Short Breaks Survey, West Essex, Children & Young People Aged 15-19

Overview

The Children Act 1989 sets out a legal duty for local authorities to provide a range of short break opportunities for parents and carers which enable them to have a break, and to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have opportunities to meet friends, take part in activities, develop independence, and have fun by socialising with their peers and learning new skills.

The Essex Short Breaks offer comprises a wide suite of provision from the early help offers such as subsidised holidays, days out, and clubs and activities which can be accessed without the need for social care assessment.

Accuro and Essex County Council are undertaking a joint engagement with Children & Young People and their families in West Essex to understand what is important to them when accessing Short Breaks Community Clubs and Activities.

Essex County Council fund Short Breaks Clubs and Activities for Children and Young People with SEND in two age groups: 0-14 years old and 15-19 years old (and up to 25 with a personal budget) following several engagements and a widely promoted consultation with families in 2020 and again in 2021. A theme that emerged through engaging with families was that young people 15 and over wanted their own clubs, separately from younger children, and that they wanted different types of activities.

However, some young people and their families attending Accuro have said they would prefer clubs to have wider age ranges tailored around their developmental needs and interests.

Accuro and Essex County Council have designed this survey together to help inform the future design of Short Breaks Community Clubs and Activities in West Essex for 15-19 year olds.

The survey is made up of multiple choice questions and open text questions. If you prefer not to take part in the online survey but would like to have your say then please contact CYPengagement@essex.gov.uk and Short Breaks commissioners are happy to meet with you in person, over the phone or over a video call. You are also welcome to email your thoughts directly to us.

Why your views matter

It is hoped that the survey will help us to better understand the needs and wants of children & young people with SEND and their families who live in West Essex.

What happens next

The feedback you provide us will enable us to better understanding the needs of SEND families in West Essex and inform us on how we can commission services that meet the needs of these families.