Nursery World - Summer holiday services failing children with learning disabilities

Local government cuts have stranded children with learning disabilities without effective access to services during the school holidays, according to a survey by charity Mencap.

Four out of five parents with such children struggle because of a shortage of flexible services.

Jan Tregelles, chief executive of Mencap, said it was ‘unacceptable’ that local authorities are not providing enough support and is urging the Government to tackle the problem with investment.

Almost half of those surveyed said childcare was an issue over summer months, with 56 per cent having trouble accessing respite such as short breaks.

Portage, a home visiting educational service, felt beyond reach for 7 per cent of respondents.

Currently, parents of disadvantaged children aged two, and all 3- and 4-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare a week.

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