Special service

I run one of seven Opportunity Playgroups in Somerset. The playgroups are for children aged from six months to five years who all have a special need of some type. For a child to gain a place, they have to be referred by other professionals who consider this an appropriate place. I have to say we will soon be full.

We have children with a wide spectrum of needs and difficulties, and we are able to deal with any condition with expertise, skill and confidence. As we are a charity working on a very tight budget, we sometimes have to do fundraising to meet our running costs.

We are open from 9.30am to 12 noon term-time only, although I would love to be able to provide a wraparound service for these already-stressed families. Unless their children get the nursery grant for three-and four-year-olds or the family claims income support, the parent has to pay 3.50 a session.

I feel I should be able to provide this service free and that the Government should pay if a child has special needs. After all, the parents don't ask for a child with challenging behaviour or medical needs. These children should be getting the very best and we should be able to provide a full-time service.

So wake up Government, because the more early intervention we do now with pre-school children who have special needs, the less of a drain they will be on social services later.

Shirley Soards, supervisor, Bridgwater and District Open Door Opportunity Group, Somerset