Stacie Lewis contacted more than 50 childminders and nurseries before finding a nursery that would take her daughter May, who has severe brain damage. May's entire brain was deprived of oxygen at birth - a condition known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy - which has left her with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, limited vision and unable to sit up without support.
'I had nurseries tell me that she would have to go on a waiting list, and I would later find out they didn't even have a waiting list. One told me they would have to prioritise May because of her special needs and that would be unfair on the other children at the nursery,' says Ms Lewis. 'These nurseries make these decisions without meeting May and without spending time with her and without realising how lovely and wonderful she is. It was really tough.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
