Keeping in Touch a Guide to Support and Services for Parents & Carers of Children with Disabilities

Families Information Service

Keeping in Touch A guide to support and services for parents & carers of children with disabilities

6 ‘Giving your family the know-how’ Telephone: 0800 035 0335

www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contents

8.Support services Mobility Council services Family Fund 1 Health Carer’s allowance Help for carers Disabled persons road tax Independent support exemption Council tax reductions 2 30.Childcare Tax credit

Making the right decision What is registered childcare? 58.Leisure Passport to Leisure Childcare options 3 Childcare at school Milton Keynes Council Sports development service Short Breaks Football first 41.Schools Bookstart Inter-action MK Statutory assessments 4 The Toy Library Choosing a school Milton Keynes Youth Services Extended services Sure Start Children’s Centres 48.Financial Help Bletchley Leisure centre 5 Free early education for 3 & 4 68.Safeguarding year olds children Childcare vouchers Disability living allowance 70.National and local contacts list 6 Direct payments Warm Front Cold weather payments Advice on Heating 7 Cinema exhibitor’s card

3 Welcome to the first edition of Keeping in Touch!

Bringing up a family these days can be both a joy and a challenge! Every family and every child has different needs and although there is a great deal of advice, help and support out there, discovering just what is available can be complicated and time consuming. This guide has been developed by the Families Information Service at Milton Keynes Council to help you understand some of the help and support you can get in Milton Keynes as a parent or carer of a child with disabilities and/or special needs. You will find information about support, financial help, childcare and leisure activities available in Milton Keynes. There is also a useful contacts list which lists both local and national support and services.

4 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

If you can’t find what you This edition of Keeping in Touch are looking for, need specific has been published in 2010 and 4 information or need help getting your feedback is appreciated in information from websites talked order to ensure we can develop about in this booklet, get in touch! and improve future editions. We’re here to help you find the Please complete and return the information to make you the best questionnaire that can be found at 5 parent or carer you can. the back of this booklet. Keeping in Touch will be linked If you provide a service for disabled with a quarterly newsletter to keep children or for parents/carers of you up to date on services and children with disabilities and would 6 activities throughout the year. If like us to promote your services, you have this guide but haven’t let please complete and return the the Families Information Service form called ‘Promote me!’ at the know your details, get in touch! back of this booklet. We can then ensure you have the 7 most up to date information.

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 5 What is the Families Information Service?

The Families Information Service provides free, impartial and up to date information about services for children and young people in Milton Keynes. Being a parent or carer is probably one of the most fulfilling roles you can ever have, there are however occasions when it can also be the most demanding. We understand this and want to ensure that you have all the advice and information you need to make family life run smoothly.

6 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare How can we help?

The Families Information Service • “Tailor made” services built can provide: around your requirements, e.g. • Information about childcare lists of childcare providers who provision during term time and can pick up/drop off from specific 1 school holidays. schools or provide overnight care if you work nights. • Local leisure information for 0 -19’s. Freephone: 0800 035 0335 (Monday to Friday 0830 to 1700) • Parent support information that 2 covers the age range of 0 -19 Email: childcare@milton-keynes. years to support children, young gov.uk people, families and professionals. Website: www.milton-keynes.gov. • Free information and advice to uk/childcare help working parents establish This information has been 3 their employment rights, compiled by the Families including information about Information Service at Milton maternity and paternity rights. Keynes Council. • Information about working with All information, images and other children including the latest material unless otherwise stated 4 job vacancies in childcare and are copyright of Milton Keynes becoming a childminder. Council 2010. • Information for parents and carers of a child or young person with disabilities. 5

Disclaimer: The Families Information Service (FIS) is a free and impartial service: we cannot therefore endorse or recommend in any way any of the providers 6 listed within this document. The FIS cannot accept responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies or changes in the details listed within this document. It is recommended that users check all details with providers to confirm that levels of service meet detailed requirements. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 7 Welcome to chapter 1 Support services

Parents and carers of children with disabilities have a lot to think about. With all the information you may receive, it’s hard to know where to start! In some cases you might not have had that much information so Keeping in Touch can give you ideas about where to look to get the support you need. If you don’t find something in this section or need more information or help, contact the Families Information Service.

8 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Council services

Children with 1 Disabilities Team The Children with Disabilities Team consists of social workers, social work assistants and 2 assistant psychologists. The team links with many other professionals routinely such as school, health and housing as well as offering 3 consultations to the main-stream teams as and when needed. safeguarding work. The team also carry out carers assessments which may then lead to putting 4 together a care package that could include overnight respite either in the child’s house or in the local authority run respite unit. It can also include a direct 5 payment or a commissioning of a short break either in or out of the home. The term short break is explained in the types of The Children with Disabilities childcare section. 6 Team work with children and young people aged between To contact the Children with 0-19 years who have a severe Disabilities Team you can call or complex disability. The team 01908 253617 between 0930 carries out initial assessments, and 1300 Monday to Friday. 7 core assessments, court and

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 9 Aiming high

Aiming high is a government initiative to enable children and young people with disabilities and their families to participate and help in planning to improve services for children and young people. Milton Keynes Aiming high is focusing on creating opportunities to access short breaks.

Aiming high has funding from the • Children with complex health Central Government for the next needs. This group will include two years to deliver this. Short those with a disability or life breaks enable children and young limiting condition who have people living at home to engage reached the palliative care with play and leisure activities, and stage of their life as well as where appropriate, have access to children with physical, cognitive care, and where possible funding or sensory impairments. will be made available. It is aimed These children are likely to specifically at those with the most be dependent on technology complex and challenging needs like gastrostomy feeds or have who otherwise would be excluded complex drug regimes. from mainstream activities. • Children who require equipment Aiming high’s aim is to create and adaptations to help their opportunities for as many of these movement. young people as possible to be • Children where challenging able to access as many activities behaviour is associated with and breaks in a wide range of other impairments (e.g. severe settings. learning disability). The following children and young • Young people 14+ who are people will be eligible for short severely disabled and require breaks through Aiming high: services that are appropriate to • Children with an Autistic their age. Spectrum Disorder who also have other impairments such as severe learning disabilities or challenging behaviour.

10 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

If you think you and your child may benefit from a short break, please contact the Children with Disabilities Team on 01908 253617. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 11 Sure Start Children’s Centres

Sure Start Children’s Centres are part of the Government’s strategy to provide good quality integrated services to children and their families, in order to give every child the best possible start in life, and have a broad and lasting impact on children, their parents and the wider community.

For further information contact the Families Information Service or visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/earlyyears You can also email: [email protected]

12 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Sure Start Children’s Centres are • information, advice and support being developed across Milton for parents on a wide range of Keynes with the aim of bringing subjects including childcare, together local people and different employment and training, finance services in new ways. As part of and benefits and parenting this ongoing development services 1 Children with additional needs and activities will be enhanced to are warmly welcomed at all our meet the needs of the children and sessions. All Sure Start Children’s their families so that all children Centre activities are fully inclusive. will benefit and reach their Centre staff are available to potential to: 2 support children to participate as • be healthy fully as possible. Parents are very welcome to talk to a member of • stay safe the team before coming along to • enjoy and achieve one of the activities to ensure their 3 • make a positive contribution child’s needs are catered for. • achieve economic well being Sure Start Children’s Centres can be an ideal ‘family friendly’ base Sure Start Children’s Centres for meetings, support groups provide access to a number of free and training. Each centre is fully 4 services, but some services offered accessible and provides access to a do incur a minimal charge. wide range of toys and equipment. Each centre is slightly different in A number of centres include a terms of the space and activities it dedicated sensory room, which provides but all of them offer: can be booked for individual family 5 sessions or support meetings. • a range of exciting activities for parents, carers and children 0-5 Across Milton Keynes, the Sure years. These may include stay and Start Children’s Centres offer a play sessions, music and rhyme number of groups specifically sessions, soft gym play or outdoor for families and children with 6 play. Sessions are planned to additional needs. These are ideal help babies and young children for children who would benefit get the most out of their play from a quieter group. Parents experiences and encourages a can meet up with each other for range of skills support and families have access 7 to a range of centre resources.

