Wakefield DCATCH

Wakefield: Disabled Children's Access to Childcare

The DCATCH Project is a Government initiative that came about through The Childcare Act 2006. This act highlights the need for childcare which meets the requirements of parents, as well as the child. Childcare is seen as a vital service within the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme which provides additional funding to develop ways to improve access to childcare for disabled children and their families.

Wakefield Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare (DCATCH) Project is provided by KIDS and funded by Wakefield Council. DCATCH’s project aim is to increase families confidence when choosing and accessing childcare by:

  • Providing additional adult support to access settings for an initial period, whilst the child settles in.
  • Improving access to childcare for disabled children and those with specific needs by providing training and support both to families and settings. Training for childcare settings includes free access to online learning.
  • Working alongside other agencies to provide and promote information on Childcare & Welfare Benefits which families are entitled too.
  • Supporting families, disabled children and young people to access appropriate childcare – including opportunities for free taster sessions.
  • Promoting inclusive childcare by awarding a KITE mark to providers who have taken part in training and have demonstrated improvements in inclusive practice.

You are eligible to access the DCATCH Project IF:
- You have a disabled child aged 3 - 14 years old

You are:
- In employment
- Seeking employment
- Attending training
- Studying for an educational course 
 

(Or considering any of the above)

If you would like to find out more about DCATCH, contact Siobhan O’Connor: 
01924 379015 or email: Siobhan.O’Connor@kids.org.uk.