About specialist short breaks
Short breaks provide disabled children and young people with a chance to spend time away from their parents, relax with friends and have fun. They also provide families with a break from their caring responsibilities.
Not all children and families will need the same level of short breaks, and some will need more than others because of the impact of their child’s disability or their individual family circumstances. For more information, see our short breaks statement (PDF, 17240.38 KB).
Find out about accessible venues and disabled access in Enfield.
Eligibility
Children and young people are eligible for short breaks if they meet the eligibility criteria. You can see if you’re eligible at JSDC eligibility and assessment.
If eligible, children and families are referred into the service using the JSDC referral form. This is completed with you by a professional who knows your child and family, such as a health visitor or teacher. This helps identify your child's additional needs and determines if your child is eligible. We aim to let you know the outcome within four weeks.
All short break grants will be reviewed once a year to ensure the level of support is right for your child and family. You can request a review and further assessment of your needs at any time by emailing cheviots@enfield.gov.uk.
Short breaks available for children and young people
Early years (0 to 4 years)
Children’s centres offer activities and services for families with children under five.
If eligible, specialist support includes:
- specialist short breaks:
- access to family fun days during Easter and summer school holidays
- stay and play sessions
- family activities
- sleep workshops
- parent workshops such as Makaton
- early support keyworkers - help to improve the delivery of services by co-ordinating support from a range of services such as health visitors, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and children's centres
- pre-school support service - work with parents and carers in the home to provide teaching activities to support your child's development
5 to 7 years
If eligible, specialist support includes:
- specialist short breaks offer - a £500 ActivityPlus grant towards the cost of your child's activities and services
- family support:
- access to family fun days during Easter and summer school holidays
- family activities
- sleep workshops
- parent workshops such as Makaton
8 to 17 years
If eligible, specialist support includes:
- family support offers:
- family activities
- sleep workshops
- parent workshops such as Makaton
- choice of one of the following specialist short breaks per year:
- a £500 ActivityPlus grant towards the cost of your child's activities and services
- a £1000 specialist services grant towards the cost of services
- the JSDC buying services for your child up to a maximum of £1,000