Short breaks

Short breaks are activities and care for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

They’re designed to help families by giving:

children and young people time in the community away from their family so they can develop independence, learn new skills and make friends
parents and carers a break from caring responsibilities to spend time with other family members and friends, carry out day-to-day tasks or take part in leisure activities

Short breaks are sometimes known as respite care.

Read our short breaks strategy and guide.

Overview