The purpose of this page is to set out the range of short breaks services available for families with disabled children and young people in Lambeth aged 0-25, and the eligibility criteria for accessing these services.
Referrals to SEND short breaks services can be made outside of the 0-25 Disabilities Service, or by self-referral, for example where providers offer stay and play and/or open access services.
Short breaks responsibility
Paragraph 6 (1) (c) of Schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989 requires Local Authorities to provide services designated to give breaks for carers of children with disabilities. This is underpinned by the Break for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011 which states a requirement to provide short breaks to those who care for disabled children, when it would improve their ability to care for their disabled child, or when they could not continue to provide care without a “short break” and to “publish” information to parents about the service available in their area, and criteria to attend such services.
The following acts have been put in place to protect and support children, young people and their families:
- The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000
- The Children Act 2004
- The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
- The Children & Young Person’s Act 2008
- The Equality Act 2010
- The Short Break Regulations 2011
- Children’s & Families Act 2014
- Care Act 2014
- SEND Code of Practise 2014
Why does Lambeth have to publish its short breaks statement?
On 1 April 2011, the Carers of Disabled Children Regulations came into force, which required local authorities to provide short breaks for families with SEND children. The regulations also required the council to publish a short breaks statement so that families:
- know clearly the eligibility criteria to access these services
- know what services are available across the borough
- know how the services are designed to meet the needs of disabled children and young people locally
Short breaks eligibility
Children and young people with SEND are eligible for short breaks in Lambeth if they:
- live in Lambeth
- are between the ages of 0-25 (commissioned services are currently offered from age 5-25)
- have a physical or mental impairment which is likely to have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities
This could include children with a sensory impairment, a learning disability, or an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with challenging behaviour as a result of their learning disability.
It also includes children with complex health needs and those with palliative, life limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Read more about the 0–25 Disabilities Service Levels of Need (PDF 630KB)
Short breaks
Short breaks provide opportunities for families with SEND children a break from their caring, and provide SEND young people with time away from their families in services that are supportive to their needs.
Short breaks can be part of a regular and supported package of care for SEND children and their families.
There are a range of different short breaks available in Lambeth. Not all SEND children and their families will need the same level of support; some will need more than others because of the nature of their child’s disability and their individual family circumstances.
For other families, whose child’s needs are severe and profound, occasional short breaks will not meet their needs. For example, their child’s daily personal care would need specialist intervention from the 0-25 Disabilities Service, which involves specialist services.
Specialist short breaks
Specialist services are aimed at the most severe and complex disabled children and young people. If you feel that this applies to you, then you need to request an assessment from the Disabilities Service by contacting the Integrated Referral Hub (IRH) on 020 7926 3344 or email helpandprotection@lambeth.gov.uk.
If you are a professional, please call 020 7926 5555 and follow up your referral in writing by completing the Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) and sending it to helpandprotection@lambeth.gov.uk.
If you are a parent or carer of a child who receives a support package from the Lambeth 0-25 Disabilities Service, for specific advice, we would recommend that you contact your provider, your social worker or the children with disabilities duty social worker on 020 7926 6916 or cwdduty@lambeth.gov.uk.
Specialist support which may be available to your SEND child and to your family subject to the outcome of a child and family assessment can include:
- a range of short breaks including after school clubs, Saturday clubs and holiday activities for children aged 5 plus
- direct payments enabling families to arrange and pay for short break support, using a personal assistant in the home or in the community
- domiciliary care and community outreach workers - agency workers who can support the child in the home or in the community
- a combination of the above
Our short breaks providers and what they offer
Universal activities
Many families with SEND children will not require specialist short breaks support because they will be able to access universal services locally, which may include sport and leisure centres, outdoor adventure playgrounds or youth clubs.
Information about universal services that may be suitable for disabled children can be found in the Family Information Directory.
CWD virtual drop-in session
Takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
To register your interest and get details on how to connect, please email cwdduty@lambeth.gov.uk.
Useful information
Lambeth Parent Forum - supporting families with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Email info@lambethparentforum.com
Contact Lambeth – the charity for families with disabled children, supporting families, bringing families together and helping families take action for others.