The findings could reflect challenges faced by parents in Swindon and Wiltshire, although separate local figures have not been published.
Research by national charity Family Fund found that 21% of families want more paid childcare than they currently receive.
Of those seeking additional childcare, 38% said they could not afford it, while 29% reported that available services were unsuitable for their child’s needs.
The lack of suitable childcare is also affecting employment and wellbeing.
More than half (51%) of full-time parents and carers surveyed said they would work more hours if appropriate childcare was available.
Meanwhile, 55% of parent carers whose childcare arrangements did not meet their child’s needs reported a negative impact on their wellbeing.
The charity’s Locked out of Childcare report is based on a YouGov survey of 1,001 parents and carers across the UK.
Kat, a mother of three from Cumbria, has spent years struggling to find suitable childcare for her 17-year-old son, John-Henry, who has severe autism and learning disabilities.
She said:
“We live in a rural area and I can confidently say there is no childcare that my child with additional needs can access that is suitable. I have always tried to work and it’s been a struggle.”
Despite securing a specialist school place, John-Henry has been unable to access suitable breakfast or after-school clubs.
Kat, whose husband died suddenly in 2018, said:
“You shouldn’t have to fight if you want anything or be in crisis before the system eventually decides to help.”
Family Fund is calling for greater investment in inclusive childcare and better support for families raising disabled children.
Helen Gravestock, Family Fund’s Group Director of External Affairs, said:
“Across the country, families raising disabled children have poorer access to childcare than those with non-disabled children and this impacts negatively on the entire family.
“For those without family support, childcare may be the only way to get a break from caring, and for children with complex medical conditions or who need constant supervision, parent carers are being left in a vulnerable position.”
The charity says additional costs associated with raising a disabled child can exceed £1,000 a month.
It wants financial barriers removed and greater investment in childcare staff to ensure children with additional needs can access appropriate provision.
The research was carried out between 10th and 24th June among parents and carers of children under 18 with disabilities or additional needs.
