Group Activity Short Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children

Local authorities are required to commission short break services for carers of disabled children to help them continue caring or care more effectively. This includes support for carers who need breaks to pursue education, training, leisure activities, manage other family responsibilities, or handle household tasks. Required service offerings must include: daytime care (in home or community settings), overnight care (in home or community settings), educational and leisure activities for disabled children outside the home, and support services available during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Services must be appropriate and sufficient to meet the diverse needs of carers. Disability is defined under the Equality Act 2010 as a physical or mental impairment with substantial and long-term negative effects on normal daily activities. This includes sensory impairments, fluctuating conditions (such as epilepsy), developmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and dyspraxia), learning disabilities, and injuries to the body or brain. Suppliers should demonstrate capacity to deliver flexible, responsive group activity-based short breaks that support both disabled children and their carers across multiple settings and timeframes.