Children with special needs let down on hols
Lack of holiday clubs makes summer break a challenge
An Aberfeldy-based parent and champion for families with additional special needs children has slammed the lack of official assistance offered in Highland Perthshire.
Jane Carmichael from Aberfeldy, whose teenage son Dylan is profoundly autistic, says the six-week summer break is a massive challenge for carers and she is angry that the town has an unused community campus, but no holiday clubs that her child can attend.
She adds it is not good enough that respite care for ASN (additional support needs) families provided by Perth and Kinross Council is only available in Perth.
Jane has had to take the initiative and organise a series of excursions for her son and other children living in the Aberfeldy area as nothing has been put on to occupy these excluded young people.
Jane, chair of parent group Aberfeldy Plus, is excited to be leading a group that is heading for the beach on July 30, where Dylan and a number of ASN children from Highland Perthshire will get to go on pony cart rides on the sand with a specialist handler.
Recent trips organised by Aberfeldy Plus to entertain the youngsters with a variety of special and complex needs have been to Macrosty Park in Crieff and Drummond Gardens.
The trips have been financed with funding from the Basil Death Fund and the Griffin Wind Farm Community Fund.
But no transport is provided, so families without a car cannot go.
Jane complains the lack of support for those living in Highland Perthshire with ASN is “appalling” and “carers are now on their knees, PKC offers nothing”.
She added: “ASN parents - who have become exhausted with the demands put on them during a stressful lockdown period are now left without options for the summer holiday.
“I have to say how disappointed I have been with Perth and Kinross Council in provision for children and families with disabilities and ASN.
“We have our hands full tryi to provide something for ASN children and families because there are no respite services, activity clubs or holiday clubs provided up here by Perth and Kinross Council.”
Highland ward councillor John Duff responded to Jane’s complaint about ASN families falling through the gap at Breadalbane, saying: “A number of weeks ago, with the expansion of the definition of key worker, the numbers of children eligible for childcare grew to the extent that a Children’s Activity Centre (which is the term used for the childcare operation in schools) was viable and the Breadalbane Community Campus was opened for eligible childcare.
“It will remain open until August 3, when it will close for a week prior to the schools restarting for teachers on Monday, August 10.
“I accept that there may not be plans for other holiday provision activities for those not eligible for childcare.
“This may be due to restrictions in line with government guidance and I am sure that officers replying to your enquiry will clarify that position.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council commented: “Perth and Kinross Council asked key workers what their childcare needs are over the summer holidays and the opening hours of each Summer Activity Club setting will reflect those demands.
“The survey has allowed us to ensure we will provide all necessary childcare for keyworkers through summer activity clubs, partner providers and childminders.
“The children’s activity centre at Breadalbane Community Campus was prepared in case it was needed to meet demand for childcare in Highland Perthshire, but has not been needed.
“Key workers and vulnerable children, including those with additional support needs, who met the criteria for childcare are receiving it in other locations, as was the preference of their parents.
“In addition to the Children’s Activity Centres, Perth and Kinross Council has supported two charities, SHIP and PAS, to provide summer activities for children with additional support needs.”