What help is there with getting children to school?

sammyo
sammyo Community member Posts: 3 Listener
edited August 21 in Families and carers

I’m a lone parent of 4 children 13,12,9,6) . Their dad died after we divorced and I’ve got Lcwra. I’m starting biologic therapy and I have Ankylosing spondylitis and a two other autoimmune progressive diseases, mentally ill and have FND. My 6 and 9 yr old get picked up from childminder and takes them to school. I am entitled to 85% of childcare costs back. Because my conditions are deteriorating and I’m going to be immunosuppressed I don’t think I’ll be able to work. However I won’t be able to get my children to school unless I pay childcare for the CM to take and pick up from school. What can I do? There doesn’t seem to be ANY advice for non working, disabled, parents who still need childcare to get children into school. I’m so worried and my therapy starts in 2 weeks. What help is there please? I also get pip enhanced mobility and standard for living. I was a teacher but with being immune suppressed and my gp understanding my complex needs doesn’t think I should continue working 1 day a week. Please help

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 60,807 Championing

    You will only be entitled to childcare costs through Universal Credit if you work. Do you have a friend or family member that can take the younger children to school?

    I'm not aware of being able to claim for child care in this situation. The only thing I can think of is to refer yourself for a needs assessment from your local Authority and see if there's any help and support they can give you.

    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

    I was in the same situation as yourself when my children were small and my eldest daughter used to take my youngest to school because there was no other option. There's 3.5 year age gap between them. Could that be an option for you?

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,649 Online Community Programme Lead

    Good morning @sammyo.

    This sounds like a very difficult situation. Have you spoken to the school to see if there is any support they can offer with getting your children to and from school?

  • Doris_Scope
    Doris_Scope Scope Family Services Posts: 177 Family Services
    edited August 22

    Hi @sammyo.

    This definitely sounds like a really difficult situation for you.  I agree with @poppy123456about asking for a care needs assessment for yourself.  Your local authority may be able to organise some support for you around school.

    Also as @Adrian_Scope said, is there a possibility of the 9-year-old helping with the 6-year-old.  Do they have to walk far to school?  Are they any other children local to you that go to the same school who are maybe in year 6 so that little bit older?  The school might be able to support you with this.  I would definitely speak to the school as soon as you can about the situation. If they are not aware and the children miss any days, this could cause more problems for you. This is because they could easily put the children down as unauthorised absences. School staff are usually in for at least one day before the term starts.  

    The Family Right Group might be a good place to start.  You can speak to them for free over the phone.  They also have advice forums and web chat.

    I hope this helps you.  I am aware that the new school term starts soon.

    Doris

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