Refused childcare in England?
2 mins read
This advice is for families in England only.
There are laws around childcare that local authorities and childcare providers must follow. The main law in England is the Childcare Act 2006. If you are refused childcare you can use this and other laws to help you change the decision.
In this article
Difficulties finding childcare
Families with disabled children often find it difficult to access childcare. There are many reasons for this: you may not be able to find a childcare provider to suit your child’s specific needs, many childcare settings are not inclusive and many don’t offer childcare at times that are suitable.
Template letters for challenging childcare decisions
We have put together two template letters based on the most common barriers to accessing childcare for disabled children and what can or can’t be done to overcome them.
1. Challenging a childcare provider’s failure to make reasonable adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010 all childcare providers must make reasonable adjustments to the way they provide a service. This is to make sure all children are able to access their activities and facilities.
Use template letter one [docx] if you think a childcare provider has failed to do this. Send it to a senior manager working at the provider or to head office if it is part of a larger organisation (for example, a chain of nurseries).
2. Challenging a local authority’s failure to make sure there is enough childcare provision in its area
This letter is designed to help challenge a local authority that is failing to make sure there is enough childcare available in the local area. Although the letter is primarily to challenge a lack of free childcare for children aged two to four in England, it can easily be adapted to highlight the lack of childcare for older children.
Template letter two [docx] is mainly intended to be a campaign tool for local groups, but individual parents can also send it.
If you use one of these letters, please let us know how you get on by emailing [email protected].
Related information
Access to childcare
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Support in the early years
How early years education settings in England support children with special educational needs (SEN).
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Local support & legal advice
Information about the help available in your area, from local advice organisations to parent support groups.
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