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Accessibility Statement

Short Breaks & Respite

Breaks from Caring (also referred to as Short Breaks and Respite)

Caring for a child or young person with additional needs can be rewarding, but it can also place extra demands on family life. Taking regular breaks can help families maintain their wellbeing, strengthen support networks and create opportunities for children and young people to enjoy new experiences.  Breaks from caring can take many forms. They may come from support provided by family, friends, or community networks, or from your child taking part in activities that give them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and develop new skills.

Family, Friends and Your Community

Many families find that support from friends, relatives, neighbours and local community organisations can make a real difference. We encourage parents and carers to explore the support available through:

  • Family and friends
  • Community groups and faith organisations
  • Parent carer support groups
  • Local charities and voluntary organisations
  • SEND support networks and peer support groups

These connections can provide practical help, emotional support and opportunities for both children and parents to build relationships and reduce social isolation.

Finding Activities and Opportunities

Taking part in activities outside of school can help children and young people make friends, build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences. It can also give parents and carers valuable time to rest, spend time with other family members, or focus on everyday tasks.  You can search for activities through the Kirklees Local Offer Activity Search

It can sometimes be difficult to find activities that are accessible and suitable for children with additional needs. If you need help finding suitable activities, the Short Breaks Activity Support Service,  part of the Families Together Service, can help identify accessible and appropriate opportunities for your child.

Many children and young people with additional needs can take part in activities available in their local community, particularly where providers make reasonable adjustments and offer inclusive support.

 These are often called universal services and include:

  • Sports and leisure activities
  • Youth groups
  • Scouts and Guides
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award activities
  • Holiday clubs
  • Community events and groups

Many activity providers are experienced in supporting children with additional needs and work hard to make their services inclusive.

Some children may benefit from activities specifically designed for children and young people with SEND. These activities often take place during evenings, weekends and school holidays and provide opportunities to:

  • Develop independence and confidence
  • Build friendships
  • Take part in enjoyable experiences

They can also provide parents and carers with a break from caring responsibilities.

 

Many targeted activities are delivered by local charities, community organisations and specialist providers and can be found through the Local Offer.

Some children and young people with more complex disabilities or support needs may require specialist short break services.

Short breaks can provide support in a variety of ways, including:

  • Community-based activities with additional support
  • Support within the family home
  • Personal assistants funded through Direct Payments
  • Domiciliary care services
  • Overnight short break provision where appropriate

These services aim to:

  • Give parents and carers a meaningful break from caring responsibilities
  • Support family wellbeing
  • Enable children and young people to access new experiences and social opportunities
  • Help maintain family relationships and support networks

Specialist short break services are generally intended for children and young people whose needs cannot be fully met through universal or targeted activities alone.

All families caring for a disabled child or young person have the right to request an assessment of their needs.  An assessment will consider the needs of the child or young person and the wider family situation to determine what support may be appropriate.  Where specialist short break provision is required, eligibility will be considered in line with the Children with a Disability Service eligibility criteria 

To discuss an assessment or specialist short break support, contact the Council's Duty and Advice Team on 01484 456848.

We work with children, young people, parents, carers, and partner organisations, including PCAN, to ensure local short-break opportunities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of families in Kirklees.

Next Kirklees Council’s Children with a Disability Service Short Breaks Statement 2025 
en-GB
Last updated: 21/12/2023