Childcare Hub: A Lifeline for SEND Parents

The Struggle of Balancing Work and Care for Children with Special Needs

Julia, a full-time scientist working for a pharmaceutical company in the New Forest, finds that summer holidays are both a cherished time to spend with her seven-year-old son, Felix, and a period filled with challenges. As a parent of a child with special educational needs—Felix is autistic and non-verbal—Julia faces unique difficulties when it comes to finding suitable childcare during school breaks.

The process of securing holiday childcare is not just time-consuming but also stressful. Julia describes it as “another job” to assess whether an environment is right for her son. She highlights how many standard holiday clubs or play schemes struggle to accommodate children like Felix, who require additional support and attention.

According to recent data from the children's charity Coram, the average cost for a summer holiday club per child is £1,076. However, this figure does not account for the extra costs that come with children who have special needs. For instance, some children may require one-to-one care, which significantly increases expenses.

To address these challenges, Julia relies on a local nonprofit organization called New Forest Outreach Support. This group provides specialized childcare services tailored for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Founded by Amy Bradsworth, a dedicated childcare worker, the initiative was born out of a need for more personalized care options.

Bradsworth noticed that existing childcare provisions often failed to meet the individual requirements of children with special needs. “Treating every child with an extra need the same doesn’t work,” she explains. “One group provision isn’t always suitable.”

For the past two years, New Forest Outreach Support has used community halls and organized day trips for SEND children. However, next month, the organization will open its own base in Blackfield, which promises to reduce costs for parents. Currently, families have to pay entry fees and cover hall hire, but the new facility will eliminate these additional charges.

Despite the benefits, the organization faces higher operational costs due to the need for one-to-one care for some children. This is why the group operates as a community interest company, ensuring that all charges are used to cover costs, staffing, and specialist equipment rather than generating profit.

Bradsworth emphasizes her commitment to ensuring that all parents receive the support they need to manage these costs. “I try and make sure all parents are getting the benefits and support they are entitled to help them cover the costs,” she says.

The new hub is designed with the specific needs of children with special needs in mind. It features soft-lined walls, a sensory room with a swing, a ball pit, dimmable lighting, and soundproofing to create quiet spaces. The local community has played a significant role in the refurbishment, with builders, plumbers, and companies donating their time and resources. Parents involved in the project have also contributed by painting and donating toys.

Julia believes the new hub will provide a stable and supportive environment for Felix. “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 opening of the new hub is expected to bring much-needed relief to parents like Julia, offering a safe and inclusive space for children with special needs to play and grow.