CYP Now - Lack of holiday childcare for disabled children worsening, research warns

The proportion of councils with enough childcare in their area to meet the needs of children with disabilities during the school summer holidays is falling, a survey has found.

There has been an increase in summer childcare availability for all children, researchers find. Picture: Adobe Stock

Just five per cent of councils have enough available childcare for disabled children during the upcoming summer break, compared with seven per cent last year.

The findings have emerged in a survey of councils carried out by Coram Family and Childcare, which is calling for improved funding, training and support to providers to improve accessibility of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It also found there has been a drop in the number of places for children across all categories, including younger children, those whose parents work full time or atypical hours, and children living in rural areas.

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