New, wider range of short breaks for children in Southwark with a disability or additional needs

1 February 2024

Southwark Council is excited to introduce the new providers who successfully bid to run targeted short breaks for local families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Targeted short breaks are opportunities for these children and young people to have time away from their families or primary carers, to relax and have fun. The new opportunities include afterschool, weekend and school holiday schemes.

Prior to the bidding process, the council consulted with young people and families who told them they wanted a mix of activities to choose from. This was reflected in the specification that describes what the council will fund and what young people want. Two providers were successful:

Sportsworks

A range of sports and physical activities will be delivered by Sportsworks at the weekend, during school holidays and after school. These include dodgeball, basketball, parachute games, football, fitness workouts and many more. Sportsworks are passionate about inclusivity, so they ensure that there is something suited to everyone at their sessions.

Jake Ramshaw, Operations Lead - South Central & London at Sportworks, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our provision for children in Southwark. Through our sessions, we aim to make a positive impact on every child and family’s lives. We look forward to welcoming families to our provision in due course.’’

Endorphins

Arts and crafts will be delivered by Endorphins at Spa School, Camberwell during school holidays and at the weekend. One parent of a child who attends Endorphins said: “My son always says 'it’s my favourite place to be' and he looks forward to the weekends. He has made many new friends and has good relationships with all of the staff members who are very caring, warm and attentive. The management are brilliant at regularly communicating with parents and ensure that each child's individual needs are met.”

Faye Makhlouf, managing director at Endorphins, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be providing Short Break Services in Southwark. We look forward to getting to know and supporting lots of families and having loads of fun!”

Families will be contacted with full details about their programmes and how to sign up, with more provision to be announced soon.

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “Targeted short breaks are invaluable. They are an opportunity for young people to gain new skills, new friends, and new experiences, all while building independence. Families and carers also get to recharge their batteries, happy in the knowledge that their young people are safe and having fun.

“It’s crucial that our targeted short break service meets the needs of local families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We have acted on their feedback and I’m delighted that we will be offering a wider range of activities with the help of Sportworks and Endorphins.”

Page last updated: 01 February 2024