Accessing EHCP funds for childcare?

[northernmamax]

I really don't know anything about this apart from in my sons last EHCP review they said we may be able to access his funds for anything we might need for him and his needs but that was as far as the conversation went.

My son is on the pathway for ASD/ADHD and has his needs. Me and his dad both work full time and need to access some kind of childcare for throughout the summer holidays coming up as we both can't risk taking that much time out of work, I'm a student nurse and will be on placement working FT hours all summer and his dad needs to work to pay the bills.

We have sought out a provision that has staff with SEN training and are happy to take him during the summer, it's just VERY expensive. He is 5 turning 6 in December so I don't think he qualifies for any free hours from the government.

Anyway my question is - does anyone have any experience with being able to access the funds attached to his EHCP to pay for some of his childcare or will we get laughed at? Just want to know what I'm going to be working with before I attempt the battle.

His little sister goes to a child-minder which is much cheaper but this isn't suitable for his needs.

Any advice would be great

Think I may have popped this under the wrong topic. Going to post it under SEN now 🫣

Some LAs offer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme activities to those with EHCPs. It is worth asking if your LA does.

Have you had social care assessments? Also look at your LA’s short breaks provision.

Provision outside of term time is sometimes possible via the educational part of EHCPs, but it isn’t about whether childcare is needed. It is about what the child reasonably requires because of their SEN. You will need evidence provision outside of term time is required in order for it to be included in F and therefore funded.