Short breaks are services provided to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to support them to experience things that other children do, at home and in their community. Short breaks services also enable family carers to continue to provide the care that enables children with disabilities to be fully part of their families.
For most children and young people with special educational needs and/ or disabilities these are provided by services that are available to everybody.
A short break can be:
- Accessible fun activities in the community,
- Support to access fun activities in the community,
- Day time or overnight care in the home or elsewhere,
- Services to help carers in the evenings, at weekends and during the school holidays.
Types of Short Breaks
Universal
This is the support available to everyone through universal settings, such as children's centres, youth centres, libraries, parks, leisure centres and social activities. Most children and young people with SEND who need a short break will receive them through these services.
Targeted
Targeted short breaks activities are designed specifically to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.
There are lots of activities and services in the community that are able to meet specific needs, e.g. autism-friendly cinema screenings, disability sports groups, a youth group for children with learning difficulties.
Specialist
Specialist short breaks are for children and young people with needs that cannot be met by other short breaks, e.g. children who need specialist medical equipment, personal care, or support from specialist trained workers. Specialist short breaks are designed to enable children with complex needs to enjoy fun activities in a safe environment and/ or give families a break from caring.
More information on Short Breaks can be found by clicking the button below,
Short Breaks Further Information
