CYP Now - NCB Now: Daycare needs of young disabled

In 2006, NCB NI was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Child Minding Association (NICMA) to undertake a study of the daycare needs of disabled children under the age of five in Northern Ireland.

Using interviews and group discussions, researchers from NCB NI sought the views of childminders, parents and professionals.

The study found a lack of early years services across Northern Ireland, with the situation being much worse for children with disabilities. One parent said: "I don't think there is a service for disabled children. I don't have a childcare facility at the minute and I've exhausted every single avenue."

Research reveals that parents not only need access to services but they also need confidence in the service provided. Likewise, carers need to be confident in their abilities, so there is a call for specialist training around specific disabilities and general training around confidence building and disability awareness.

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