Frequently Asked Questions

Q . Is my child entitled to any benefits?
A . Several benefits are available, the main ones are:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  the main benefit for children with additional needs and disabilities. It is made up of a care component, which can be claimed from birth and a mobility component which can be claimed from 3 years of age. There are various rates for care and mobility depending on how much help a child needs. Children aged 3 and 4 qualify for the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA. For details, phone 0800 882200. People with speech or hearing problems using a textphone can dial 0800 243355. Click here for more on DLA for children. The CAB Adviceguide has more advice on benefits.
  
• Carer's Allowance (CA)
  This is aid to people who spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a disabled child or person who receives higher or middle rate DLA. You can earn a small income, and still qualify for CA. Call 01253 856 123 for details or you may wish to contact Benefits Agency, Carlton St, WsM BS23 1TQ on 01934 634000.
  Springboard has forms and leaflets and you can visit the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dwp.gov.uk where you can download application forms yourself.
  Please note, several Springboard staff are available to help with completion of DLA forms, please ask a memeber of staff.

Q. Can I get free nappies from my health visitor?
A. Yes There is a scheme to help with the cost of nappies children aged five years and over, funded by the health services. Contact your health visitor for more details.

Q. Can I get help with cost of a place at Springboard ?
A. In some cases yes. North Somerset Children & Youngs Peoples' Services have a small have a sponsorship fund to help pay for any pre school place or childminder or play scheme etc. It is subject to criteria, but ask your health visitor for more information as she will be asked to support your application. Once your child is 3 you will be entitled to the Nursery Education Grant funding for 5 places per week in pre school in North Somerset..

Q. What do I do if I am unhappy about something to do with Springboard?
A. Please talk to your child's Key Person or Playleader.
We do have a formal grievance and complaints procedure but we hope that most complaints can be sorted out at an early stage by talking to someone. This usually resolves any difficulties. If you have any concerns at all please speak to a member of staff.

Useful contacts included in the Parents Brochure - take a look