Childcare hub holiday 'lifeline' for SEND parents

Finding childcare suitable for a child with extra needs is "a job in itself" according to mum Julia

Julia enjoys spending time with her son in the summer holidays, but like many working parents it is also a time of juggling childcare.

It is something she admits is made 10 times harder because seven-year-old Felix has special education needs - he's autistic and non-verbal.

"I was looking for holiday childcare for such a long time and it's like another job trying to assess if the environment is right for your child," she says.

"People find it so challenging to care for children like Felix in holiday clubs or play schemes."

Julia works full time as a scientist for a pharmaceutical company in the New Forest, and says even with a well-paid career, the cost of care in the holidays is high.

In figures released this week, the children's charity Coram found parents were paying an average of £1,076 per child for summer holiday clubs.

But the study found places are harder to find when children have extra needs and there can be extra costs if children need one-to-one care.

Julia relies on a group called New Forest Outreach Support, which is a non-profit childcare service specifically designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It was set up by Amy Bradsworth, a childcare worker, who said she felt existing provision was not tailored to individual needs for children.

"Treating every child with an extra need the same doesn't work, one group provision isn't always suitable," she says.

Amy Bradsworth set up New Forest Outreach Support because she felt SEND children did not suit a one-size-fits-all approach

For the last two years, her group has hired community halls and organised day trips for SEND children, but next month will open their own base in Blackfield.

That will cut costs dramatically for parents who have been having to pay entry fees and cover hall hire at the moment.

But Ms Bradsworth admits the organisation does have higher costs than many childcare providers, with some children needing one-to-one care, and that is one reason it operates as a community interest company.

"We have to charge £60 a day if a child needs a one-to-one carer, which can be prohibitively expensive for some parents," she says.

"But that's not making a profit, just covering costs, staffing and specialist equipment.

"I try and make sure all parents are getting the benefits and support they are entitled to help them cover the costs."

The sensory room at the New Forest outreach hub can be adapted for one child or group use

Ms Bradsworth says she hopes the new hub, which is adapted for those with extra needs, will be "a colourful, beautiful space for children to come and play".

The walls have soft linings and there is a sensory room with a swing, a ball pit, dimmable lighting, as well as soundproofing so there can be quiet spaces.

The local community have helped with the refurbishment, with builders and plumbers donating their time, companies sponsoring signage and equipment, and parents who need the facility involved in painting and donating toys.

Julia says she thinks Felix will benefit hugely from the hub and the settled environment.

"I will start planning the next holiday cover months in advance," she says.

"I can't let my company down or Felix down, so I need to get those slots booked in and then I can relax."

The hub is due to open next month.