Mum's 'anxiety' over lack of SEND holiday clubs

A mum has said finding childcare for her son, who has additional needs, in the summer holidays causes "financial and emotional anxiety".

Natalie, 39, is a single parent to eight-year-old Azuriah, who has autism, is non-verbal and has global development delay. The charity Sense said there was shortage of accessible holiday clubs in England.

"I think it's incredibly unjust that children like Azuriah don't have as much an offering as their peers," said Natalie, of Birmingham.

Birmingham City Council said it is committed to working with parents and carers to improve services.

Natalie works part-time as a freelance HR advisor, but said she has to cut down her hours or stop working altogether during the summer.

She also said she cannot rely on family support due to both of her parents undergoing cancer treatment.

"Naturally, the six weeks holidays is the biggest financial shock to someone like me," she said.

"It's not a scenario where I can work whilst he's in a holiday club.

"It's been a particularly difficult balance to create with employers. Also, there's no rest, so it can be exhausting."

Natalie said she had had to "change jobs frequently".

"The understanding around how much SEND child care is, I don't think is understood by employers," she said.

Natalie said Azuriah needs one-on-one care at a holiday club due to his specific needs.

"Typical summer clubs are really reliant on children being independent. What Azuriah needs is one-on-one support for things like meals, toilet time, breaks and managing emotions.

"He tends to take off his shoes, but it might not be suitable in that environment to take off your shoes.

"He will turn washing up or bathtime into a water park. We end up managing water damage [at home].

"We tend to find that home is our only safe space. Being accommodated in different settings is very difficult."

For this summer, Natalie has secured Tuesday and Thursday slots at a club run by a charity, paying £80 upfront for each four-hour session.

"Demand is so high that last year I got nothing because I applied too late," she said.

This year, I saved up so I could book in May, but I still don't have two days of childcare a week.

"Azuriah's Tuesday and Thursday sessions only last four hours, which doesn't leave me much time to work or rest."

She is urging the local authority to match the support on offer by charities.

"They [charities] have allowed us to have what resembles somewhat a normal life.

"Private holiday clubs that could meet his needs cost £100 to £140 a day, which I can't afford.

"I would implore them to listen to parents and find out what works for them.

"We should be doing everything in our power to allow them to thrive and access a happy life.

"If their purpose is just to be happy, we should make that happen."

Research by national disability charity Sense suggested thousands of children with disabilities lived in areas without holiday club provision, leaving parents and carers struggling to find help.

According to a Freedom of Information request by Sense, only 6% of disabled children are receiving holiday club support through Birmingham City Council.

In a statement, Birmingham City Council said it is "committed to continuing to improve services and working closely with parents and carers".

"The city's offer includes leisure activities and support during school holidays, working with partners across all sectors, and our Holiday Activities and Food programme for children with special needs, and in receipt of free school meals remains extremely popular.

"It is not only great fun for children but provides support for parents and carers during the school holidays," said a council spokesperson, adding its website had additional information.

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