Disabled children get more help

29-12-2009

Disabled children get more help

'Parent champions' will draw on their experiences to help other parents of disabled children

Local authorities are to recruit parents of disabled children to help other mothers and fathers in similar situations under a government scheme to improve access to childcare announced today. Funding of £12.5m will also pay for specialist training for childminders and nursery staff to enable them to work with disabled children.

The "parent champions" will draw on their experience using childcare to help other parents understand the services and support available, and give them someone to turn to if they have concerns.

Ministers are also calling on local authorities to do more to help disabled children access childcare, for instance by producing better information for parents about their options. The children's secretary, Ed Balls, said: "We want every child to have the opportunity to do well, no matter what their background or the challenges they face.

"I know from talking to parents of disabled children how important short breaks can be, both for the children and their families, and this funding backs up our commitment."

Dawn Primarolo, the children's minister, said some parents were understandably apprehensive about using childcare because of the unique and special requirements of their child. "I want to make sure that all families have access to high quality support which is most suitable for them," she said.

The new scheme, being rolled out nationally after being piloted around the country, would improve disabled children's lives and outcomes, she added. "We have seen from the 10 pilot areas the benefits this programme brings, with more disabled children having access to childcare.

"I'm keen to promote the Parent Champions who can speak with fellow parents in similar situations, explain all the options available and help them to know what to ask or look out for.

"As a result, we expect parents to gain confidence and enable their children and their families to take full advantage of what is on offer."

The 142 local authorities that were not part of the pilot will each receive at least £59,000 and will be able to choose how to spend the money from a range of options developed in the pilot areas. (Guardian)