What are Short Breaks?
Short Breaks are activities and items that support families with children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Parent carers with parental responsibility can apply for Short Breaks. We will ask you to provide evidence to show the impact that your child's disability has on their everyday life and family life. Your child and your family's needs will be assessed. If you are eligible your child will get a Short Breaks plan.
The level and type of support in a Short Breaks plan is personalised. Activities and items must support your child's individual needs and outcomes. An outcome is the positive impact on your child. Read more about the Short Breaks plan and outcomes.
You can use Short Breaks for your child to enjoy:
- Activities with trained staff and specialist equipment
- Activities that are open to children and young people of all abilities
- 1:1 activities
- Group activities
These activities can take place in the family home, or at a centre or place in the community. The activities must support your child's needs and outcomes.
When Short Breaks activities can take place
Short Breaks activities can take place during evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Short Breaks can only take place outside of school hours, 9am to 3pm in term-time.
This also applies to children and young people who are in:
- Education otherwise than at school (EOTAS)
- Home education
Short Breaks activities can only take place outside of these times, if:
- Your young person is in a further education placement that is less than five days a week, and
- It is agreed as part of their Short Breaks plan
Use funding within the Short Breaks plan dates
You must:
- Use your Short Breaks funding, and
- Book and complete Short Breaks activities
between the start and end dates of your child's annual Short Breaks plan.
If you book activities or holidays outside of the plan dates, we will deduct the money from your new Short Breaks plan budget.
Benefits of Short Breaks activities
Short Breaks activities should be a positive experience for everyone in your family.
It gives children and young people the chance to spend time away from their parent carers. Children and young people can:
- Take part in new activities and learn new skills
- Make friends
- Become more independent
- Have fun
Some families may choose to use this time to have a break away from your child. You may do things that are not possible when you are looking after your child.
Information for children and young people
Our Short Breaks easy-to-read fact sheet is for children and young people and explains what Short Breaks are. It has been co-produced with children and young people.
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