Choosing the best childcare options for your child can be a daunting experience, especially when your child has an additional need or disability. There is no right or wrong option as childcare has to fit your family and evolve as your child's needs and the needs of your family change.

Start looking early, before your child needs childcare, and don't feel under pressure to take the first provider you find. Take your time, speak to more than one provider and make a shortlist. You may not always find a provider that meets all your needs, but it's important to find the best fit you can.

Childcare

The majority of children and young people with special educational needs can be supported to achieve their potential by the wide selection of inclusive childcare provision (day nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, out of school and holiday clubs) within the borough. 

You may be able to get details of the local offer available at individual childcare settings via their website, which will include information on accessibility.

All childcare providers must meet the requirements of the government's SEND Code of Practice (PDF - 3.23 MB). They must make reasonable adjustments to policies and physical features which put disabled children at a disadvantage compared with non-disabled children. In addition they must involve you and your children in decision making and make sure you get the information and support you need. They must respond quickly to your child’s emerging needs, planning ahead and working towards positive outcomes for your child. For further information on all childcare options, please visit the childcare options page.

Disability Access Fund (DAF)

Children who are eligible for the 3 & 4 year old funding and who are in receipt of DLA are eligible for the Disability Access Fund (DAF) .  This is a grant of £615 which is paid direct to the childcare provider to support children with disabilities or special educational needs to be able to access their early years funded place. Find out more about DAF

Specialist Childcare

Bromley Mencap Childminding Network

For children and young people with severe or complex needs, Bromley Mencap offers a specialist Childminding Network.

The Bromley Mencap Childminding Network has a team of registered, Ofsted inspected childminders who are trained to care for children with disabilities aged from birth to 16. The service is flexible and can be tailor-made to meet your needs.

The Network Plus childminding network - also provided by Bromley Mencap, offers 1:1 care to children with a severe learning disability and a complex medical need or complex communication difficulty.

You can find out more details, and request support by contacting Bromley Mencap.

Petts Wood Special Needs Playgroup

Petts Wood Playgroup is an independent Registered Charity who provides pre-school care and education for children with special needs from birth to five years.

The special needs include physical disabilities, developmental delay, behavioural and social problems that can cause difficulties for children and parents alike.

The Playgroup cares for 15 children with varying additional needs each day.

Referral is open i.e. made by anyone involved with the care of an individual child, be it a GP, other professional or parents themselves. The family are invited to visit the playgroup and this can be followed by subsequent visits at home. Parents are always welcome to stay or pop in.

Escorted transport is available.

Find out more visit Petts Wood Special Needs Playgroup website

Riverside Nursery

Places in the nursery are for children who are in the year before they are due to start school and who have an Education Health Care Needs Assessment.

Find out more about Riverside School

Childcare costs

Find out more about childcare costs.

Need more help?

Contact the Information, Advice and Support Service for free, impartial information, advice and support for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support is also offered to children and young people with SEND. They can also help provide information in a non-web format.