Hi, i have recently been assessed for direct payments for my 6 year old son who is autistic.

As i struggle in the school holidays, because he does'nt like to go to new places or i need another person with me i sent him to the holiday club which is attached to his school (mainstream) last holidays. This was only for a couple of mornings as they are expensive and i funded it out of his DLA money, he enjoys going and the staff meet his needs and it is also familiar surrounding for him as it is in his school.

I wanted direct payments so i could fund more days in the holidays as i have a 3yr old son who i need to take out as it is not fair on him to be stuck in the house all the time.

My social worker contacted me saying her manager was querying it as it was not a special needs holiday club and that they might not fund it now.

I am quite angry about this as my son has a routine there and is settled and for me to take him out of that environment and take him to another holiday club where he does'nt know anyone and which is across the other side of town (his current one is across the road from our house) just seems like a ridiculous idea.

They are meant to be helping parents not causing them more stress !!

Just wondered if anyone had any advice

Just to see what routes we may have to look at.
Wht is your work/benefit status?

the whole idea of direct payments was so you decide how you get respite for your child, social services can only advice you, sometimes they say they need to be crb checked (they dont if you trust the person) which if they are a school they will be. have u got outreach in your area or aiming high?
a bit confused, is it direct payments or is it a grant for holiday club? my friend just pays a friend of hers to take son out to drum lessons and shopping (teach him to manage money) and they have never said they need to be special needs. do you have a disability resource team in your area as they can help re direct payments.
corinne

Hi thanks for your replies, Daniel i am not working and in receipt of carers allowance and my son gets DLA high care and low mobility. My husband is working.

Hi Corinne it is direct payments, not sure who to contact i live in Lancaster, Lancashire.

I think i am going contact my social worker tomorrow and voice my opinions as i dont think it right, they also said becuase i funded it last year myself why can't i this year

Lancashire Support Services
Lancashire Centre for Independent living Unit G13 Preston Technology Centre
Marsh Lane
Preston
PR1 8UQ

Phone: 01772 250300

This is the team that deal with direct payments so give them a call directly tommorow and get there advice.
Its not upto social services on what type of nursery you use for respite with direct payment providing that they have a CRB check and the rest of the legal framework in place.
And anyway if they pay you and providing you get a receipt and keep files etc they cant control who you use within reason of course.
The reason i asked about the work situation is that i was wondering if working tax/child tax credit was an option with the childcare fees but as it stands direct payments is the route to follow.
Did they perform a full assesment detailing the needs of your child and also did you request a carers assesment?