More than £12,000 will go towards enhanced support for South Lakes children with special educational needs and disabilities over the next year.
The county council's Local Committee for South Lakeland agreed to increase its funding at its meeting today (Tuesday 25 September).
Throughout Cumbria, and the UK, the number of children with severe and complex needs is increasing, and enabling them to be included in early education at pre-schools and day nurseries or receive childcare will require greater resources in terms of staffing, training, and time.
The committee has approved an increase from £10,000 to £12,808 for 2007-2008.
Providing enhanced support funding enables childcare and early years education providers to maximise these children's development in a number of ways:
- they are encouraged to take part in healthy activities within a safe environment where children at risk can be identified
- they can make a positive contribution to their communities
- it is easier to see their learning development
It also means that it is easier for parents to try and get work or training which helps children to overcome economic disadvantage, which tends to be higher in families with disabled children.
The grant, along with a similar amount from the Government's General Sure Start Grant, can be used for such things as:
- buying play equipment and other resources like sensory toys
- funding visits to other childcare providers who have had experience of caring for children with specific needs
- paying for extra staff so extra care can be provided and individual learning programmes can be followed
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Further information from Alison Lister, Media Team on 01228 606335