The government says it wants to push ahead with proposals announced last year that parents should have a “personal budget” for their children.

The changes could also see fewer children in the special needs category.

Children’s minister Sarah Teather said the current system was “outdated and not fit for purpose”.

The government is setting out its response to last year’s green paper on special educational needs – which warned that too many parents felt frustrated with having to “battle” against the system.

Full story here

As a parent of a disabled child I know how difficult things can be to arrange, but with full access to Vale Travel’s range of ABTA covered booking tools there is a holiday out there waiting for you!

Please either email your requirements to david@valetravel.co.uk or call me on 01258 300415 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm).

I look forward to helping you.

Charities say that 2,000 families with disabled children have been wrongly targeted. Enver Solomon, policy director at The Children’s Society, said: “What should have been a smooth transition is in danger of becoming a fiasco because of rushed implementation of an ill-thought-out policy. Thousands of families could be left confused, totally in the dark or alarmed because of misinformation.”

He added: “They will be given no information about how much they stand to lose. It also appears that thousands of families will be told incorrectly they may be affected, including those with disabled children who are exempt.”

Original story here

Do you want to share your thoughts with others? Would you like to help us tell your story? Cerebra would particularly love to hear from you:
· If your child has made contact with the police
· The behaviours your child may exhibit that can be misunderstood by people
· The positives and negatives of the internet (including cyber bullying and keeping safe)
· The problems your child may have with sleep (problems but also hints and tips for other parents)
Cerebra are happy to keep child and family identities confidential by changing names should you wish.

If you are interested please contact Deborah Llewelyn at deborahl@cerebra.org.uk.

The Changing Places Consortium has launched its campaign on behalf of those people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, as well as many other disabled people.
They need Changing Places toilets with enough space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

Have a look, I hope it’s of some assistance.

With prices starting from just £9 per person, per night, cottages4you holidays offer excellent value for money. (Price based on maximum occupancy for 7 nights). Cottages4you have properties to suit everyone; cosy cottages suitable for 2 people right through to spectacular large houses or complexes for over 30 people.

To search for your dream property, check availability, view more images, watch virtual tours and book securely online, visit www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/andme Alternatively, call our Sales team 0845 268 8900 quoting PART05 to receive your 5% discount.

If you book between now and 22nd Dec depoist will be £35
If you book from 22nd Dec up until 31st March, deposit will just be £25 per booking!

Following Terms and Conditions apply:

1.These terms and conditions should be read in conjunction with the Booking Conditions and insurance information in the cottages4you brochure or website. Your attention is particularly drawn to Sections 2, 4 and 7.
2. This offer applies only to bookings for UK properties that commence in 2012 and which are booked between 1st December 2011 and 31st March 2012.
3. The low initial deposit payable under this offer is £35 per booking up to 22nd Dec, £25 thereafter.
4. This offer does not apply to properties that sleep 10 or more people.
5. The difference between the initial deposit and the standard deposit quoted in the cottages4you brochure or website will become due with the balance payment, which must be received by cottages4you no later than 10 weeks before departure, or at the time of cancellation if you cancel your booking. This payment should include all applicable charges as detailed on your booking confirmation, including all insurance premiums (if applicable). If the payment is not received in full on time, cottages4you reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and for a non-refundable reason.
6. In the event of cancellation for a non-refundable reason you remain liable for cancellation charges (as set out in the 2012 Booking Conditions in the cottages4you brochure or on our website) including any deferred Booking Fee and Personal Travel Insurance purchased, all of which must be paid immediately.
7. This initial deposit offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer except current brochured offers.
8. Subject to market conditions, including popularity and property availability, this offer may be withdrawn without notice or extended.

Book your 2012 summer holiday with cottages4you and save 5%. Not only are we offering you a discount but if you book between the 1st December 2011 and the 31st March 2012 you can reserve your next cottage break with a low deposit * t&c’s apply.

With prices starting from just £9 per person, per night, cottages4you holidays offer excellent value for money. (Price based on maximum occupancy for 7 nights). We have properties to suit everyone; cosy cottages suitable for 2 people right through to spectacular large houses or complexes for over 30 people.
To search for your dream property, check availability, view more images, watch virtual tours and book securely online, visit www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/andme Alternatively, call our Sales team 0845 268 8900 quoting PART05 to receive your 5% discount.