Parents are protesting inadequate support for special needs children. They cite insufficient childcare, breaks, and holiday help.
The group already gave a petition to the council, stating that childcare and breaks are not enough. Councillor Alexander discussed summer help numbers; there were 678 sessions, with 418 for complex needs.
Petitioners stated some kids only got four days, with the need being for one-on-one or two-on-one support, for the entire summer holiday. The October break had just one day, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM.
SEND Us A Break says the council must provide help, specifically childcare, breaks, and respite. They believe current support is very poor and has been this way for years.
Twelve parents support a speech to the council to highlight unequal childcare access, noting this lack hurts families with special needs kids and that insufficient childcare impacts them.
The Parent Carers’ Council also challenged the council, and Fiona England cited unequal holiday services specifically related to kids, with these services pertaining to children with special needs.
A council committee met on February 7th. England noted the absence of a £130,000 break program that was not in the council’s budget papers.
The group wanted oversight of the program, claiming demand exceeds funds by law and they worry about no social care officer for these families, where kids have special needs and lack help.
A respite center is being used for housing instead of providing respite care; it’s housing a young adult needing a permanent home. Families aren’t getting proper holiday care, despite being eligible by law.
England mentions the need for big picture planning, highlighting that short break issues create pressure for families and that the Drove Road center situation adds to the stress.
Council Deputy Leader Jacob Taylor heard the parents and acknowledges their messages. He states that children’s services have “budget pressure” because costs are rising for the council overall.
The budget rises from £72.4 to £77.5 million for families, kids, and wellbeing. Councillor Taylor knows short breaks are vital.
The council examines using direct payments differently as direct payments could help parents and carers. He affirms meeting legal duties is essential, alluding to that more funding is possible if needed later.
The council cabinet met at Hove Town Hall on February 13 and they discussed these matters at the meeting.