Types of short breaks, eligibility, and access
Types of children short breaks provided in Warwickshire
Universal Services
These services are available to all children and young people. You can find universal in the Warwickshire online directory, called Search Out Warwickshire.
It is important to remember that there is a legal duty to ensure that universal services are inclusive of children with disabilities by making reasonable adjustments so they are not excluded from their offer. This includes:
- Libraries
- Youth clubs
- Uniformed groups like Cubs and Brownies
- Leisure centres
- Sports and activity groups
- Faith and community groups
However, we understand that a lot of children with disabilities and other complex needs may find it difficult to access and enjoy activities. We have local partners and networks that can help you find accessible and adapted services for a range of needs.
A good place to start a conversation about this is through your local Children and Family Centre, by visiting the Family Information Service (FIS), or calling 0800 408 1558 or 01926 742 274.
You might also want to consider if siblings of your child with disabilities would benefit from some support. This is available via Young Carers Caring Together in Warwickshire. You can reach them by calling 0800 197 554, emailing hello@caringtogetherwarwickshireorg.uk or by visiting the Caring Together website.
Community Services
These services are available to all children and young people with disabilities. You can find community short breaks in the Warwickshire online directory, called Search Out Warwickshire. This includes:
- After school clubs
- Term time activities
- School holiday activities
You might want to consider if siblings of your child with disabilities would benefit from some support. This is available via Young Carers Caring Together in Warwickshire. You can reach them by calling 0800 197 554, emailing hello@caringtogetherwarwickshireorg.uk or by visiting the Caring Together website.
Targeted and Specialist Services
It is important to know that Council funded short breaks (Targeted and Specialist Services) can only be accessed after your child’s and family’s needs have been assessed as eligible through a Child and Family Assessment. These are social care assessments, and your social worker or Family Help Lead Practitioner will work with you to complete the assessment. This person is usually from Warwickshire County Council but could also be a trained practitioner from the community who knows you best.
To explore this option and request an assessment, please call Family Connect on 01926 414144.
In Warwickshire, there are 6 types of short break that are paid for by the Council and which can be accessed by families who have been assessed as eligible.
- Community Groups and Clubs: Local, accessible clubs and groups in the evenings, weekends and school holidays - to suit a range of ages, needs and interests, and provide the chance to socialise and learn new things
- Supported Exploring in the Community: Opportunities to get out and about in public and community spaces - after-school, weekends and school holidays - to grow confidence, skills and independence and get opportunities to play inside and outside
- Day Support at Home: Daytime support at home with care, routines, hobbies, play, enrichment activities and life skills – with personal care if needed
- Night Support at Home: Overnight care and support at home to provide help with routines and carer respite – with personal care if needed
- Home from Home Beds: Familiar beds in familiar settings with familiar faces - overnight on weekdays, weekends and school holidays
- Activity Breaks and Holidays: Overnight stays and adventures in new places - weekends and school holidays - both independently and with siblings and parent carers.