Community Short Breaks Consultation

Image shows the a cartoon image of young people flying a kite

Introduction

Community Short Breaks are for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who need extra help to take part in activities.

They are for children and young people who:

cannot join in with universal* activities without support, or

have more complex needs that cannot be met by universal* services or family support alone

*Universal services are services that are available to all children, young people and their families.

There are two types of Community Short Breaks:

A grant

A targeted** service from providers

**Targeted services are for children and young people who may need additional support and may require an assessment of need to access services.

These providers arrange activities and provide additional support to children and young people with SEND to:

spend time away from home
relax and have fun
make new friends
try new activities and opportunities
increase independence skills
build confidence
learn new skills
improve health and wellbeing

Activities may take place after school, at weekends, or during school holidays.

Community Short Breaks also support families by giving parents and carers time to rest from caring.

Please click on the Community Short Breaks Statement below for more information:

Derby City Council Short Breaks Statement

Consultation

Derby City Council is reviewing its Community Short Breaks Service and proposing some ideas for change.

We want to ask you about these changes and for you to give feedback. This is really important to us as you are the parents and carers of children and young people with SEND who may access this service.

Your views will help us understand the impact of the changes that we are proposing and what you think about the Community Short Breaks Service that you currently receive.

How can I take part?

You can fill in the Parent/Carer survey below.
If you have any queries, would like to request a paper copy, or a copy in a different format please contact CYPParticipate@derby.gov.uk

You can help your child or young person take part by:

requesting a paper copy of the Children and Young People’s survey from CYPParticipate@derby.gov.uk
completing the Children and Young People's survey online, or
downloading the Easy Read version of th survey on the right hand side of this page and printing at home.

This consultation will close midnight, Wednesday 19th August 2026