As the Local Offer is an information and signposting service we aren’t responsible for running or organising the activities that are included here, we collate information about what is available locally to be able to provide that information to families.
We are aware that there are gaps in what is available and we try to highlight these to senior leaders who help to develop services for young people (commissioners). Where possible we also have positive conversations with activity providers about how they could be more inclusive and meet the individual needs of children and some activity providers are making some positive progress with this.
We encourage parents to make enquiries if there is an activity that they think their child would be interested in, some activity providers are able to meet more individual needs than they have advertised as it’s not always easy to include everything in short advertising.
If you feel that you have already explored everything, here is some further information that might be helpful about services for children and young people with complex needs through the Children with a Disability Service.
Here is the Children with a Disability Service Short Breaks Statement (opens link in same window)
It provides an outline of the activities and services available for families from community based leisure activities available for all children and young people (universal activities) through to community based leisure activities for children and young people with more complex needs.
To access the services for children and young people with complex needs (as highlighted in bullet point number 4.4 in the above link) this is through an assessment of need by the Children with a Disability Service.
There are activities specifically for children and young people with complex needs that cannot be met by universal activities, or services such as direct payments where a personal assistant can be employed to assist a child to attend an activity of their choice in the community.
To make a referral for an assessment you would need to contact Children’s Service’s Duty and Advice Team on 01484 456848.
You can find out more about the Children with a Disability Service by going to the following page:
Children with a Disability Service (CWD) | Help for families | Kirklees SEND Local Offer (opens link in same window).