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 13 Educational psychologists

Educational psychologists can support behavioural issues, provide advice to parents and schools, and discuss long-term support for children. They apply psychological knowledge, skills and understanding to support all aspects of children and young people’s development. Educational psychologists also promote the emotional well-being and learning of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have special needs or disabilities.

For all children there may be times when they: • Find it difficult to keep up • Feel withdrawn or miserable with classwork. for no clear reason. • Find classwork too easy. • Find it hard to get organised. • Have difficulty with reading, • Have difficulty expressing writing or understanding. themselves or understanding what others say. • Find it difficult to get on with classmates or adults in school. • Have a medical condition that affects their educational progress.

14 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare The educational psychologist • Observe a child in class or at play. may become involved in these • Check a child’s current level of situations to help with planning an attainment in areas like reading, appropriate response. spelling, writing or number work. It is possible for educational • Use standardised tests to help psychologists to make a difference clarify a child’s relative strengths. for some children through a process of discussion with adults. • Teach a child a simple task to help There is never just one way to understand their approach to respond to a child’s difficulty. learning. 1 Conversations with an educational • Engage younger children through psychologists are intended to play in order to explore their introduce new ideas for teachers thinking and learning. and parents in support of their work with each child. Educational psychologists visit schools on a regular basis and 2 With parental agreement, the their involvement is co-ordinated educational psychologists may either by the headteacher or by the suggest a range of activities that special educational needs involve a child more directly. co-ordinator (SENCo). For example, the educational 3 psychologist may offer to: In the first instance you should talk to your child’s school about any • Talk individually with a child. concerns you have. • Involve a child in the problem- solving meetings with adults. 4 Support for dads frustrations of active parenthood. 5 There are several organisations and support groups offering help, advice and companionship for dads. For more information contact 6 the council’s Parent Support Co-ordinator on 01908 258056 Increasingly fathers are becoming more actively involved in the day Please also see the independent to day care of their children and support section for more help for 7 are experiencing the joys and dads.

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 15 Health support

Health visitors

Health visitors are normally the first workers, speech and language person to talk to if you have any therapists and nurses. concerns when you have a child You will normally have specific under five. appointments with your health Every family with a child under visitor but various drop in clinics five has a named health visitor. will also be available. You can also The health visitor’s role is to offer ring your health visitor to discuss support and encouragement to any concerns you have or to families through the early years request a home visit. from pregnancy and birth to You can get in touch with your primary school and beyond. health visitor by contacting your Health visitors work closely with doctor’s surgery. doctor’s surgeries and with other support services such as social

16 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Nursing support for families 1 caring for children with complex health needs 2 The children with complex needs • A long term or complex condition team is a nurse led service which which makes them medically provides assessment, care, case unstable requiring input from management and the provision of health professionals and/or supplies to children with complex regular hospital admissions. 3 needs. Children can also be referred to the To get help from the complex care service that attend special schools nurses, children must be: in Milton Keynes and have complex epilepsy, require medical supplies • Registered with a Milton Keynes or have continence needs which GP (or have an agreement in place 4 need specialist input. with a neighbouring Primary Care Trust). A parent or carer can refer their child to the service or any • Under 19 years. professional can. A referral is They must also have one of the followed by an initial assessment 5 following: by a community paediatric matron • Severe, unpredictable or complex and the referral is discussed at health conditions and/or a the next available multi agency children with complex needs panel. disability or medical condition 6 which means they have a high The parent/carer or professional use of health care. will then be informed of the outcome. • A life threatening or life limiting illness. For more information you can contact the complex care team 7 administrator on 01908 234792

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 17 Help for carers

Counselling for carers

Sometimes parents and carers feel unable to cope with aspects of their life especially when a disabled child is involved. You may have worries about the future and need to talk to someone to explore your thoughts and feelings in a confidential setting.

Counselling can help a person Referral to the counselling for discover their own answers and carers service can be made either feel more comfortable with their by the carer themselves, or a key life and relationships. professional. Carers are entitled to 10 sessions of counselling in order The counsellors at the City to support them in their caring Counselling Centre will help with role. The first session will be to the following difficulties: explore your specific needs and if • Relationships with partners and appropriate you will be offered a family members further 9 sessions. • developing coping strategies

• assertiveness Initial appointments are • stress management made by contacting the Carers Counselling Project • bereavement/loss Co-ordinator at the City • life changes Counselling Centre on: • moving on 01908 231131.

18 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Carers Milton Keynes 3

Carers Milton Keynes support all unpaid carers (usually family members) looking after someone with any kind of illness or disability. 4 • emotional support • training • social events and support groups 5 There are 2 support groups for parent carers. Carers Milton Keynes Parents/carers who support a child also produce a newsletter which with a disability under the age comes out 3 times a year. This gives of 19 can get support in various details of social events, training 6 forms: available and other information and advice for carers. You can read • advice and information the latest newsletter at • signposting to other www.carersmiltonkeynes.org or organisations call 01908 231703 to subscribe. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 19 20 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Independent support

1 Care Forum MK Limited

The Care Forum MK is a home support service 2 for children and young people with a physical or learning disability. Their aim is to support families caring for a child or young person (aged 0 – 18) with 3 a learning or physical disability by giving carers a short break for their child either in their own home or in the wider community. 4 The Care Forum MK can offer home support services in the surrounding areas including Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 5 The Care Forum MK services are commissioned by local authorities and by individuals using direct payments. You can be referred to the Care Forum by Milton Keynes 6 council or your social worker.

Alternatively you can get in touch with the Care Forum MK as a parent and carer on 01908 584136 or see more about them at 7 www.careforum.co.uk

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 21 Milton Keynes Parent Partnership

Parent Partnership is a statutory service. This means that by law every local authority has to provide this service. Parent Partnership is funded to give information, advice and support to parents/ carers of children and young people who have (or who may have) a special educational need (SEN) or disability, with regard to educational matters.

been given permission to do so. Parent Partnership is also honest and open and will give a realistic opinion of what the likely outcome might be of the choices made.

Parent Partnership’s aim is to equip Parent Partnership can also offer parents and carers with enough the following: information and support to enable • Information and advice on all them to understand school and aspects of Special Educational SEN processes and procedures, Needs. which will help them make the best choices and decisions for their • Explanation of educational jargon. children. Parent Partnership try to • Explanation about Statutory help parents and carers to become Assessments and Statements. equal partners with schools and • An Independent Parental the local authority when it comes Supporter(IPS), if you would like to decisions made about their one. children, and help to make sure that parents’ views are listened to. • Help with understanding and writing reports and letters. Parent Partnership is a confidential service for parents/carers, they • Support in meetings with school don’t share information with or with the local education professionals unless they have authority.

22 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare • Help with understanding and • Explain how Milton Keynes writing reports and letters. Services for Special Educational Needs work. • Support in meetings with school or with the local education • Promote dispute resolution where authority. communication with a school or the local education authority is • Help to explore the different breaking down. options open to you for your child’s education. • Explain the right of appeal through the 1st tier tribunal. • Put you in touch with other organisations and support groups You can contact Parent Partnership 1 who can help you. on 01908 254518 or visit website www.mkparents.org • Link you to local and national voluntary organisations. 2 Parent and Carers Alliance (PACA) 3

PACA is an independent and voluntary group of parents and carers, all caring for children and 4 young people with special needs.

Their goal is to get better services like-minded people to share for all children with special needs experiences. in Milton Keynes. PACA work For more information visit www. 5 with service providers in health, pacamk.org or contact 01908 education and social care. 231703 or 07852 526057. PACA provides regular consultation Alternatively you can email with parents/carers to discover [email protected] what is really happening within the 6 services. They can signpost parents to useful sources of information and provide opportunities for 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 23 Milton Keynes Children and Young People’s Rights Service

An advocate is someone who speaks up for other people. Advocates can help you get your opinion heard. The Milton Keynes Children and Young People’s Rights Service work with young people to help them understand their rights. The service can help in a range of areas including social services, health and school.

