• Press |
• Paying for childcare |
• Employers |
• NAFIS |
• Find us on Facebook |
• Twitter

• home
• about us
• parent information
• Policy, Research & Campaigns
• Projects
• training & consultancy

Share this page Was this page useful?   Yes | No

I am looking for childcare for disabled children/children with special needs

Quick links Childcare options - find out about types of childcare including nurseries, childminders, after school clubs and holiday clubs  Finding and choosing childcare - find local childcare information, tips for choosing a childcare providers and download a list of questions to ask when you visit childcare settings

Frequently asked questions 

How can I get help/childcare for my child who has a disability/special needs?

Childcare services are required by law to provide for children with disabilities. Some areas may have childcare services that are specifically tailored for children with disabilities and special educational needs while in others, services are included within existing childcare provision.

Contact your local Family Information Service (FIS) for further information. You can get contact details for your local Family Information Service in England by using this 'Find your FIS' function or searching in your local phone book. For details of your local FIS in Wales, contact 0300 123 7777. 

Direct payments can be used to buy in services for your child following an assessment of need from your local authority. See 'Can I use direct payments to pay for childcare?' below.

I think I am being overcharged for childcare; my childcare provider says they need to charge more for looking after my disabled child because of the extra staff time they spend with him/her?

Under the Equality Act childcare providers should not treat a disabled child less favourably than other children. This means that your child should have the same play and learning opportunities as other children and that you should not be charged more for offering the same service to a disabled child as to other children. However, if the childcare provider needs to employ extra staff, it may be reasonable for them to charge you slightly more.

The Early Years Team at your local authority may have funding specifically to assist childcare places for children with disabilities or special needs. Contact your local Family Information Service (FIS) for further information. You can get contact details for your local Family Information Service in England by using this 'Find your FIS' function or searching in your local phone book. For details of your local FIS in Wales, contact 0300 123 7777. 

Can I use direct payments to pay for childcare?

Direct payments can be used to buy in services for your child following an assessment of need from your local authority. Direct payments can be used to pay for a home carer, nursery place, childminder or out-of-school club. You can also use direct payments to pay a relative to look after your child, provided that person does not live at your home and they are considered to be the most suitable person.

There may be additional costs attached to the childcare you choose and direct payments can help you meet these costs, for example, using a specialist childminder, buying in equipment or transport to and from an after-school club. If your child has a key person, speak to them about arranging an assessment or speak to your social services department. For further information you can read ‘A parent's guide to direct payments' available from: www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationdetail/page1/DFES-0202-2006

© 2012 Daycare Trust. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions | Contact us | Accessibility statement | Sitemap | Text Only
Registered charity, no. 327279. Company no. 02063604. VAT registered, no. 830 9847 06.