About short breaks
This is our Short Breaks Statement for 2025 to 2026 and is reviewed annually.
Sometimes families who have children who are disabled and/or have health conditions benefit from a break from their caring responsibilities. Local authorities have duties to provide short break services and make clear how families can access them.
A short break is an opportunity to recharge batteries, spend time with others or pursue a particular interest. A break may also allow your child to have a change of scene, try different experiences, have fun, and make friends. This can contribute to your child’s personal and social development and reduce social isolation. It can also be helpful to get your child used to spending time in different settings and with other people as they grow up, in the event you need to leave them with someone else to look after them for any period in the future.
Many activities are universal which means they are available to all children and you do not need an assessment to access them.
There are some activities that are provided to specifically meet the needs of children with SEND. Some of these can also be accessed directly without an assessment. For example, SEND swimming sessions. Some of these are provided by voluntary, community and other organisations. Some are grant funded by the local authority. You can find more information in the local offer directory.
Some children and young people will need:
- additional support to access activities
- specialist packages of care and support in the community and/or at home
- overnight short breaks due to the complexity of their needs
These types of support require an assessment either by the short breaks team or a social worker. From birth to their 18th birthday, children can access support from children's services.
Find out more about our short breaks offer.
Young people over 18 years old
From age 18 to 25 years, people with SEND can access support through the Local Offer or make a referral to adult social care.