Have your say on overhaul of children’s breaks

LANCASHIRE County Council is redesigning its short breaks provision for children, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEnd) and their families.

Through short breaks, parents and carers get support, time away from their caring responsibilities and can have a short break.

This can also provide children and young people with the opportunity to get involved in community activities, have fun, spend time with friends and develop independence away from their families.

The county council wants to hear the views of parent/carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities who have used a short break service from April 2018 onwards.

A survey to gather views will run until October 21.

The views of children, young people and short break service providers will also be gathered.

County Cllr Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “We’re working more closely with the families of children and young people with special educational needs to help with redesigning our short breaks provision.

“Thank you to everyone who commented on our previous proposal for the Break Time service, as it highlighted the need for more information from the people who use our services.”

The survey follows a proposal earlier this year to stop the Lancashire Break Time service, which will continue in its current form until the review and any redesign of the short breaks provision has been completed.

Any proposals will be presented to cabinet in March 2020.

People who use the short break offer will be contacted with details for the survey, which can also be filled in online.

Call 01772 532509 or email [find@lancashire.gov.uk] for a printed questionnaire.