Targeted short breaks
Find out about targeted short breaks for children with SEND and their families, who require additional support.
About Targeted short breaks
Targeted short break activities are for children and young people who cannot access universal services without requiring additional support. You don't need to get any further or new assessments to access targeted short break services.
A child or young person is eligible for targeted short break services if they:
- live in Brighton and Hove
- are aged 0 to 25
- fit any one of the following:
- have an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP)
- attend a Special School or Specialist Facility Placement
- receive middle to high-level Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- receive a direct payment (under 16)
- receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (16+)
- have highly specialised needs and have undergone a social care assessment
Eligibility is checked at the point of booking. Services may make a small charge for a place. Families receiving direct payments can use these to fund a place.
Ratios for these groups include 1:3, 1:5, and 1:6. These services suit children and young people who can manage in smaller groups.
Targeted short breaks providers
Activ8 For Kids
Activ8 run an after-school club at a special needs primary school. Their staff have relevant and up-to-date training on various medications and strategies to ensure they keep all children safe and can meet their needs.
Amazing Futures
Amazing Futures Holiday Scheme is for young people with SEND aged 14 to 25 in Brighton and Hove. The scheme provides 3-hour and 6-hour sessions across the Easter and Summer Holidays.
The scheme offers 14 places per session with 1:4 or 1:1 support.
Angling4Education
Angling4Education offer an exciting, unique and accessible fishing experience. This experience gives children and young people:
- an engaging opportunity to grow and develop
- confidence and motivation to access activities and the natural environment independently
They have been successfully delivering short break sessions for over 9 years.
Brighton Community Kitchen
Brighton Community Kitchen run hands-on kitchen sessions where families create delicious, fresh dishes from scratch that focuses on the simple joy of cooking together. The space is relaxed and focused on teamwork.
Brighton Swimming School
Brighton Swimming School offer 1:1 swimming lessons for children and adults with SEND.
The sessions focus on building water confidence, improving swimming technique, and teaching important water safety skills in a way that feels comfortable and manageable for each individual.
Down Syndrome Development Trust
The Down Syndrome Development Trust (DSDT) provides a bespoke activity structure specifically for children and young people with Down syndrome. They provide opportunities and activities that aim to enrich children and young people’s lives.
All staff and volunteers have had specific Down syndrome training and safeguarding training.
Many young people they support also work within the charity as sports coaches.
Parable Dance
Parable Dance sessions are based on a person-centred approach. Activities are designed to give participants choice and ownership so that movements suit their physicality and learning needs.
Their classes are structured with flexible tasks which enable simplification for some and extension of instruction for others, so everyone can achieve. No matter what level of need, everyone can have access to dance.