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Why childcare is
a crucial issue
Leaving your child in the care of a stranger is a difficult and emotive
issue at the best of times. Kelly Rose Bradford explores how much
more complicated the decision can be when your child has a medical
condition such as diabetes.
At some point, every parent needs to pass ‘Parents do worry about leaving their
the care of their child on to a third party – children with other carers,’ says Libby
be that a casual babysitter, or via long- Dowling, a care adviser at Diabetes UK. ‘But
term, regular sessions in a nursery, or with they must have the confidence to do so. They
a childminder or au pair. And of course, must not be afraid of leaving them, or feel
eventually, all children will reach they always have to be with them, but they
school age, and be entrusted to must be confident in whoever it is minding
the care of their educational them. And by that, I mean they must ensure
establishment and perhaps, where that the carer can deal with the diabetes.’
need dictates, its breakfast and For a child starting nursery or preschool,
after-hours clubs. or being cared for by a childminder, parents
For a lot of parents, finding need to formulate a care plan that will be
reliable, cost-effective childcare with adhered to while the child is there.
providers they bond with, trust and have ‘Your child’s medical needs while they are
every confidence in, can be an uphill struggle. at nursery or with the childminder need to
And for a child with healthcare or other be discussed before they start,’ says Libby.
specific needs, it can be even more difficult to ‘The carers need to know how to check
source. So what is the best way to approach blood glucose and give insulin via injection
childcare when your child has diabetes? What or pump. They need to be clear on how to
should a parent look for in a care setting or respond to an emergency and what the
with a childminder, au pair or nanny? child’s needs are regarding food and snacks.
And – importantly – how to accommodate
the child’s medical needs if they do not fit
within the existing routine at the care setting.’
Libby suggests a meeting with
parents, care providers and if possible, a
representative from the child’s diabetes care
team, well in advance of the child being left.
‘In a formal, early years setting or a school,
you would be looking at how they need to
adapt to fit in with the child. We cannot
expect parents to come into nursery or
school to administer medication – the setting
should be willing. No battles. If a parent is
looking to use a private childminder, the
same should apply – the parents and PDSN
[paediatric diabetic specialist nurse] need to ShutterStock
76 Sweet Magazine
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