Cambridgeshire County Council has written to families of children with special educational needs and disabilities proposing to cut funding for after school care. 

The council has revealed it is considering cuts in two areas: Childcare Access Funding which supports children with the very highest levels of needs and Special School After School Clubs.  

It says the combined cost of both services is £230,000. If the proposals get the go-ahead, the cuts would affect the lives of around 200 children and their families.  

A specialist SEND lawyer featured in an Anglia News report about the issue said the proposals could be unlawful and the council could be subject to a legal challenge.   

The Barbour family outlined their concerns in a heartfelt response to the consultation, which closed on Friday (November 29). 

Their daughter Daisy, 9, is autistic and non-verbal.  

She attends Highfield Academy, in Ely, where, her parents say, the staff “are brilliant at encouraging her to achieve her full potential”. 

Daisy’s mother Louise outlined her daughter’s needs, captured how she has “thrived” since attending the after school club and the impact such cuts would have on her life.  

Daisy Barbour's family have responded to the consultation.Daisy Barbour's family have responded to the consultation. (Image: Barbour family) Louise said: “[Daisy] loves spending time with her peers in a more relaxed setting - which she would not ordinarily get.  

“In addition to this she is supported by staff who have understanding and expertise around her needs and can deal with these challenges as they arise. 

“Finding friends is hard for someone who doesn't speak.  

“Other neurotypical children find Daisy's silence unusual - and often leave her to explore social opportunities with children who can talk.  

“This isn't the case at Highfield's after school club. The camaraderie that exists between children who attend special school is unique.  

“An unspoken bond of difference. Daisy has found enjoyment, and enrichment in after school club, and it's extremely distressing to think that that may end. 

 “There are currently no other alternative options for after school provision for Daisy to attend that can meet these needs.” 

Cambridgeshire County Council – whose vision is "Creating a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire" - says it is “no longer able to provide funding” because of “pressure” on SEND services.  

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of the council’s Children and Young People's Committee, said: “We have experienced almost a 50 per cent increase in demand for education and health care plans being required over the last five years. 

“We have previously contacted all schools about the national wraparound programme that could help children with SEND to access after school club provision from a different funding source and we are now exploring with those schools that are directly affected through the Early Years Service. 

 “We want to hear the views from schools, settings, and parents on these proposals. All responses received will be collated and put forward as part of any final decision.” 

  • Would these proposed cuts affect your family? Email louise.hepburn@newsquest.co.uk.