Local Information and Resources

Local Resources

Signpost Booklet

RBW&M info booklet and contact numbers. The current issue is due to be updated soon.

Windsor and Maidenhead Children’s Information Service

01753 869100

Children’s information service for parents and carers of children 0-16 info about childcare, holiday schemes activities and events, education facilities

Children with Special needs team. (Royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead)

01753 638640/41/43/44

The service is for children from Birth to 18 years living in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with a special need. You can refer yourself or your GP health Visitor can refer you.

We would recommend you ask for a carers assessment so they can assess and offer respite care they will keep you in touch with activities for children and families.

Crossroads and friends and families are two organisations which you can apply to directly for support

 

Berkshire Community Dental Services

0118 9582850/ 9582988

01344 458115/125/126 for Berkshire Community Dental Service covering Bracknell & Ascot (based at Skimped Hill Health Centre

Details about community clinics may be particularly helpful if your child is having problems going to the dentist

Disabled Parking Badges

Contact your local borough. If you have a child over three who is not walking or has difficulty walking you may be able to obtain one of these. (If your child is on the higher rate of mobility allowance you should have no problems obtaining one)

In car safety centre

01908 220909

Unit 5 The auto centre, Stacey Bushes Milton Keynes MK12 6HS

Have a huge range of car seats including special needs and can advise on the best for your child. They suggest phoning before you visit to check there will be an appropriate advisor there

Education

Parent Partnership co-ordinator.

Parent partnership Forum RBW&M Contact Judy Coulson (Parent partnership co-ordinator) 1628 683182

e-mail judy.coulson@rbwm.gov.uk

They offer advice and information about education the statement process Annual reviews etc.

A Note about Benefits

This is just a summary of personal experiences. DSA Head Office, Social services and Citizens Advice centres should all be able to give you more information.

Disability Living Allowance: All of our children should be eligible for Disability Living Allowance. It is not uncommon to be rejected initially and have to re-apply. It’s worth getting help to fill in the form. The DSA produce info about filling in these forms and the benefits advisors at DSA head office can be very helpful. Most of our children are receiving the middle or higher rate. Where there are additional health needs or night time problems children may be on the higher rate. If you are awarded the lower rate initially you can apply to have this reviewed later (we did at 3) You can loose out substantially by putting this off as other benefits e.g. Carers allowance is dependent on your child being awarded the middle rate of DLA.

Mobility Allowance:The mobility component of DLA is for over 3s’.Most of our children would qualify for the lower rate of mobility allowance. If your child is not walking at 3 they may be entitled to the higher rate of benefit at that age. (The lower rate of mobility allowance may now be available from 3.)

Carers Allowance: If you earn less than £84 a week(at time of writing) after you have deducted certain costs (mainly child care costs) or you are not working and your child is on the middle or higher rate of DLA you are entitled to carers allowance. This is now available to people over the age of 65.