New short breaks model proposed for SEND children in Wiltshire
The current model is set to expire in March 2026
A new model to support young people and children with SEND with short breaks is being proposed by Wiltshire Council.
It's hoped the new model will allow more families to access activities for respite and follows consultation with parents and carers.
Under the current model, which expires in March 2026, families who have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and meet eligibility criteria receive direct payments to source activities or pay for sessions provided by Barnardo's, the commissioned service, or a combination of both.
The proposed model will bring in a new tool called the eligibility matrix to ensure support is provided fairly and based on individual needs.
The eligibility criteria will be developed during the autumn and will include input from parents and carers.
Cabinet Member for SEND, Cllr Jon Hubbard, says he's excited by the new proposal.
He said: "It opens up our break opportunities for young people massively, it takes away some of the restrictions that there were before, allows more people to be able to participate and enjoy the additional activities that we're offering.
"It means that friendship groups sibling groups will be able to do more things together but still recognises the support that those with extreme needs, need and should be receiving."
Key features of the new model will be:
- An offer open to all 16,000 SEND families who have some form of SEN support to find inclusive activities in their local area.
- Programmes including Ability Sports and a range of other activities with weekly clubs and holiday activities for approximately 300 children who need more structured support.
- Direct payments will be available for approximately 4,000 families to choose the short breaks which work for them
- Enhanced support for children with the most complex needs, around 250 children where higher levels of support will be available
The revised model has been developed with the input of families who will be using the service, which Cllr Hubbard said was an essential part of its creation.
He said: "How dare we think that we can put together something and just tell people this is your offer, this is what you got to put up with.
"We've got to work in partnership with those who are making use of the services that we offer just to make sure that the offer that we give is actually what people need."
The proposal will be put to the Cabinet on Tuesday (16th September) to be assessed and potentially approved.