Provision of a Framework for Carers Support Services– Short Breaks(Carers of Children and Young Peop...

A short break was described by Together for Disabled Children (TDC) as “additional services required to support disabled children and their families; in other words, short breaks are services over and above the universal services expected and available to all families”. A short break can be for just a few hours to overnight care or longer, e.g. a holiday, and could be within a variety of settings, including the child’s home. Short breaks are designed to engage disabled children and young people in either one to one or group activities, which will be enjoyable, reduce social isolation and contribute to personal and social development and are usually undertaken away from their primary carer. A short break can be a range of activities; including sports, music sessions, going to the cinema, youth club, after school clubs, play schemes and/or residential care. Whilst all children should be able to access youth clubs, extended schools activities, community and leisure facilities – however, if additional support is required (e.g. the child requires support through a sessional worker service) – this may then constitute a short break.

Within Hounslow the short breaks on offer provide both specialist activities and access to mainstream activities for disabled children and young people up to the age of 18 years. We recognise that some families want short breaks which are open to the whole family, including siblings while other activities are needed exclusively for disabled children.

Short breaks available to support disabled children and young people and their families can be accessed either with or without an assessment of need. Where possible we aim to offer short breaks within both mainstream and specialist settings. Some breaks are particularly suitable for children with specific needs, e.g. Autism and others are inclusive with non-disabled children and/or siblings. Short breaks are publicised widely through half-termly Newsletters which are posted to families with a child or young person with a Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of Special Educational Need or known to the Pre-School Panel. In addition, information about short breaks is also available via the Hounslow website, the Hounslow Local Offer and by calling the Short Breaks Team on 020 8583 3636.

Short breaks are not childcare, e.g. care when a parent/carer is working and requires care for their child.