The Cambridgeshire County Council Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare (DCATCH) project is aimed at supporting parents/carers of disabled children in accessing suitable childcare; enabling them the chance of returning to employment and/or training. It is part of the Cambridgeshire Childcare Information Service (CIS).

The aim of DCATCH is to highlight that “a child with a disability and his/her family should have access to the full range of childcare options that are open to other families”
  – Sure Start, 2005

“A lack of information about the childcare services that are available, and confusion about the quality and potential benefits of using childcare, continue to create barriers for some parents”.
  – Department for children, schools and families, Dec 2009.

The aim of the project is to work closely with parents, childcare providers and professionals, embedding the principles of DCATCH; ensuring inclusion into early years and childcare settings for all. A referral service to parents shows where to go for support and guidance with their childcare options via the Childcare Brokerage Service.

Once a family is identified DCATCH can then, through the CIS Childcare Brokerage Service, enquire about suitable childcare. This will include information on provision of childcare from providers, funding options, costs, specialist care and specialist facilities, if required by the provider.

The DCATCH project provides a service to families, which is free of charge and completely impartial.

If you would like further information on DCATCH then please ring 0845 04 54 014 and ask for Denis Green or send an email to denis.green@opportunitylinks.co.uk

Alternatively check their website www.familiesandchildcare.org.uk