to obtain but its there if you can get it. There is also some saturday PHAB clubs here as well. Your local council should be able to point you in the right direction.

It depends what area you are in, I think.

DD1 goes to special school and has access to KIDS which provide an afterschool club on site, 3 nights per week (she is only allowed to access one of these, though) and every other Saturday (she gets about one Saturday in 6).

I'm no expert in this, but doesn't it depend upon the type of disablility/SN? A child with mobility problems won't need the same provisions as an autistic child. It may be a good idea for the OP to contact the school and as for suggestions.

We had a wonderful childminder, and there is also another child minder who has a young lad in a wheelchair come to her after school.

The Council has a duty to provide childcare including for disabled children under Childcare Act, but its one of those Acts with no teeth, so as you can see most don't bother. Childminders and nannies are pretty much the only options, which can be hard to find, so most parents are forced to give up work or go part-time. Most children get transport to special school to and from school which can make the day a bit longer.

I have just found this information which I will investigate:
www.guidepoststrust.org.uk/oxfordshire/children-young-peoples-services/all-round-holiday-after-school-clubs/

That looks like a good start. Also check out your local council and children's disabilities team - but your best bet is other parents. Does your child's future school run a parents' group?