How can they help? Who is this service for? • You may think you have been • Young people up to the age of 25 treated unfairly • Parents or carers • You don’t feel safe • People who work with • You are unhappy with young people arrangements to see your family • People who manage services •You want help to make a which affect young people complaint The Milton Keynes Children and • You are unhappy with what has Young People’s Rights Service aim been happening at school to help put forward your wishes and views, treat everyone fairly, • You are not being asked your only act when you say so, ask what opinion you think about the service and • You are not getting the help encourage you to participate in you need everything they do and promote • They can attend meetings children’s rights. with you The service also has a dedicated • They can help you write letters participation officer for children and young people with disabilities.

24 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Contact the team on 0800 0276755. Alternatively you can 6 email [email protected]

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 25 Not sure of your next steps? If you’re 13-19 and need free advice on careers, friendships, money or anything else, you can always talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser. Get in touch with us at school or college, or at the Connexions:MK Centre: Connexions:MK Centre The Point 602 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NB Tel: 01908 398300 or visit www.mysaymk.com for more info

Milton Keynes Autistic Spectrum Parent Support Group (MKASPS)

Milton Keynes autistic spectrum • A well established library for parent support group run monthly information on Autistic Spectrum support meetings. The meetings Disorders (they are currently offer the following for anyone looking at options to house these who has a child suffering with an books somewhere where the autistic spectrum disorder: public can view them.) • A friendly atmosphere for The group meets at Walnuts parents who need support or just School in Milton Keynes on the last someone to listen to. Thursday of each month from 1930 to 2100. If you are interested in • A wealth of knowledge through going along email 50 strong members. [email protected]

26 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contact a family

Contact a Family provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children, no matter what their condition or disability. A free phone helpline is available also produce a wide range of for parents and professionals publications including newsletters, 1 across the UK. This is staffed by parent guides and research reports, trained parent advisors. Contact a helping parents and professionals Family can give information and to stay informed. advice on a wide range of issues You can call the free phone including welfare rights, education, helpline on 0808 808 3555 2 short breaks, local services and or visit www.cafamily.org.uk local support. Contact a Family

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 27

Dad Talk

Dad talk offers news, articles, Through peer to peer support, free legal and financial advice, all experts and trained moderators, aimed at supporting guys who dads not only feel less isolated, want to be great dads. The web but empowered in their parenting. service includes the Pubtalk forum, There is also information available where dads can talk anonymously on being a dad to a disabled child. about the highs and lows of www.dadtalk.co.uk fatherhood. The Child Brain Injury Trust

The Child Brain Injury Trust supports children and young people with acquired brain injury (an injury to the brain that has happened after birth), their families and the professionals involved with them. They can provide support in 3 main • attending school meetings with ways: training and information, parents, carers and children raising awareness and child and • identifying what’s available locally family support. for children, young people and Child and Family Support Officers their families can provide support to families • accessing financial support for when they need it. Childhood families acquired brain injury changes lives and families often have little • putting families in touch with time to prepare for these changes. each other Child Brain Injury Trust support can For more information about the include: Child Brain Injury Trust’s child • meeting families in hospital and family support in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, please call • attending discharge planning 01869 341075. For more general meetings with families information see www.cbituk.org • supporting families as they return home from hospital

28 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare

VICTA – Visually Impaired Children Taking Action VICTA was originally set up by a young people and organisations. group of parents from the Milton VICTA also make grants available Keynes area with blind and to individuals, groups and research partially sighted children who were projects. struggling to meet the needs of Find out more about VICTA their children. The charity is now a www.victa.org.uk national service for all families with 1 a visually impaired child. VICTA VICTA can also be contacted provides support and information on 01908 240831or at to parents/carers/visually impaired [email protected] 2

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 29 Welcome to chapter 2 Childcare

30 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Making the right decision

Having a child with special needs can make looking and finding childcare a very daunting prospect!

All childcare providers are bound special needs your child has and by the duties of the Disability how the childcarer will be able to Discrimination Act 1995 to make meet these. ‘reasonable adjustments’ for 1 disabled children and through the SEN (special educational needs) code of practise to meet the needs of children with disabilities. 2 Through this legislation and guidance, all childcare providers have to ensure that they must not treat a child ‘less favourably’ for reasons related to the child’s 3 disability or special need. You also need to make sure the childcare is right for you and your child and that you are happy with the care that will be provided. 4 There are some general tips you Research! can think about before you start Make sure you have a list of your looking for childcare: basic requirements as you will be Don’t leave it till the last able to rule out a lot of childcarers quite quickly this way. The Families 5 minute! Information Service can provide Give yourself plenty of time to you with lists of childcare in your think about what childcare you will area with basic information about need. There may be waiting lists or it. If your child has a disability or a lot of arranging and paperwork special need make sure you tell 6 to do, especially if you are going the Families Information Service to hire someone to care for your as they will be able to tailor the child in your own home. You will childcare list to suit, taking some of also need extra time to talk with the hard work off you! childcare providers about what 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 31 Shop Around! your child to visit as well to see how they like it and how they react Make sure you visit a few places to the staff/other children. to get a feel for things and to compare what’s on offer. Even if you think one particular place is perfect, it’s worth visiting another just to make sure your instincts are correct. Check references! Most childcarers will be happy to let you know of other parents/ carers you can speak to who have used their facilities. Ask if other children with special needs have attended before and how the childcarer was able to adapt to meet their needs. Some specific questions you could Be imaginative ask childcare providers are: You may think help in the home • What training and/or is the best option for your child’s qualifications do staff have, are needs but would like them to they relevant to your child? get some socialisation with other children too. You could use • Are staff willing for you (or a home childcare for the majority health professional) to show them of the week but use a nursery how to look after your child’s or childminder for a couple of need? afternoons. There’s nothing to stop • Are they willing to provide you combining care. practical support with things like Don’t feel guilty about personal care? double checks • Is the building accessible? Does there need to be any special Childcarers should be happy for adaptations? you to visit them a number of times to get a feel for the place. • What equipment is essential for You may also need a few meetings your child’s care? about your child’s needs so this is • Are staff willing to be shown how a good opportunity for you to see to administer medicine? Do they how things are on a number of have relevant insurance? different days. Don’t forget to take

32 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare What is registered childcare?

It is important that you find out as much information as possible about a childcare setting before you decide to send your child there.

As well as visiting them and asking children aged 5 to 8 must be on lots of questions, there are some the compulsory childcare register. 1 legal requirements of childcarers The voluntary childcare register that can also put your mind at is for childcarers who look after ease. children from 8 to 18. This is Ofsted is the national body that voluntary but childcarers like 2 regulates and inspects childcare nannies, crèches, out of school and children’s social services. It also clubs, sports clubs etc. may choose inspects schools and colleges. to be on this register. All childcare providers for children To view Ofsted reports and to get under the age of 8 are inspected more information, go to 3 by Ofsted. Ofsted produce reports www.ofsted.gov.uk about their inspections which As well as Ofsted, Criminal Record you can view on their website. Bureau checks (CRB checks) can be These are useful when deciding on used by anyone employing people childcare as you can establish what to work with children or vulnerable 4 rating a childcare provider has adults. This includes childcare been given from Ofsted. but also clubs and activities for There are 2 different registers a children and anywhere else where childcare setting or school can be adults will be dealing with children on: directly. 5 The Early Years Register CRB checks are used by childcare providers to add another level of All childcarers who look after protection to children in their care. children up to the age of 5 must be Before a person is employed, a CRB on this register. 6 check can be done on them to see The Childcare Register if they have any previous criminal convictions and whether they are This has 2 parts, a compulsory part on any criminal list which means and a voluntary part. All childcarers they cannot be employed to work and schools who look after 7 with children.

