Targeted short break activities

What are targeted short break activities?

These are provided by organisations in the local area. They are designed to meet the needs of children and young people with disabilities. This gives parents and carers the opportunity to take a short break from caring. The activities run during the day and do not run overnight and are often held at weekends or during school holidays.

Our targeted short break service gives children and young people access to 76 hours of free activities across the year. Activities offered can include:

• visits and trips
• sports sessions
• crafts
• baking
• games
• educational activities

What is the different between the HAF Programme and targeted short breaks?

The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education. It is aimed at supporting children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. Up to 15% of the funding can be used to support children with other vulnerabilities. The council has been able to commission many local youth service providers to offer sessions to eligible children and young people during main school holiday periods. This activity is unrelated to SEND services.

How does it work and who is eligible?

The targeted short breaks year runs from 1 February every year to 31 January the following year (example 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024).

Within this period, families are entitled to 76 free hours, which they can use to book sessions at weekends or during the Summer holidays. These hours are set and cannot be added to.

Your child or young person must:

• be a resident in Cumberland
• have a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010
• have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
• be in the academic year groups Year 1 to Year 13  

If you would like to speak to someone about short breaks, please call: 0300 3038 165 or email shortbreaks@cumberland.gov.uk

Targeted short break activities are intended to support children and young people with low to moderate level needs. Although all eligible children and young people will be offered access to the activities, most of our current providers are only able to support children and young people with low to moderate level needs. 

Who provides targeted short break activities?

We currently have 3 providers. Please note that, in line with our position statement, we are aware that our targeted short break providers maybe  difficult to access for some families due to location. We are continuing to improve our offer and will keep families updated.

Carlisle Mencap
Carlisle Mencap offer both weekend sessions and sessions within the school holidays. A variety of sessions are run from the Grace Little Centre, which may include activities such as:

• gaming
• sensory sessions
• crafts
• baking and cooking

Carlisle Mencap
Offer trips, for example to Mirehouse and Gardens and the Alan Shearer Centre. They can also provide personal care for children and young people, and staffing ratios will vary according to the needs of those booked. Some sessions offered may include a fee to cover additional costs.

West House
Offer sessions that run during school holidays. These include a range of activities and trips, such as:

• a visit Honister Slate Mine
• Swimming
• going to the cinema

Some sessions include the option of 1 to 1 and personal care. All other sessions will be staffed 1 staff member to 2 young people. Some sessions offered may include a fee to cover additional costs.

People First
Run activities for children and young people aged 14 to 18 years in:

• Carlisle
• Mayport
• Whitehaven
• Workington

Some sessions include activities promoting independence, such as using local train services and exploring the local community. All sessions will be staffed 1 staff member to 2 young people. Sessions offered may include a fee to cover additional costs.

Is transport provided?

It is the responsibility of parents and carers to arrange transport to the activities.

How do I tell the providers about my child or young person and their individual needs?

There are several ways providers will use to find out information about your child or young person before the activity:

• when you are booking an activity you can complete the 'About your child' section
• after you have booked an activity the provider will be in touch
• you can contact the provider directly to speak to them about your child or young person

What if my child has a higher level of need?

If your child or young person does not meet the eligibility criteria, there may be other provisions they can access, such as universal activities or Health and Food Programme Activities (HAF).

Our Family Hub contains a directory of leisure activities and things to do for families with children or young people with SEND.

How and when can I register?

If you think your child or young person is eligible for the service, you can register for the service during our registration windows. These windows open in October for the following year.

If families miss this window, another window will be available in late Spring for the latter half of the year. This means families will be entitled to 38 hours instead of the 76, for the second half of the year up until 31 January.

How do I book activities?

Families can book sessions via a booking link that will be provided following registration. This will be provided via email once we have confirmed your child/young person’s eligibility for the service. Activities will be listed on the platform for parents to choose from, including the time and hours allocated for the session.

Targeted short breaks cancellation policy

Child or family:

• if you cancel 24 hours or more before, you will automatically get those hours back
• if you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will not automatically get those hours back
• if you cancel part way through a serious of activities, you will not automatically get those hours back
• if you miss one activity in a series, you will not get those hours back 

If someone else cancels:

• if the provider cancels, then you will get those hours back
• if the local authority cancels you will get your hours back