Short breaks, also known as respite, provide opportunities for children and young people with special needs to spend time away from their primary carers. These breaks can occur during the day, evening, overnight, weekends, or school holidays and can take place in various settings such as the child's home, an approved carer's home, a residential setting, or a community location.
Types of short breaks:
- daytime activities or after-school clubs
- day outings with a carer or befriender
- overnight stays in a carer's home or residential setting
- in-home support, including assistance with household tasks such as getting ready for school or bed
- in-home nursing care, if appropriate
Short breaks help parents and carers by offering regular breaks, allowing them to:
- meet the needs of other children in the family
- engage in leisure activities or study
- manage day-to-day household tasks
Benefits for children and young people
Short breaks give children and young people with SEND the chance to enjoy social, leisure, or new activities. Short breaks can help build confidence and develop life skills and independence, with or without their parent or carer present.
Types of short breaks
Universal
- open to all children and young people in Haringey, regardless of SEND. No assessment is needed.
- activities for fun and making friends, like leisure centres, holiday activities, sports, and scouts.
- inclusive services with reasonable adjustments for children with SEND.
Targeted
- for children and young people with SEND whose needs aren't met by Universal Services, even with adjustments. Accessible with or without an assessment.
- activities include theatre for people with disabilities, disability sports clubs, and targeted youth groups.
- free if funded by Haringey but may have a fee if provided by charities or voluntary groups.
Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Haringey
Specialist
- for children with the most complex needs. Assessment is required to determine eligibility.
- supports children and families where the disability significantly affects daily activities.
- includes day care, overnight breaks with foster carers, residential facilities, personal budgets (Direct Payments), and home care/agency support.
Access and eligibility
Short breaks in Haringey are available to children and young people who:
- have a Special Educational Need and/or Disability (SEND)
- are aged 0 to 18 years old
- reside in Haringey
Eligibility is based on individual needs, considering how a child or young person's disability or impairment affects their lives and those who care for them.
Application form
The application form for Specialist short breaks should be completed with help from a SEND Co-ordinator (SENDCO) or another professional. The parent or carer must provide signed consent.
Short breaks grant (previously personal budgets)
Personal budgets for children and young people with special needs and/or disabilities and their families will now be known as the Short Breaks Grant.
A new policy statement and self-assessment form are being finalised and launched in early 2025.
This page will soon include more details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the Disabled Children’s Team.
Additional support and resources
Search our SEND directory for resources, services, and support based on age, need, and type of assistance.
Contact
020 8489 3671 | 020 8489 3672
Emergency number (out of hours): 020 8489 0000
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