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 33 Childcare options There are a wide range of childcare options available in Milton Keynes; it is up to you to decide which you think will be best for you and your child. The following sections outline the basic facts about each type of childcare available. Childminders with disabilities and sometimes parents and carers find this is a Registered childminders can look good option as the child is cared after your child along with other for in a home environment similar children, usually in their own to their own. As with all childcare home. They are often flexible providers, make sure you visit about the hours they work. the childminder and ask lots of These can include, before and questions! after school care where they can drop off/pick up children from For a list of your local childminders local schools. Some also provide or to get more information please evening; weekend, school holiday contact the Families Information care and some even offer over- Service. Make sure you let us night care. know your child’s specific needs and we can try to tailor the list Childminders are registered and around these as far as possible. have been inspected by Ofsted. Milton Keynes Council runs a This can give you some peace childminding network which of mind about the standards can further help you decide if a they have. Childminders are self childminder is the best choice for employed and their rates can you. The next section talks more vary. Some childminders specify about this. that they can care for children

34 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Milton Keynes Children the Early Years Foundation Stage Come First Childminding (EYFS) as legislation requires and are regulated by Ofsted. They Network are also working towards the outcomes of Every Child Matters. All network childminders work to NCMA quality standards including additional standards for those who are accredited. Most network members are 1 childminders with a vast range of experience in childcare and child Milton Keynes Children Come First development, many to degree (CCF) Childminding Network is level. Many have previously a free quality assurance scheme worked in a nursery or pre-school 2 accredited by the National setting and all are willing to Childminding Association (NCMA) undertake further specific training and managed by Milton Keynes as required. They can be flexible Council. in their working hours and some The scheme has been running even offer overnight care. 3 in Milton Keynes since 2001. Childminders who wish to become members of the network must hold a recognised level 3 or above childcare qualification. They are 4 assessed, monitored and observed by a network coordinator and are visited in their homes at regular intervals. The coordinators are happy to Network childminders can also come out to groups and explain 5 enhance their career by becoming in more detail how a network accredited childminders by childminder may be able to help undergoing further assessments. a child or family who may need This means they are able to access special flexible care. nursery education funding and If you would like more information 6 they will also receive support from about network childminders please a dedicated early year’s consultant contact the network childminding together with the coordinator. team on 01908 258071 or The childminders work towards 01908 254512. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 35 Day nurseries All nurseries should have a special educational needs policy Day nurseries provide care and and a special educational needs education for children under the coordinator (SENCo). It is always age of 5. They can be based in a a good idea to include the SENCo workplace or in the community, in the meetings you have with the run privately or by the local nursery. council. Opening hours can vary between 0700 and 1900 For more information about day and normally offer flexible care, nurseries and a list of day nurseries both full time and part time. Day in your area contact the Families nurseries are usually open all year Information Service. round; however some are only Pre-schools open term time or have set holiday shut downs so make sure you find Pre-schools provide early years this out. education for children aged 3 to 5 years and aim to provide learning experiences through structured play and give children the opportunity to mix with other children and adults. They offer sessions between 2.5 and 4 hours either taking place in the morning or the afternoon. Many offer 12.5 hours of free early learning for 3 to 4 year olds. Pre-schools are open term time only while some provide care for children aged 2 and under. All pre-schools should have a SEN policy and a special educational needs coordinator. It is always a Nurseries are run by a team of good to include the SENCo in the staff and activities are planned meetings you have with the pre to help children enjoy learning school. appropriate to their age. They are registered with Ofsted so you For more information about will be able to view their latest pre-schools and a list of inspection results to see what the pre-schools in your area contact standard of care is like. the Families Information Service.

36 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Nursery schools All nursery schools should have a special educational needs (SEN) Nursery schools and nursery policy and a special educational 3 classes provide a range of early needs coordinator (SENCo). It is education and childcare for always a good idea to include the children between 3 and 5 years SENCo in the meetings you have old (some settings will take with the nursery school. children from 2.5 years), and are 4 open during school hours usually Creches between 0900 and 1530, offering Creches give parents and carers full and half day sessions. Nursery the opportunity to access training schools can be run either by courses, leisure activities or schools or by private or voluntary shopping whilst their child is cared 5 sector organisations. for in a play environment. Nursery schools and nursery Some crèches must be registered classes offer a range of structured by Ofsted depending on how long based on learning through play, children can stay there. Crèches which has been developed for pre- normally cater for children aged 6 school facilities. between 3 months and about 4 For more information contact the years but this can vary. Families Information Service. Further information is available from the Families Information

Service. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 37 Nannies and home you are in agreement about the style of childcare offered especially based childcarers with regards to your child’s needs. Nannies offer a flexible childcare service, they are employed by you If you are thinking about and care for your child in your employing a childcarer yourself own home. Many, but not all, live through your direct payments then in the family home. Nannies are the Disability Resource Centre can sometimes known as home based help you with this process. You can carers. contact them on 01908 561500. Nannies are often trained childcare Au pairs professionals but such training is An au pair is a person who comes not compulsory. Nannies are not from overseas to live as a member obliged to register with Ofsted of the child’s family and learn but can choose to be listed on the English. They are expected to help voluntary section of the Childcare out in the home for 5 hours a day Register. with at least 2 full days off per It is essential that you meet week and reasonable additional with any nanny prior to them time off for English tuition. commencing employment and

38 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Au pairs receive a weekly Babysitters allowance, a room in the family Babysitters look after children in home and their meals. their home for short periods of Since Au pairs do not need to time, e.g. so the parents can have be inspected or registered it an evening out, go shopping etc. is essential that you interview There is no requirement for them thoroughly and ask for any babysitters to be registered references that they can provide. or inspected, although some registered childminders may also If you are thinking about 1 employing a childcarer yourself offer babysitting services. through your direct payments then It is essential that parents know the Disability Resource Centre can their babysitter quite well and help you with this process. You can have confidence in their level of contact them on 01908 561500. maturity, trustworthiness, childcare skills and abilities. If possible 2 use a babysitter who has been recommended by others who have used them. 3

Affordable play and childcare 4 Subtitle Milton Keynes Children’s Play Centres

www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/playcentres 6 Milton Keynes Children’s Play Coldharbour Children’s Play Centre, Or visit www.milton- Centres provide affordable play West Bletchley Tel: 01908 647838 keynes.gov.uk/playcentres and childcare for children aged 4 Stony Stratford Children’s Play Centre for more information ½ to 14 years in a safe Tel: 01908 562485 environment, offering fun and Netherfield Children’s Play Centre exciting indoor and outdoor Tel: 01908 678144 activities after school and during school holidays. The Warren Children’s Play Centre, Lakes Estate Tel: 01908 646860 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 39 Childcare at school

As with all childcare, it is important After school clubs you check that childcare at school After school clubs provide can cater for your child’s needs. additional support when the Some things to ask could be: school day is finished but the office • What will the children be doing? hours are not! • How are they supervised? These clubs usually run from 1530 to 1800 during term time, and can • What qualifications and be held in either the school itself or experience do the staff have? another setting altogether. If held • Is there a quiet area? within another setting some play • How much individual attention workers offer a service to pick-up do they get? from local schools. • Have there been any other After school clubs offer a number children with special needs of fun and relaxing activities, such attend? as games, sports or art and crafts as well as homework facilities until Here are the different types of your work day is done. childcare which can be provided by your school to help with the Holiday play schemes school day and school holidays. Play schemes provide care for school aged children 4 to 14 Breakfast clubs years during the school holidays. If you need to start work before the Schemes typically run from 0800 school day then breakfast clubs to 1800 and can include a number are ideal! They provide a safe and of fun and relaxing activities, such creative place for children to enjoy as games, sports or art and crafts. breakfast together, before school Holiday play schemes can be run starts. by schools, the local authority or privately, and can vary in cost.

Remember there are other options for out of school care including childminders.

