Learn how a short break can help a child or young person with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and their families.
What is a short break and who is it for?
A short break is a planned break from the routine of caring for a child or young person. It is usually planned in advance and is not the result of an emergency or crisis.
Short breaks are for disabled children and young people from age 5 to 18 years old. They are meant for those who cannot use the general services available to everyone.
Your child or young person's short break should be used to enrich social and wellbeing activities and achieve positive goals. This means that short break hours should not be used to support childcare during or after school hours.
What short breaks include
Short breaks can include:
- a break for your child away from the family
- group activities like a youth club for children and young people
- holiday play schemes
- sports, arts or music activities
- one to one support so your child can take part in activities such as cinema trips
- breaks that take place in the child's own home.
Find out how real children and young people enjoy short breaks activities in this 6-minute YouTube video:
Video credit: KIDS - Giving Disabled Children a Brighter Future
What short breaks gives families
Short breaks give families the chance to:
- have a break from their caring responsibilities
- spend time with other family members.
This is what a family member of a short breaks user likes about the service:
My child is taking part in activities independently. He is developing friendships. I have been able to spend some much-needed quality time with my other child.
What short breaks gives children and young people
Short breaks give children and young people who are disabled the chance to:
- spend time away from their parents and carers
- build independence skills
- relax and have fun with their friends
- develop their independence.
This is what a short breaks user likes about being in the service:
Short breaks is good because I am able to be out and do the things I enjoy.
Nottinghamshire County Council Short Breaks offer
Short breaks are an essential part of the support provided by Nottinghamshire County Council to children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) and their families.
Learn more about the Short Breaks offer provided by Nottinghamshire County Council