Short Breaks scheme offers range of opportunities for SEND families

Wiltshire Council is reminding SEND families that there is still time to apply to the 2021-22 Short Breaks scheme.

The 2021-2022 Wiltshire Short Breaks Scheme provides short breaks and leisure opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The application deadline is Sunday 7 March.

Eligible families can choose from three options so children and young people, together with their parents or carers, can think creatively about how they want to spend their leisure time and choose what works best for them.

Wiltshire Council subsidises the options available and families pay some contribution towards the overall costs as part of the scheme. The scheme is open for those aged 6-18 years.

Options include a lump sum, paid to families to organise their own activities, which could include swimming or riding lessons, trips out or play equipment. The second option is for 84 hours of Barnardo's Activity Clubs, which are held across a range of venues with three or six hour sessions, or day trips. The third option is a combination of up to 42 hours of organised Barnardo's activity clubs with a smaller lump sum for activities organised by the family.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "The last 12 months have been a particularly difficult time for many families with a child with special educational needs and/or disabilities. That is why we are reminding families that there is still time to apply for one of the opportunities provide by our Short Breaks Scheme.  

"We know families appreciate the flexibility and independence this scheme provides. They know what will work best for their child and this scheme means they can use the funding available to make it work for them".

Details of the scheme, eligibility criteria and the process can be found on the council's website and in the 2021-2022 Short Breaks Scheme Leaflet (opens new window).

Applications for the scheme must be received by Sunday 7 March 2021 and all applications need to be made via the Wiltshire Council online form (opens new window).

People can also use an online tool (opens new window) that has been developed by the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council to clarify eligibility for the scheme.

If you do not have access to the internet or you need some help to make an application or clarify eligibility, people can call the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council on 01225 764647 and they will be happy to help.