40 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 41 Short breaks Short breaks can sometimes be referred to as respite care. Short breaks can provide valuable support for parents and carers as well as children, allowing parents and carers to have a break maybe to spend some time on their own relaxing or getting things done like the shopping! It also gives parents and carers a to look at to be able to take a break chance to spend time with their from caring. other children and allows the child It is important to know that short to gain new experiences, become break care cannot be accessed more independent and hopefully by everyone. A social worker will make new friends. establish if you are eligible. If you Short breaks can be with a carer, are not eligible the social worker maybe an outing or trip, it could will go through alternative options be with another family in their own available to you though.To speak home. It could also be at a respite to a social worker in Milton Keynes, centre or house specifically for you can contact the Children with children with disabilities. Milton Disabilities team on 01908 253617 Keynes has some council run between 0930 and 1300 Monday respite care homes but there are to Friday. also other options you may want

42 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Welcome to chapter 3

Schools 1

So you’ve arranged childcare and pre-school but now you need to apply for a school, sometimes it seems there’s always another thing to do! Before 2 giving you some help on choosing a school, here’s an introduction to the statutory assessment process and how this may affect you. 3

Statutory assessments 4

About one in five of all school What should I do if I think children will need special help my child has Special with their learning at some stage. 5 The majority of pupils have educational needs? their needs met through special If you are concerned about your provision in mainstream schools, child’s progress at school you maintained by the Local Authority. should firstly talk with your child However, some children (about teachers, his/her headteacher or 6 2% nationally) cannot have their the school’s special educational needs met this way. They require needs coordinator (SENCo). Your specialist support due to the child’s school will be happy to talk severity and complexity of their to you about your child. Many needs. voluntary organisations who work 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 43 with or for children with special This statutory assessment educational needs can give you information is from the Milton advice. The Parent Partnership Keynes Council SEN Casework Service can also help to support and Development Team’s website. you. They can give you information You can find more information and advice and can put you in about the Special Educational touch with local organisations to Needs Casework and Development help you get your views heard. Team by going to www.milton- keynes.gov.uk/sen. The website The next step; is designed to give information when would my child to parents and carers about the require a statutory following: assessment? • the statutory assessment process A statutory assessment can be • appeals done before a child starts school • meetings they are expected to or when they are already at school. attend It is best to get in touch with your health visitor if you are concerned • other websites they may find about your child before they start useful school. Requests for assessment • publications they may like to read could come from one of the following sources: • other agencies the SEN team works with • the child’s parent or carer. • accessing the MK Schools • the headteacher of the pupil’s Directory school or education setting • contacting the SEN Team • other agencies the pupil may be involved with, i.e. the Psychology Service

44 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (LLDD)

A new online forum for parents, carers and professionals

www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/sen-forum Tel: 01908 253414 5 There is a new online forum for parents, carers and professionals where users can find information, share knowledge and ideas and offer and receive support. To register for the forum, please visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/sen-forum.

You can also research information relating to SEN and LLDD on the new Milton 6 Keynes Council SEN website. Please visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/sen.

For further information, please contact the SEN Team on 01908 253414 or email [email protected]. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 45 Choosing a school

Choosing a school can be a daunting prospect since your child will be there for most of their childhood. There are some things to think about though when deciding which is the best place to send your child. The following information is recommended by Direct Gov: If your child has a statement of Special schools usually take special educational needs (SEN), children with particular types of they will usually be educated special needs. Many mainstream in mainstream schools or early schools also have special provision education settings. However, you for children with particular needs. can also ask for them to go to a You can ask to view a school's special school. policy on SEN to make sure you Schools must give priority to know what can be offered. Every admissions from children with school has to have a Special a special educational need Educational Needs Co-ordinator; statement as long as: you may want to find out who this is at the schools you are applying • the school you choose is suitable for making sure to ask some for your child's age, ability, skills questions or arrange to meet. You and SEN. can also arrange to visit a number • your child meets any academic of schools if you want to. selection criteria the school has If you want your child to go to a (although most state schools do school that is not run by the local not select pupils by academic authority e.g. an independent ability). school, the Local Authority has • your child's presence will not no legal duty to send your child have a negative impact on the here even if they have a statement education of other children of special educational needs. already at the school. school if your child has a special • placing your child in the school educational need. will be an efficient use of the local authority's resources.

46 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare For more information about application deadlines and guides schools admissions you can visit to applying for a school if your www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ child has a special educational schooladmissions . The website need. gives you information about starting school for the first time,

You can also contact the admissions team on the following numbers: 1 For primary school admissions telephone 01908 253450 or 01908 253085 For secondary school admissions telephone 01908 253489 or 01908 253622 2

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 47 Extended services

Extended services assist schools and communities in developing a range of services and facilities, in and around schools, in partnership with others to meet the needs of children, young people, schools and the local communities.

These can include: Extended services are currently helping schools to get funding to • Childcare e.g. before and after extend out of hours activities to school clubs. allow more children to access short • A varied menu of activities breaks particularly out of school including homework clubs, arts activities at special schools in and crafts and trips. Milton Keynes. Schools will also be • Community access to the school able to use funding from Extended and other community sites for services to access suitable leisure or ICT. specialist activity provision across Milton Keynes. • Parenting support through information sessions such as For more information please see parents evenings. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ extended-schools • Swift and easy access to other services and facilities such as police, health, advice and counselling.

48 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 49 Welcome to chapter 4 Financial help

Free early education funding for 3 and 4 year olds Free early learning gives children the best start in life. Through learning and playing with other children in a safe and structured environment, they’ll have a head start when they begin school. All three and four year olds are pre-school, or with a childminder if entitled to 12.5 hours of free early they are an accredited childminder education for 38 weeks of the year. as part of an approved childminder This will be rising to 15 hours from network. September 2010. For more information about This applies until they reach nursery education funding in compulsory school age. The general or for a list of places your early education can take place in child can go to and claim the a school nursery class, nursery free funding contact the Families school, day nursery, playgroup or Information Service.

50 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Childcare vouchers 3 Some employers offer childcare vouchers to help employees with the costs of childcare. They are usually offered in return for a deduction in 4 your salary. This means that an amount will schemes running, you must check be taken out of your salary and with your childcare provider that given to you in voucher form. You they are registered to receive 5 are only taxed on the amount of the ones you want to use. If you your salary after you have had the decide to use childcare vouchers vouchers taken out therefore you these may affect your entitlement will make a tax saving. to tax credits. You can find more information about this at 6 Most childcare voucher companies www.daycaretrust.org.uk and will be able to let you know how search for the fact sheet called much you can save before you ‘Help with childcare costs for commit to using them. Since there working parents’. are a lot of childcare voucher 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 51 Disability Living Allowance Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is described on the Direct Gov website as ‘a tax-free benefit for children and adults who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they are physically or mentally disabled.’ There are different levels of The form for adults is called DLA1 payment according to your care Adults. The form for claiming for needs and your mobility. Children a child under 16 is called DLA1 need to have greater care and Child. You can also claim online or supervision needs than children of download a form at the same age without any physical www.direct.gov.uk/disability-dla. or mental health problems. You may also want to fill out a To receive disability living DLA960 form which is a short form allowance, you must be tested for that will tell you if your claim has 3 months to establish that there is any chance of being successful a care and/or mobility need and be before you have to fill in the seen to need care/mobility help for long forms. 6 months after. More information about the To claim disability living allowance, Disability living allowance at the you can request a form from the following sites: www.direct.gov.uk Benefit Enquiry line on www.disabilityalliance.org 0800 88 22 00.

52 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Direct Payments Direct Payments are cash payments paid to you by Milton Keynes Council, to buy your own support to meet your child’s assessed needs. Direct Payments give you more offer help with doing this through choice, flexibility and control over the Disability Resource Centre. the services and care you receive. They will be able to help you with 1 They can be used to help with: information about employing someone yourself. • Short breaks To make a request for direct • Nursery placement providing payments you need to contact specialist support for you child your social worker. If you get 2 • Assistance to attend an activity, Direct Payments you can use for example a youth club The Disability Resource Centre • Personal care to support and advise you on all aspects of managing your Direct Payments can also be payments. 3 used to help with school holiday provisions for your child. For more general information you can go to www.direct.gov.uk. Direct Payments could also be used Alternatively you can get in touch to employ a person to support your with your social worker. child. Milton Keynes Council can 4

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 53 Warm Front The Warm Front scheme is government funded and can provide a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £3,500 or £6,000 where oil, low carbon or renewable technologies are recommended.

