Statutory Guidance
This statutory guidance supports organisations and activity providers to develop and improve opportunities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It provides information, advice and practical guidance for providers delivering activities specifically for children and young people with SEND, as well as organisations seeking to make their existing provision more inclusive and accessible.
For more information relating to Short Breaks, 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.
Creating Inclusive Provision - Toolkit
Creating Inclusive Provision - Toolkit (accessible format)
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.
If you'd like to discuss whether the situation you're concerned about should be the subject of a safeguarding referral, please contact the MASH Consultation Line on 0345 606 1499.
For further information, guidance and learning opportunities, visit the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership website.
It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it is operating legally and meeting all relevant regulatory, registration and compliance requirements. The information below is intended as a general guide only and should not be considered legal advice. Providers should satisfy themselves that they understand and comply with any requirements that apply to their specific service.
Understanding the exact requirements for your specific activity 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.
Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations providing services to children and young people have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This means taking positive steps to remove or reduce barriers that may prevent children and young people with disabilities from accessing and participating in activities on an equal basis with their peers. Reasonable adjustments will vary depending on the setting and activity but may include changes to the environment, communication methods, policies, procedures or the way support is provided.
Providers should consider accessibility and inclusion as part of the planning and delivery of their activities. This may involve discussing individual needs with children, young people and their families, ensuring staff and volunteers understand how to support participation, and considering how personal care needs, communication requirements and other support needs can be met safely and appropriately. Taking a proactive approach to inclusion can help create welcoming and accessible opportunities for a wider range of children and young people.
Provider support organisations
Statutory guidance around childcare can also be found through the organisations listed above.