Satisfaction with childrens services rise

A dramatic rise was seen in carers' responses to short break services - where support is provided to allow disabled children to have a break from their home environment and also enable carers to have time to themselves - with those reporting to be satisfied or very satisfied rising from 22 percent when the last survey was conducted in 2009 to 67 per cent.

Suggestions from respondents included better understanding from staff working with autistic children and requests for additional provision for holiday activities, youth clubs and sports activities.

Comments in response to what they liked about the services available included: 'knowing you are not alone and being able to discuss concerns with people in the know', 'very supportive and resourceful' and 'knowing that staff are available and are only too willing to help with any problem'.

The findings will now be used to inform the disabled children's services action plan for 2012/13.

Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, Cllr David Simmonds, said: "Parents and carers of children with disabilities do a fantastic job that often goes unrecognised. While I'm pleased with the positive responses, hearing the suggestions and opinions of carers is of vital importance and will ultimately help us fine tune services to meet the needs of those using them."

The survey was distributed by the Hillingdon Parent Partnership through support organisations including the Autistic Spectrum Support, Friends through Early Bird and Hillingdon Parent Carers forum. It took place from January - April 2012.