Short breaks (respite) for disabled children aged 0 to 18 and their families
Short breaks (respite) provide activities for disabled children and young people giving families and carers a break from caring. They provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to spend time away from their families and have fun and provide families with a break from their caring responsibilities.
In summary, provision is based on a 4-tiered approach which provides information and advice, universal, targeted/early help and specialist support. The model will promote local, affordable, aspirational and personalised services. Please find more information below regarding the 4-tiered approach.
The 4-tiered approach
Level 1
Where information and advice (Level 1) will be given to families to support them in navigating the complex pathway through the range of support and services available to them. The SEND Local Offer will be key in supporting this and will be available to all families with a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND.)
Level 2
The universal offer, will be enhanced to be accessible by services such as leisure, libraries, countryside parks and activities. This would ensure that all disabled children have the opportunity to access positive local activities in a safe environment. This will be available to all young people but with a focus on supporting those in the area special schools and specialist units
Level 3
The targeted early help offer, is for disabled children and teenagers who are eligible for services from the Children with Disabilities Team but only require a lower level of support access targeted services. They may need to be supported by people with specialist knowledge but could also access universal provision with support where appropriate. They may do this with the support of a direct payment or personal budget. This could all be accessed via an Early Help Assessment within the children with disabilities services
Level 4
Is the specialist offer and would be via a social work assessment, or joint assessment with health colleagues where required for those children presenting with the highest level of need. This group of children and young people will currently be at the stage in their lives where access to level 2 and 3 would present a high level of risk to the child or others
Short breaks (respite) statement
The Short Breaks Statement (PDF) applies to disabled children aged 0 to 18 who live in Central Bedfordshire and their families. We will review the statement bi-annually with disabled children, parents and carers to ensure their needs are being met.
Short breaks overnight respite
Overnight respite is provided for our most complex children with disabilities.
Dunstable and surrounding areas
Kingfishers provides overnight respite in these areas.
View or download Kingfishers' statement of purpose (PDF).
Biggleswade and surrounding areas
Maythorn provides overnight respite in these areas.