Solihull woman Gloria Francis launches respite service for special needs children

Oct 29 2008 Submitted by Gloria Francis

A SOLIHULL mum has set up a bespoke respite service for families of children with special needs so they can take a break from caring.

Gloria Francis, launched Stars Sitting Service in July, has continually campaigned for increased specialist provision from the local authorities for her 11-year-old disabled daughter Adina.

She said: "The demand for specialist childcare continues to rise year on year. There are some excellent people out there who can provide this service for our children, it's a case of bringing together those who need the service with those who can provide it."

Stars Sitting Service enables families to have total flexibility and choice regarding who looks after their child and how much they pay the sitters.

"Affordability of specialist provision is a main issue for the authorities, so I have given families the opportunity to negotiate directly with the sitters an acceptable rate of pay according to the needs of the child," Gloria said.

"They have direct access to the register of sitters so they have a pool of people from which they can choose."

The sitters are either experienced childcare professionals who work with children with special needs, or students currently studying to gain qualifications embracing learning disabilities with a least six months work experience.

All sitters undergo a rigorous screening and recruitment process which complies with regulations for working with children and vulnerable people. Gloria personally meets every single sitter for a face to face interview.

Gloria said: "I am hoping this new way of operating will reassure parents and carers of children with special needs that the support we all need is out there, now you know where to go to find it."

For more information visit www.starssittingservice.co.uk, email contacts@starssittingservice.co.uk or call 0121 243 5670.