Statutory guidance
This statutory guidance is for short break organisations and providers to help set-up and improve short break activities for disabled children and young people with SEND, to improve their welfare and quality of life.
For more information, visit the GOV.UK website.
The Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) Programme is funded through The Department for Education and is part of the Best Start in Life strategy. HAF enables children and young people to access enriching and fun activities who receive benefit related free school meals or have support needs.
Find out more, on the Suffolk Holiday Activity Fund webpage.
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Safeguarding ensures that all providers, ranging from schools and colleges to youth clubs and specialised care facilities operate within a legally mandated safety net. Key local safeguarding requirements include:
- Vetting and Training: All staff and volunteers must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and receive comprehensive training to safely manage SEND requirements.
- Multi-Agency Cooperation: Local authorities collaborate with local NHS boards, the police, and social care networks to share vital information and manage risk collaboratively.
- Referral Pathways: A clear route is established for professionals and parents to voice concerns—often via a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or Early Help Hub
If you are concerned that a child is at risk of harm, abuse, or negligence, don't hesitate to act. You can report a safeguarding concern and learn more about the process on the Suffolk County Council website.
For further information, guidance and learning opportunities, visit the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership website.
Whether you need to register depends on where the care takes place. You must register with Ofsted as a children’s home if you provide overnight short breaks for children at dedicated premises. However, if you provide care in the child's home or the community, you do not need to register with Ofsted, though you may need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if providing personal care. Understanding the exact requirements for your specific short breaks service is key:
Day Care / Activity Clubs: If you provide day-based activities, holiday clubs, or wraparound care without overnight stays, you may need to register on the Ofsted Childcare Register depending on the age of the children and the frequency of the care.
Home or Community Support: If you support disabled children in their own homes or in the community, registration with Ofsted is generally not required. However, if your service includes the provision of personal care (e.g., helping with washing or dressing), you must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Overnight Short Breaks (Dedicated Premises): If you operate a residential home where children stay overnight for short periods, you must register as a children's home and follow The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. You can review the Children's Homes Registration Policy for the application steps.
Provider support organisations
Statutory guidance around childcare can also be found through the organisations listed above.