Tulip Paediatric Neurodisability Nursing Service

28/10/2025

.hie All About: Direct Payments 🌻

Direct Payments are cash payments from your Local Council to help you manage and pay for your disabled child’s care and support services. They are an alternative to the Council arranging these services for you.

1. Request a Needs Assessment:
Contact your Local Council’s Social Services, specifically the Children with Disabilities Team, to request an Assessment of Need. This is required to access Direct Payments and will determine your child’s eligibility under the Children Act 1989.

2. Eligibility & Personal Budget:
If your child is assessed as a “child in need” due to their disability, you will receive a Personal Budget. You can choose to receive it as Direct Payments, have the Council arrange services, or a combination. Parents/carers usually do not have to contribute financially, and Direct Payments don’t affect other benefits.

3. Spending the Money:
Direct Payments must cover needs specified in your child’s care plan, such as hiring a Personal Assistant, paying for agency care, funding short breaks, or purchasing specialist equipment. They cannot be used for services the Council provides for free.

4. Responsibilities:
Choosing Direct Payments gives you control but also responsibilities. You must manage the payments and maintain records. If hiring a PA, you become their employer, responsible for taxes, contracts, and insurance. Some councils offer bookkeeping support.

5. Getting Started:
Contact Social Services for an Assessment of Need. If eligible, express your interest in Direct Payments. The Council will create a Care Plan and Direct Payments Agreement. You may receive support to manage the payments, especially for payroll duties.

For more help, visit your Local Council’s website or seek advice from charities like Contact and Carers UK.

Image description: Two scrapbook-style photos, one of a boy with a carer, and another of a girl grinning in her wheelchair.

14/10/2025

Posted We thought we’d mark the start of October with a little Halloween info. Here’s how we can make our homes a little less spooky (if that’s more your thing) and much more accessible for disabled children.

- Offer non-food item alternatives like small party-favour like toys or stickers
- Ensure your front pathway/garden is well-lit and safe for a child with mobility issues to access it
- Be patient, it might take some children more time to take their sweets for a number of reasons, give them time.
- Don’t assume every child is verbal/able to speak, some disabled children may communicate in other ways or have someone with them to help.
- Avoid having strobe lighting or loud sound effects, to keep children with epilepsy and sensory issues safe.

Have we missed anything? What are some Halloween accomodations we could all be making this year? 🎃

14/10/2025

Croydon healthy homes can provide advice and support with heating your home and reducing your fuel bills. You can apply on line , by telephone or attend one of their information events.

10/10/2025

Did you know that your local pharmacy can provide healthcare advice and treatment for common conditions?

09/10/2025

08/10/2025

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/croydon-rap-programme-full-July-2025-revised.pdf Have a look at the sessions offered by Croydon for children and young people 5-25 with disabilities and additional needs

08/10/2025

Continence and Behaviour Workshop POSTPONED!

For any families booked onto our continence and behaviour workshop tomorrow (9/10/25) please note this has been postponed due to staff sickness. Once we have a new date we will be in touch to let you know. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

07/10/2025

Have a look at the sendiass website https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass/services/croydon-sendiass/ To find out more about the support they can offer

04/10/2025

Posted

Did you know that everyone with a learning disability in the UK is entitled to free Annual Health Checks once they turn 14?

This can help to identify any medical issues early on — otherwise, problems could be missed and lead to more serious consequences.

To get a health check, ask your GP to add your child to the Learning Disability Register. This can be done at any age, but they will only be invited for checks once they’re 14.

After the check, your child should be given a Health Action Plan to help them stay well. This can also be used to shape any health outcomes in their EHC plan, SEN support plan, or adulthood transition review.

Learn more in our Annual Health Checks factsheet 👉 contact.org.uk/annual-health-checks-fs

Or read our FAQs for detailed answers to common questions and concerns 👉 contact.org.uk/annual-health-checks

01/10/2025

Posted • Has your child had their flu vaccine yet? If they have missed the vaccine at school, they can come to one of our community clinics this October.
Your child will also have the chance to have any missing doses of the MMR vaccine.
All of our clinics and booking details are listed on our website (link in our bio)

24/09/2025

New fully funded Makaton training for parents and carers https://cvalive.org.uk/calendar/item/57530410

23/09/2025

Posted • Today at our You’re Never Alone session we talked all about behaviour struggles that many parents face — and shared real strategies that are helping other families. 💛
From meltdowns and shouting, to hiding things or even self-harming behaviours, it can feel overwhelming at times. But small changes, patience, and support can make a huge difference. 🌱
Remember — you are not alone in this journey. We’re learning together, sharing what works, and supporting each other every step of the way. 💬✨
Swipe through our slides ➡️ for tips, ideas, and encouragement. 💡