Didn't get offered place at nursery..now what to do?

Savvy_Sue

jellyhead wrote: »

I don't know how things work nowadays but my eldest who is now almost 15 got 8 hours funding for nursery when he was 2-3 because when he was assessed at the child development centre they said he would benefit from nursery. Social services arranged to pay for nursery elsewhere because their own nursery was full (I didn't have a social worker, it was just the way things were funded - his statement of special needs for nursery and school said 'funding for nursery only, no further social services involvement'). In the end my boy wasn't diagnosed with anything (except moderate developmental delay) and his chromosome tests were clear (they were looking for fragile X). He still got his nursery place though, because he had a need even though he didn't have a diagnosis.

I don't know if they would give nursery to both of your children though, or just the one. It's a shame that toddler groups near you are so expensive, and for 2 children too Do the sessions at the children centre charge for both children? I think ours used to charge £1 per group.

Even if they only gave a place to one, it might help, mightn't it?

If the OP's HV says they would benefit from nursery, can she suggest other sources of support? Would Home-Start send a volunteer if you have a local branch? Is there a local college offering childcare which needs student placements? They often want 'different' situations, like twins or several under 3 or 5 or mild special needs.

HRV

Hi, Im a reception/nursery teacher myself and come across this alot.

Are you aware you can use you 15 hours at childminders and day nurseries as well as at school based nurseries- even if not ideal it may give your boys a different environment for a few months ( and you a break or even time wih one child??? whilst the others at a childminder??) before you can get them in to your chosen nursery

Also whe you apply for full time school, special needs/medical needs is one of the top catergories for priority at a given school (above siblings and distance I believe)- might be worth adding to your application when you do it.

I dont know what area your in but if in an urban area you'll prob find a few surestart/ childrens centres quite close to you (even if not the closest). I know the one closed to me does hardly anything however there is another little further that has loads of groups- could be worth a look. You might also find the surestart do stay and play sessions- at ours the kids have to be 2+ and its 2 hours once a week-this as well as groups where parents have to stay with the kids

Im expecting twin boys myself and forsee all sorts of the things you describe- play the twin card- tell them you need a break- the boys need to be individuals- and its been medically recommened. You can try, they can only say no
All the best

elff

HRV wrote: »

Hi, Im a reception/nursery teacher myself and come across this alot.


Im expecting twin boys myself and forsee all sorts of the things you describe- play the twin card- tell them you need a break- the boys need to be individuals- and its been medically recommened. You can try, they can only say no
All the best

Thanks for all the advice, I have repeatedly asked for help with them over the last year or so it was only when i saw an older GP at my practice that anything was done I was in a complete state and he called me every week just to see if things were progressing with HV advice - I have been acepted for portage behavioural 'play??? for the boys as GP thinks this will help - we had play therepy for them for a couple of months unil funding was cut..... been told know we are on the waiting list and should see somone by september:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

One of my bigest problems is i dont know any mummy's here (we moved when i was 7mth pregnant) and only attended 'twin' antinatal group at hospital as local surgery didn't off them:(. Sadly most of the other twin mummy's there were older most had paid privatley for IVF - so had good jobs(l remeber one woman said her twins had cost over £20000:eek:) and we didn't really have anything in commonas they alll went back to work. So mixing with other mummys is hard.

HRV

Go back to the GP:mad:- tell them you need support now-what about homestart? (volunteers for a few hours a week) So you could go out with another adult and give each boy some one to one.

Im not getting any twin antenatal- just shoved in with all the singleton pregs!!
Are you a member of Tamba? I joined and even though my twins aren't even here yet I have made some connections (via the net) with people at a similar stage to me- might help you cope a bit better. Also there are loads of twin groups- maybe there's one near you??

Im worrying about going back to work and that I wont make connections coz of that- it's hard. I dont live near my family just my OHs family. If you went to a twin group you might feel less stressed as otehrs will be 'like' you and may be able to help with advice- from what Ive learnt so far people under estimate the diff of 2 and it'll help if you've got some twin links to sound off against.

jellyhead

I don't know the current rules, but when my eldest was referred for portage the rules said the child could only have it if they attended nursery for 16 hours or less per week.