Scheme helps parents of children with disabilities and additional needs obtain childcare

Childminder Elaine Townsend with children and young people.

A Shropshire Council initiative has helped more than 20 parents of children with a disability or additional need obtain childcare since it was launched this year, building on a range of existing support services.
 
The pilot project is run through the council’s Community Childminding Network and Short Breaks service.  The team works with carers who are parents of children with a disability or additional need, including cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.  It assesses the need for childcare to enable parents to continue or return to work, re-train at college, volunteer, access emergency childcare or just take some time out to recharge their batteries.
 
Maria Forshaw, who has been helped to gain free childminding services for her daughter Sarah through the scheme, said:

“Sarah has settled wonderfully with her childminder who is able to meet all her needs while Sarah has fun with others and joins in the activities.” 

                                                                                                                                                 
Another parent of a child with autism who was helped by the team said:

“Knowing that there is childcare available has meant I am now more hopeful about being able to resume a career in the future.” 

 
Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“This scheme is one way that the council supports children with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.  It is giving parents options such as returning to work or study, and is giving children and young people the chance to enjoy activities independently of their families.” 

 The pilot, which was launched in July 2011 has been funded by the Government until March 2012.  The council will review the project in January to plan for 2012/13.

The Community Childminding Network is a group of registered childminders who have undergone extra training and assessment to provide specialist childcare for children and families in the county.  The Short Breaks service gives children and young people with a disability or additional need the opportunity to experience a wide range of social and leisure activities independently of their families and carers – and gives parents and carers a break from caring.

To find out more about the scheme please contact Sue Carroll on 07582 002386 or Jill Cleveley on 07582 002396.  Alternatively contact the Shropshire Family Information Service on 01743 254400 or go to www.shropshirefamilyinfo.co.uk