• Working Tax Credit (with an income of less than £16,040, which must include a disability element) • Disability Living Allowance • Child Tax Credit (with an income of less than £16,040) • Housing Benefit (which must include a disability premium) To be eligible for the Warm Front • Income Support (which must scheme households must have include a disability premium) a child under 16 or be pregnant and be getting one or more of the • Council Tax Benefit (which must following benefits: include a disability premium) • Income Support The Warm Front scheme can do a full benefit assessment with you • Council Tax Benefit to establish if you are or should be • Housing Benefit receiving any benefits that would qualify you for the Warm Front • Job Seekers Allowance (income- Grant. based) Contact the Benefit Entitlement • Pension Credit Check Team on 0800 0729006. • Income-related Employment and Alternatively email [email protected] Support Allowance with your contact details so an Alternatively households getting advisor can call you back. one or more of the following benefits may be eligible:

54 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

3 Cold weather payments These are paid during periods of severe cold weather. You can get them if the daily 2. You get a disabled child 4 temperature at a specified weather premium station is at or below freezing for 3. You get Child Tax Credit that 7 days in a row. You must also get includes a disability or severe one of the following benefits: disability element 5 • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support or 4. You have a child who is under income-related employment and five in the family support allowance (ESA). Payment is currently £25.00 a week. One of the following must also You don’t need to apply as the 6 apply: payment will be automatic if you are receiving the right combination 1. You get a disability premium, of benefits listed above. You can enhanced disability premium find more information at or severe disability premium www.direct.gov.uk. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 55 Family Fund Family Fund is a Family Fund can help pay for expenditures like washing registered charity who machines, driving lessons, gives grants to low- equipment needed for college income families caring or even holidays. The grants are completely discretionary and for a severely disabled subject to the funding that Family child under the age Fund have. of 18. For more information and to establish if your family may qualify Family Fund give grants dependant go to www.familyfund.org.uk or on the family or the disabled speak to your social worker. child’s needs. Cinema Exhibitor’s Association Card

The Cinema Exhibitor’s It costs £5.50 and is valid for one year. In Milton Keynes the Association Card is a following cinemas participate in national card that can this scheme: be used for a person • Odeon Milton Keynes at The Point accompanying you to • Cineworld Milton Keynes at the cinema to get a free Xscape ticket. You can get an application form at either of these cinemas To be able to apply for this card alternatively you can download you must be receiving disability the form at www.ceacard.co.uk living allowance, attendance allowance or be registered as blind.

56 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Blue Badge Scheme

You are automatically entitled to a Blue Badge if you get the higher rate of the mobility part of the Disability Living Allowance. The scheme also applies to 1 registered blind people and people with severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand. 2 You can also get a badge if you have a permanent and substantial Blue Badge holders are allowed to disability, which means you park close to their destination and are unable to walk or have very can do the following: considerable difficulty in walking. 3 • Park for free in disabled bays and If this applies, you will need to ‘pay and display’ areas answer a few questions to help the council decide if you are eligible. • Park free for up to 3 hours on single yellow lines How to apply: 4 • Use the blue badge in any car • You can get an application form in which the disabled person is and a booklet explaining more travelling from the council’s Saxon Court reception. • Get preferential access to some 5 town centres • You can also ring 01908 253449 to get an application form • Get concessions at some toll bridges and tunnels • To download an application form, go to www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ • Have immunity from wheel mkparking/ 6 clamping •There is an administration fee of The Scheme does not apply in £2.00 Central London, on some airport road systems (like Heathrow) and on private roads. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 57 Carer’s allowance Carer’s allowance is a benefit for then £95 a week after certain people who regularly spend 35 deductions have been made. hours or more a week caring for For more information or to someone who receives disability download an application form go living allowance or attendance to www.direct.gov.uk/carers. You allowance. You cannot get carers can also ring the benefits enquiry allowance if you are in full time line for a form on 0800 882200. education or you earn more

58 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Other financial support There is a lot of other financial can help with childcare costs. support that you may be entitled For more information contact the to. The list below gives further Families Information Service or go information and relevant contact to www.daycaretrust.org.uk details of some more support you may be able to get. TV licence reductions If you’re blind or severely sight Disabled person’s road tax impaired you can get a 50% exemption reduction on the TV Licence fee. 1 You need to be claiming the higher Your licence will also cover anyone rate of the mobility component who lives with you. of Disability Living Allowance or For more information go to use an invalid carriage. For more www.tvlicensing.co.uk 2 information go to www.direct. Disabled persons railcard gov.uk and type ‘Vehicle tax for disabled people’ in the search The disabled person’s railcard box. To get a claim form you need means you can get one third off most rail fare throughout Great to contact the Disability Living 3 Allowance Unit on Britain. 5 to 15-year olds that 08457 123456 and ask for have a disability listed on the exemption certificate DLA 404. application form qualify for a railcard. This does not enable the Council tax reductions child to save money (the usual If a person who lives in your house child discount of 50% is a much 4 has had adaptations to the house better rate) but it does give a third to allow them to live there you off the standard fare for one adult may be entitled to a reduction in travelling with the child. It costs your council tax. You may also get £18 for a one year railcard or £48 a reduction if you are providing for a three year railcard. 5 care and/or support to someone You must be in receipt of disability living in your home. For more living allowance, be unable to drive information please see: www. due to epilepsy or be registered milton-keynes.gov.uk/council- blind or deaf. For more details 6 tax/ or you can call 01908 253794. about eligibility and how to apply go to www.disabledpersons Tax credits -railcard.co.uk Tax credits can often include extra amounts for disabled children and the childcare element of tax credits 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 59 Welcome to chapter 5

Leisure

It’s often difficult to find activities suitable for your child due to their needs. You know that sticking them in front of the TV or the computer for hours isn’t an option. Fortunately, the Families Information Service have a few other ideas up our sleeves! There are clubs and activities that run all year round as well as plenty of extra activities during school holidays.

The Families Information Service can tell you what’s going on and where, whether you need to find a baby and toddler group, a football group for a child with additional needs or street dance classes for a teenager! Here are a few ideas about the kinds of things the Families Information Service know about.

60 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

Passport to Leisure 4

Passport to Leisure provides discounted access to a variety of leisure facilities and sports clubs in the Milton Keynes area. 5

You must receive a benefit such You can also email as disability living allowance or passporttoleisure@milton- working tax credit to qualify. For keynes.gov.uk a full list of benefits and for more 6 It costs £7.50 the first year and information go to www.milton- £5.00 in subsequent years. Children keynes.gov.uk/passporttoleisure of the main applicant can apply for or call 01908 377251. £1.00 a year. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 61 Milton Keynes Council Sports Development Service The Milton Keynes Council’s Sports Development Team offer a broad, balanced and quality physical education curriculum within schools. The team also create sporting Milton Keynes as well as specific opportunities for people across sports activities for disabled Milton Keynes as well as promoting people. There are also a wide the social, economic, health and range of activities during school well-being benefits of physical holidays across Milton Keynes. activity to the whole community. For more information about what’s happening contact the Their vision is ‘to ensure that every Families Information Service or individual has the opportunity to you can see more about the sports participate in the activity of their development service at choice, at the level of their choice.’ www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ The Sports Development Service sportsdev is always running different sporting activities throughout

62 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Football First Football First is jointly funded by Milton Keynes Council Sports Development, MK Dons Football in the Community and the Football Foundation. Its purpose is to develop a five- needs. All group coaching year programme that increases the sessions are led by qualified MK 1 opportunity for disabled and black Dons Football in the Community and minority ethnic groups, to coaches who are CRB cleared. For participate in football at whatever information on the latest clubs level. running in Milton Keynes, contact the Families Information Service. 2 Football first runs quite a few football based activities in Milton Keynes, for people with special

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 63 Bookstart : stories, songs and rhyme times for under fives Family Song and Rhyme Times for 0-2s are held monthly on Saturdays at the Central Library. Milton Keynes Bookstart aims to Ring 01908 254050 for details. provide 3 free packs of books to Parents should remain in the every child, under five, to inspire, Library while their children are at stimulate and create a love of Storytime. reading that will give children a flying start in life. But most of all Children can be members of the they want to show that books library from any age. are fun. For details of how to join the For further information on library ring 01908 254050. Bookstart in Milton Keynes call 01908 617749

Inter-Action MK Inter-Action MK is a registered charity which brings the arts to life in Milton Keynes. They create imaginative collaborations between artists and communities to share with audiences in Milton Keynes and beyond. Inter-Action MK run locally based projects with people often denied access to the arts. They also strive to develop creative, personal and social skills within projects they run. You can find out more at www.interactionmk.org.uk or call 01908 678514.

