There is still time to apply to the 2021-22 Short Breaks scheme and leisure opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The application deadline is Sunday, March 7.
Wiltshire Council is reminding SEND families they can choose from three options for children and young people, with their parents or carers, to think creatively about how they want to spend their leisure time and choose what works best for them. The council subsidises the options available and families pay some contribution towards the overall costs as part of the scheme, which is open for those aged six to 18 years.
Options include a lump sum, paid to families to organise their own activities, which could include swimming or riding lessons, trips out or play equipment. The second option is for 84 hours of Barnardo’s Activity Clubs, which are held across a range of venues with three or six-hour sessions, or day trips. The third option is a combination of up to 42 hours of organised Barnardo’s activity clubs with a smaller lump sum for activities organised by the family.
Details of the scheme, eligibility criteria and the process can be found on the council’s website and in the 2021-2022 Short Breaks Scheme Leaflet.
Applications for the scheme must be received by Sunday 7 March 2021 and all applications need to be made via the Wiltshire Council online form or use an online tool developed by the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council to clarify eligibility for the scheme.
If you do not have access to the internet or you need some help to make an application or clarify eligibility, call Wiltshire Parent Carer Council on 01225 764647.