What we’re working on
SHORT BREAKS PROJECT
What do we mean by Short Breaks?
Most parent carers need a break from caring from time to time. They may also need the availability of Short Breaks provisions to enable them to work/study. This may be for a few hours, or longer.
There is a legal duty on all local authorities in England to provide a range of short break services for disabled children and their carers to access
What’s Included?
Short Breaks can be a confusing term. It is actually referring to clubs, activities, organisations that can offer a range of short break services for disabled children and their carers to access.
These can include:
childcare
holiday play schemes
weekend activities
Groups and clubs
respite
breakfast/after school provision
Days out for the family / days out for children and young people
What type of services are available?
The services available are split into 3 categories to help ensures that families receive the right levels of support and care appropriate for them and their child or young person.
The three categories are:
-
These clubs and activities are available for all families whether or not their child is disabled that enable them to take a break from caring for their child, for example, Cubs, Guides, leisure centre playschemes. The aim of the project is to ensure that universal clubs are able to support the needs of children and young people with SEND to enable them to participate in clubs and activities that are available to their peers.
-
These providers are available for families with disabled children who need help accessing services to give parent carers a break from caring for their child. South Gloucestershire Council fund a number of providers to provide Targeted short breaks services to families.
Families can self-refer without needing to access a social worker.
-
These providers are for families with disabled children who need more breaks from caring for their child. Usually, the child will have had a Child in Need (CIN) social care assessment to determine if additional support or direct payment may be required.
Overview
In November 2023, the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman carried out a South Gloucestershire Council Short Breaks review. An action plan was created with an aim to improve short break arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A Steering Group was established by South Gloucestershire Local Authority to carry out a full review of the Short Breaks service from the eligibility criteria through to the inclusiveness of service providers.
Who is leading the project?
The steering group includes
Professionals from South Glos Local Authority
South Glos Parent Carers
Service Providers
Children’s Participation Group
Project goals
The project goal is to improve the presence and independence of children and young people within South Gloucestershire.
The aim is to review childcare, universal community clubs and activities and targeted and specialist short break services.
What would ‘good’ look like?
Families were keen for their children and young people to gain key life skills including social skills, independence, problem solving and confidence. It was highlighted that having quieter, calmer, smaller sessions would be of benefit and that having regular sessions with children and young people with similar needs could help to build confidence and social skills.
Short Breaks Survey 2023
See below for the latest project updates,
as well as ways you can get involved.