64 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

2 The Toy Library • Membership is open to everyone, are able to find out more about Early Years settings, schools, subjects such as dental health, childminders and parents. allergies, speech and language 3 and feeding. • Offers an enormous range of toys and equipment for hire, including • Outside garden area. specialist equipment for children • Delivery/collection service with special needs which can available. be used by families or childcare 4 settings. The Toy Library is open term time only, Wednesdays 1300 - 1600 and • Regular drop in sessions. Fridays 1000 -1400. • A wide range of activity Membership charges range workshops for families and 5 depending on whether you are an professionals ranging from drum individual, a childcare provider or workshops to messy play sessions. a group. Concessionary rates are • The Toy Library holds available. Equipment fees range informational sessions with from 50p up to £5.00 for two 6 professionals where members weeks hire.

You can contact the Toy Library on 07834 585817 or email [email protected] The Toy Library is situated at Greenleys Community Centre, Ardwell Lane, Greenleys, Milton Keynes MK12 6AY 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 65 66 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Milton Keynes Youth Service

Milton Keynes Youth Service and sailing. There is also a run activities for young people chance for young people to get 2 in rural and town locations, involved with local decision- from youth centres which offer making through initiatives such arts projects and sports, to as the Youth Cabinet and MK exciting holiday programmes Youthbank. To find out more go which include activities such to www.mysaymk.com 3 as Katakanuing, high ropes

Know someone who gets fed up during the holidays? 4 Subtitle Freetime MK - activities for young people in Milton Keynes

www.mysaymk.com Tel: 0800 035 0335 6 If you know a young person Freetime MK is a huge Visit www.mysaymk.com, call free who’s not sure what to do this collection of things to do for on 0800 035 0335 or email summer, take a look at the young people from 5 to 19 [email protected] young people’s website years, put together by Milton for more information. www.mysaymk.com to find out Keynes Council and partners. what’s happening in your area. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 67 Sure Start Children’s Centres

Not only are Sure Start Children’s Across Milton Keynes Sure Start Centres a good place for support, Children’s Centres offer a number they are also a good place for of groups specifically for families play! The centres provide a range and children with additional of exciting activities for parents needs. These are ideal for children and children 0-5 years. These may who would benefit from a quieter include stay and play sessions, group. Parents can meet up with music and rhyme sessions, soft each other for support and families gym play and outdoor play. have access to a range of centre Sessions are planned to help resources. Groups run at the babies and young children get the following centres: most out of their play experiences and encourage a range of skills.

Daisychain, West Bletchley Tel: 01908 641454 Sunflowers Group meet every Tuesday 1300 – 1500

Hedgerows, Netherfield Tel: 01908 239000 Downs syndrome support group meet fortnightly on Wednesdays 1000 – 1200

Conniburrow Children’s Centre Tel: 01908 675575 Special Needs Group meet Mondays 1500 – 1600

68 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Tickford Meadow Children’s centre Tel: 01908 217135 Butterflies Group meet Mondays 1330 - 1445

The Art Room, Bletchley Tel: 01908 375977 Sensory Saturdays meet 1st Sat each month 1000 – 1200 1

The Rowans, Fullers Slade Tel: 01908 565852 2 Play and Drop, 1st Saturday of every month 1000 -1130

Little Paws, Simpson Tel: 01908 696312 3 Sunflowers Group meet every Tuesday 1300 – 1500

Squirrels, Stantonbury 4 Tel: 01908 317863 Special squirrels, every Monday 1030 -1130 5 Woodlands, Hanslope Tel: 0794 7316370 A parent support group meets 1st Thursday of every month 1900 – 2100 6

For further information please contact the individual centres directly or visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/earlyyears 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 69 Bletchley Leisure Centre

The new Bletchley Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public in January 2010. Facilities include:

• 25 metre 8 lane swimming pool commitment towards making its with access ramp facilities accessible for the entire community. This includes the • sauna and steam room provision for ramp access into the • 4 squash courts swimming pool and specifically • multi purpose sports hall selected kit in Beaumont’s gym for those with a physical or visual • gymnastics hall impairment. • multi purpose function suite Over the coming months Bletchley • beaumonts fitness studio Leisure Centre will be developing a programme of activities for • dance studio children and families, so call in to • spinning studio the centre for a look around or contact them on 01908 377251 for • 7 rink indoor bowls hall more information. • café For under 16’s free swimming during public sessions; you can Whet your pick up an application form from reception. The centre is also appetite to part of the ‘Passport to Leisure’ programme operated by Milton find some Keynes Council, to see if you qualify pick up an application form more leisure at the centre.

Bletchley Leisure Centre is a activities? flagship site for Milton Keynes Call the Families Information featuring integrated disabled Service to find out the latest leisure access throughout. The centre is information. Make sure you tell us currently working towards the about any specific needs your child achievement of Inclusive Fitness has and we will tailor the list to suit Initiative (IFI) accreditation which these needs as far as possible. demonstrates the centre’s 70 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 1

The Lemon Lizard club is for young people aged 13-17. There are various club nights throughout the year. To find out when please call 7 01908 678514 or go to www.interactionmk.org.uk

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 71 Welcome to chapter 6 Safeguarding children

Milton Keynes Children’s Trust Milton Keynes Children’s Trust is a partnership between local organisations which provide services for children, young people and families, including the council, schools, NHS, police and voluntary agencies. By working together in partnership, these organisations commit to a common vision for improving services for children, young people and families. The Children’s Trust Board has responsibility for ensuring strategic leadership to improve outcomes for children and young people, and a strong performance framework to monitor progress. For more information visit www.mkchildrenstrust.org

72 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Milton Keynes Safeguarding Children Board

Milton Keynes Safeguarding What to do if you have concerns Children Board (MKSCB) is a about a child or young person statutory multi-agency group of Do you think a child or young senior managers which has been person you know might be 1 set up as part of the Every Child suffering from any of the Matters reforms, and requires following? all organisations that work with children to cooperate to keep Physical abuse: being hit, kicked children safe from harm. or punched. 2 The MKSCB agrees how local Physical neglect: not being services and professionals should properly fed or clothed, poor work together to safeguard and hygiene. promote the welfare of children. Sexual abuse: exposed to 3 For more information visit inappropriate sexual behaviour, www.mkscb.org language or assault. Emotional abuse: constantly criticised, ignored, humiliated, exposed to domestic violence. 4

What should you do to help? Please don’t:

• Act promptly • Ignore your concerns 5 • Make a note of your concerns • Think someone else will call • Give as much information as • Try to deal with it on your you can about the child or own family 6 If you are concerned a child or young person may be suffering any of the above, please get in touch with the council’s Children’s Service Team. Call 01908 253169 or 253170. Safeguarding is everybody’s business. You can also speak to a health visitor, doctor, teacher who will be able to help. 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 73 Welcome to chapter 4 Full contacts list

This list gives you the full contact details of the services mentioned in this booklet. The Families Information Service also provides an online service directory containing many different services and organisations you may find useful both local and national. These are also broken down into useful categories. To see this online go to www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare and search under parent support or give us a call and we can send you a list!

