Provision of Short Break Services for Children and Young People for the London Borough of Redbridge

The Government and the Council require all children to have the best start in life and the on-going support that they and their families need to fulfil their potential and maximise their wellbeing.

Children with a disability are less likely to achieve their potential in a range of areas as compared to their non-disabled peers. The aim is to improve their outcomes, in turn allowing them to benefit from equality of opportunity and increasing their involvement and inclusion in society and mainstream services. This will reduce social inequality and allow communities to benefit from the contribution that disabled children and their families can make harnessing their talent and fostering tolerance, diversity, and difference.

The main aims of short break services are to provide disabled children and young people the opportunity to:

 Participate in fun, interesting, and safe activities

 Relax and have fun to develop friendships

 Develop their independence

They also give families an opportunity to:

• Have a break from their caring responsibilities

• Spend time with other members if their family