Short breaks for children and young people with SEND (0-18 years)

Often referred to as “respite” short breaks are intended to provide opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to have enjoyable experiences away from their primary carers, contributing to their social inclusion and personal and social development.

They also provide the parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities with a necessary and valuable break from their caring responsibilities.

Short breaks can include day, evening, overnight, weekend or holiday activities and can take place in the child or young person’s own home, in the home of an approved carer, in the community or a residential setting. Short breaks range from supporting children with disabilities to access a break within a universal setting, to providing specialist services.