"The cost of childcare is a big concern"

I recently wrote to parish councils asking them about access and provision for disabled children in parks and play areas across the Stroud district.

It is clear from discussions with families that many children with disabilities do not enjoy attending play areas.

There are either few or no pieces of equipment that they can use

One family told me that this means their able-bodied children do not get to go to play areas as it becomes so unfair.

This is a very sad situation.

The letter hopes to build on my campaign to support Sebby Brett from Nailsworth who was told to get out of wheelchair to prove he could walk to be allowed to go on a ride at Legoland.

The work with his mum Joanne led to big changes to procedures and access at the Legoland and other parks owned by Merlin.

That success got me thinking about what was happening much closer to home on the back of what local parents of disabled children were telling me.

The letter asks the councils if any playgrounds in the area are due for refurbishment so that I can work with them to secure any funding.

Recently, I visited the Jubilee Playing Fields at Cam to meet with the councillors and a company called Proludic who are designing the new playground there to discuss accessibility for all. 

I also provided some funding options and a letter of support for a grant to receive lottery funding to Cainscross Town Council, so progress is being made.

In addition to this work, Stroud District Council is asking people for their views on how the 32 council-owned parks can be improved. I will be contributing and making the point about accessibility for disabled children.

As a community, I hope we can make progress in this area.

It cannot be right that young disabled people have such limited options when others are able to enjoy play parks.

The cost of childcare is a big concern, and I asked the Prime Minister recently about reducing costs.

Since then, the government has launched a media campaign to encourage parents to apply for the tax-free childcare scheme.

The scheme has underspent by billions over the last four years, and it is thought hundreds of thousands of families have not applied. At a time of rising costs, I do urge parents to look at applying. It will make a big difference.

There is more work to do to reform childcare and make it affordable for families. Parents and early years educators are also really stuck with the bureaucracy that is not helping anyone. I called it a muddle in parliament and that is an accurate description.

The think-tank, Onward, is working on ideas to address childcare costs with me and others, with the hope the government will come on board.