74 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contact List A-C

Aiming high Blue Badge Scheme Saxon Court Milton Keynes Council 502 Avebury Boulevard Neighbourhood Services (Disabled Central Milton Keynes Parking Badge) Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Saxon Court 1 MK9 3HS 502 Avebury Boulevard Central Milton Keynes Tel: 01908 252205 MK9 3HS Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ aiming-high Tel: 01908 253449 2 Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ Benefits Enquiry Line - mkparking for Disability Living Allowance Care Forum (MK) 2nd Floor Red Rose House 3 Lancaster Road Limited Preston 1 Hardwick Place Lancashire Woburn Sands PR1 1HB Milton Keynes Bucks Tel: 0800 88 22 00 4 MK17 8QQ Email: BEL-Customer-Services@ dwp.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 01908 584136 Web: www.direct.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Web: www.careforum.co.uk Bletchley Leisure Centre 5 Princes Way Bletchley Milton Keynes MK2 2HQ 6 Tel: 01908 377251 Web: www.hertsmereleisure.com

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 75 Contact List C

Carer’s Allowance Child Brain Injury Trust Carer’s Allowance Unit Unit 1, The Great Barn Palatine House Baynards Green Farm Lancaster Road Nr Bicester Preston Oxfordshire PR1 1HB OX27 7SG Tel: 0845 6084321 Tel: 01869 341075 Tel: 0800 882200 (enquiry line) Tel: 0845 6014939 (helpline) Email: cau.customer-services@ Email: [email protected] dwp.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.cbituk.org Web: www.direct.gov.uk Children and Young Carers Milton Keynes People’s Rights Service The David Baxter Centre Saxon Court 63 North Seventh Street 502 Avebury Boulevard Central Milton Keynes Central Milton Keynes MK9 2DP Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01908 231703 MK9 3HS Email: mail@carersmilton Tel: 0800 0276755 keynes.org Email: childrens.rights.services@ Web: www.carersmilton milton-keynes.gov.uk keynes.org Children with Cinema Exhibitors Disabilities team Association Card Saxon Court The Card Network 502 Avebury Boulevard Network House Central Milton Keynes St Ives Way Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Sandycroft MK9 3HS CH5 2QS Tel: 01908 253617 (9.30am to Tel: 0845 123 1292 1.00pm Monday to Friday) Web: www.ceacard.co.uk

76 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contact List C-D

Cold Weather Payments Counselling for carers You should automatically get this if City Counselling Centre you are entitled to it. If you haven’t received it and you think you 320 Saxon Gate West, Central should, contact the Milton Keynes 1 MK9 2ES Job Centre: Jobcentre plus Tel: 01908 231131 (0900 to 0930 St George’s House Monday to Friday; 0900 to 811 Silbury Boulevard 1630 Friday) Milton Keynes Email: [email protected] 2 MK9 3LR Web: citycounselling centre.org.uk Tel: 01908 455500 Direct Payments Contact a Family 3 Contact your social worker in the 209-211 City Road first instance. London For more support on using your C1V 1JN direct payments: Tel: 0808 808 3555 Suite 3 4 Email: [email protected] Talon House Web: www.cafamily.org.uk Presley Way Crownhill Council Tax Reductions Milton Keynes Revenues Service MK8 0ES 5 PO Box 5327 Tel: 01908 561500 (0900 to Civic Offices 1700 Monday to Friday) 1 Saxon Gate East Email: DirectPayments- Central Milton Keynes [email protected] MK9 3ZA Web: www.drcbeds.co.uk 6 Tel: 01908 253794 Email: counciltax@milton-keynes. gov.uk Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ 7 council-tax

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 77 Contact List D-I

Disabled Persons Extended Services Rail Card Galley Hill Education Centre Rail Travel Made Easy Stony Stratford PO Box 11631 Milton Keynes Laurencekirk MK11 1PA AB30 9AA Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ Tel: 0845 605 0525 extended-schools Tel: 0800 882200 (enquiry line) Email: [email protected] Family Fund Web: www.disabledpersons- 4 Alpha Court railcard.co.uk Monks Cross Drive York Disabled persons road YO32 9WN tax exemption Tel: 0845 130 4542 Vehicle Customer Services (VCS) Email: [email protected] DVLA Web: www.familyfund.org.uk SA99 1AR Inter-Action MK Tel: 0300 790 6802 Web: www.direct.gov.uk The Old Rectory Waterside Peartree Bridge Educational Milton Keynes Psychologists MK6 3EJ Milton Keynes Psychological Tel: 01908 678514 Service Email: [email protected] Holne Chase Centre Web: www.interactionmk.org.uk Buckingham Road Bletchley Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK3 5HP Tel: 01908 367333

78 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contact List M-P

Milton Keynes Parents and Carers Children Come First Alliance Childminding Network C/o Carers Milton Keynes Galley Hill Education Centre The David Baxter Centre 1 Stony Stratford 63 North Seventh Street Milton Keynes Central Milton Keynes MK11 1PA MK9 2DP Tel: 01908 231703 Tel: 01908 258071 2 Tel: 01908 254512 Tel: 07852 526057 Email: [email protected] Nursery Education Web: www.pacamk.org Funding Parent Partnership 3 Galley Hill Education Centre Galley Hill Education Centre Stony Stratford Stony Stratford Milton Keynes Milton Keynes MK11 1PA MK11 1PA Tel: 01908 254522 Tel: 01908 254518 4 Email: nursery.education@milton- Email: [email protected] keynes.gov.uk Web: www.mkparents.org

Ofsted Passport to Leisure Royal Exchange Buildings Bletchley Leisure Centre 5 St Ann’s Square Princes Way Manchester Bletchley M2 7LA Milton Keynes Tel: 08456 404040 MK2 2HQ Tel: 08456 014772 (complaints) 6 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01908 377251 Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk Email: passporttoleisure@milton- keynes.gov.uk Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ passporttoleisure 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 79 Contact List S-T

Schools Admissions Sports Development Saxon Court Saxon Court 502 Avebury Boulevard 502 Avebury Boulevard Central Milton Keynes Central Milton Keynes Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 3HS MK9 3HS Tel: 01908 253562 Primary schools: 01908 253450 Email: sportsdevelopment@ or 01908 253085 milton-keynes.gov.uk Secondary schools: 01908 253489 Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ or 01908 253622 sportsdev Email: education@milton-keynes. gov.uk Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ Sure Start Children’s schools Centres Galley Hill Education Centre Special Educational Stony Stratford Milton Keynes Needs Casework and MK11 1PA Development Team Email: sportsdevelopment@ Saxon Court milton-keynes.gov.uk 502 Avebury Boulevard Web: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ Central Milton Keynes extended-schools Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 3HS Tax Credits Tel: 01908 253414 Tax Credit Office Preston PR1 0SB Tel: 0845 300 3900 Web: www.direct.gov.uk

80 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare Contact List T-W

The Toy Library Greenleys Community Centre Ardwell Lane Greenleys Milton Keynes 1 MK12 6AY Tel: 07834 585817 Email: toylibrary-psla@ btconnect.com 2 VICTA – Visually Impaired children taking action 3 Hill Farm House Newport Road Woolstone Milton Keynes MK15 0AA 4 Tel: 01908 240831 Email: [email protected] Web: www.victa.org.uk

Warm Front 5 Eaga plc Customer Management Team FREEPOST NEA12054 Newcastle upon Tyne 6 Tel: 0800 316 2805 Benefit entitlement check: 0800 072 9006 Email: [email protected] Web: www.warmfront.co.uk 7

Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 81 My Notes

82 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare 83 Freephone : 0800 035 0335 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/childcare This booklet is from the Milton Keynes Families Information Service (FIS). If you have any comments about how you would like to see the developed, please contact: Families Information Service Early Years & Child Care Team Galley Hill Education Centre Galley Hill Milton Keynes MK11 1PA Freephone: 0800 035 0335 (excludes some mobile networks) [email protected]

Milton Keynes Council Galley Hill Education Centre Galley Hill Milton Keynes 01908 253918 MK11 1PA MK90932