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Sandcastle Playgroup

Sandcastle is an inclusive playgroup in Haverhill, Suffolk. Set up in 1984, it is an outstanding setting, providing care and education for children aged two years eight months to five years of age. There are a number of children with special educational needs and disabilities in their care, however, staff do not think of their needs as additional. Each child is seen as unique and special and the setting tries to create an environment that can cater for a diversity of children. 

Challengers centre

Challengers in Guildford, is a charity-run specialist provider that was set up to meet the demand for childcare, play and short breaks for disabled children in Surrey. The centre in Guildford offers a huge range of play opportunities for children in a large purpose-built, bright building. The staff are all very passionate about offering disabled children good fun and parents who use the services describe Challengers as a "life-saving option that they couldn’t live without". Children attend for after-school activities, as well as Saturday family days and holiday childcare. Siblings of any disabled children using the centre are automatically offered a place when their sibling is attending.

Karen and Steve Childcare

Karen and Steve are  two very dedicated childminders in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. They had no previous experience or training, but adapted their care in order to look after seven-year-old Erin, who came to them as a toddler with newly emerging additional needs. They are ordinary childminders who have a 'can do' attitude and are very child centred and caring. They have worked very closely with Erin's mum and with other childcare and health professionals to ensure Erin has the support that she needs, including being substantially involved in her statementing process and her successful transition into school.

St Paul's After-School Club

St Paul's After-School Club is an inclusive setting based in the Holgate area of York. The club offers after-school care for children aged 3–11, and can cater for up to 36 children. There are several children currently with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have a range of varying needs, including global developmental delay, affecting social, intellectual and emotional development; left-sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy, affecting use of the left side of the body and fine motor skills; Asperger syndrome and epilepsy.

Written stories

Unique Kidz and co, Morecombe

This service was set up by 2 mums with children with disabilities in 2009, who were frustrated at the lack of childcare available. It offers after-school care and a holiday playscheme. They also offer weekend trips, projects for under 5s and sibling support, alongside specialist training for professionals.

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St Paul's Out-of-School Club, York

The club offers breakfast and after-school care and holiday provision for children aged 3–11, and can cater for up to 36 children. There are several children currently with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have a range of varying needs. The setting is fully inclusive and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) objectives and plans activities accordingly, ensuring that they can be taken up by all the children attending.

Provider case study St Pauls
Coram Family and Childcare pinwheel