A CHILDMINDING business in Malmesbury has been recognised by the Family and Childcare Trust for their work to support families who have children with special educational needs.

Karen Phipps and Steve Paginton, who run K&S Childcare Services, feature in a video showcasing excellent childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The pair have been providing childcare in Malmesbury for almost 15 years and said they have worked to make their care suitable for all children.

As well as reading, arts and a garden they also organise visits to the library, arboretums and other play groups.

They have worked closely with professionals to ensure seven-year-old Erin, who is in their care, gets the best quality support.

Steve said: “My advice to any childminder taking on a child with additional needs is to think every child is unique, and their additional needs are their uniqueness.”

Stephen Dunmore, chief executive at the Family and Childcare Trust said: “Too many children with special educational needs or disabilities are missing out on the benefits of early education and play, and too many parents cannot work because of lack of access to affordable, quality childcare for their children.

“Karen and Steve provide outstanding care to Erin alongside all the other children, and we’d like to see more childcare providers make the necessary adjustments and get specialist advice to ensure all children are able to enjoy their right to an early education.”

The Family and Childcare Trust was commissioned to develop resources by the Department for Education following a Parliamentary Inquiry into Childcare for Disabled Children which found that parent carers were often charged higher than average fees.

For further information, please go to familyandchildcaretrust.org.