Short Breaks Service development timeline

Short breaks Development to 2024

1989

The Children Act 1989 provides a clear definition of a disabled child and the roles of their parents and carers. It also recognises the pressures placed upon carers and the need for regular breaks to enable them to continue caring.

2006

Parents inform Parliamentary hearings that the biggest cause of unhappiness is the lack of short break provision.

2008

Consultations with parents and carers reveal that children and young people with disabilities and additional needs want greater choice in their Short Breaks. Including being able to access local leisure facilities. Parents and carers just want a break from caring and to feel confident that services are meeting their family’s needs. Section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Act requires local authorities to offer Short Breaks provision – giving guidance on the type of services that should be offered. Aiming High for Disabled Children is launched, focusing upon increasing and improving Short Breaks provision.

2011 

Aiming High Programme ends (March) and The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations come in to effect, making it a legal duty for local authorities to provide Short Breaks (April). On 1 October 2011 a Short Breaks service statement must be published which includes the range of services available, any eligibility criteria and how these services have been developed to meet the needs of parents and carers. It is recognised that these statements will need to be reviewed regularly in order to ensure that services are meeting the needs of the people these are being provided to and for. This should be done through consultation and collaboration with local parents.

2011 to 2013

The Short Breaks service has evolved on the Isle of Wight:

  • The service began offering taster sessions supported by key workers. The number and variety of providers involved increased.
  • The service bought a lodge, caravan and beach hut which can be rented out by families and carers.
  • The Short Breaks programme ran a successful pilot of young inspectors in 2013 which evaluated short break activities.
  • Short Breaks has increased its presence in the community through marketing.
  • The annual fun day was started in 2012 and has grown in size, becoming a must-go event for families of children with disabilities and additional needs.
  • The service has bought Landeez wheelchairs and hoists which are available across the island in different locations, making more activities accessible for children with disabilities.

  • The Gateway Card scheme was launched in October 2013 with more than 600 children having one.

2014 to 2016

The number and variety of providers involved increased.

  • The service maintains the use of the lodge and caravan
  • Young inspectors have more than 20 inspectors who inspect Short Breaks activities. Young inspectors is now recognised over the UK and has been commented on within the Houses of Parliament
  • Short Breaks offers inclusion funding to organisations that need additional equipment to remove barriers and support inclusion
  • The annual fun day is in its fourth year and becoming bigger and better; not only is it a fun day it is now a fun and information day offering loads of information on all aspects of disabilities and additional needs
  • The Gateway Card Plus was launched in October 2015, which contains the child’s photograph, date of birth and name, with more than 450 children now having one

2017 to 2018

  • The Gateway Card Plus system continues to be successful with over 600 children now registered
  • New online system for registration which now includes the facility to include a photo online
  • The annual fun day has continued, come rain or shine, offering a fun day with lots of information on all aspects of disabilities and additional needs
  • Short Breaks offers grants of up to £500 for equipment to support inclusion
  • Young inspectors continue to inspect activities and award a star rating to each provider
  • The lodge and caravan continue to be available for hire for Gateway Card members
  • Promotional work has been done to increase awareness of the scheme at parents evenings, coffee mornings and other local events
  • Additional funding has been made available for activity sessions to run during the school holidays

2019 to 2023

Short Breaks brand refreshed, including:

  • New design for the printed programme
  • Programme now includes weekly calendar
  • Gateway Card Plus renamed Short Breaks membership card
  • Caravan at Lower Hyde, Shanklin commissioned to provide a short break for members
  • New beach wheelchair for hire at Sandown Beach

2024

  • Short Break membership cards are now digital


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