Find out about short break services for all families of children with SEND which are available without an assessment.
Universal short breaks are services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities without further assessment.
These are everyday community services or activities for everyone with a focus on widening this offer to include children and young people with SEND.
Ratios for this group include 1:5, 1:6, and 1:8.
These services suit children and young people who can manage in larger groups.
Children who receive benefit-related free school meals can access our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme which offers free activities in the Easter, Summer and Winter holidays.
All activity providers are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate children with SEND.
Find out more about HAF.
We are continuing to work with a range of providers offering 1:1 support or family fun sessions. Families receiving direct payments can use these to fund a place.
Read our Personal Budgets and Direct Payments Policy 2024
The providers listed below offer summer activities, but please note they have not undergone quality assurance checks by Brighton & Hove City Council. We recommend contacting the provider directly to find out more.
During the holidays, in addition to the SEND Short Breaks swimming sessions, Brighton Swimming School run 1:1 intensive swimming lessons, which can be booked as 3-, 4-, or 5-day courses.
There are two pools in Brighton that are available for 1:1 swimming lessons
Art workshops for small groups.
Online summer camps and clubs for neurodivergent teens.
An heated indoor swimming pool available for private hire family swims.
A 32-acre site that brings together visitor attractions and a specialised day service.
Children and young people who live in Brighton & Hove, and who have special educational needs or disabilities can get a Compass Card. You can use this card to pay less for leisure activities and get special deals.
Parents and carers, including young carers, can get a Carer’s Card for discounts.