Current projects - Shortbreaks - Short Breaks Scheme 2026 – A Letter from Wiltshire Council

Dear Parent/Carer,

We wanted to get in touch to share some exciting changes coming to the Short Breaks programme next year.

Earlier this year, we asked parents, carers, young people and professionals for ideas on how we could make Short Breaks work better for families and reach more children and young people with SEND. Thank you so much for your feedback, it’s helped us shape a new approach that offers more choice and flexibility.

The new model is designed to make Short Breaks in Wiltshire more inclusive and easier to access. Here’s what’s new:

• A universal offer for all SEND families: We’re creating an online platform where you can find information about organisations offering inclusive activities and services for children and young people with SEND.

• Support for those with greater needs: We’ll still offer Direct Payments (known as the Payment Option in the current scheme) and activities for children and young people who need extra support.

From next year, we will not be sending direct invitations to parents and carers to apply for the scheme. But don’t worry—there will be plenty of clear information to guide you through what to do. We will be sharing this on the Local Offer website, the WPCC newsletter, in our SEND newsletter, with our schools as well as providing updates on our social media.

How will you apply?
To make sure the system is fair and based on individual needs, we’ll introduce a new Eligibility Form on the SEND Local Offer website. You’ll need to complete this form. We’ll share lots more details and step-by-step guidance in the New Year, so please keep an eye on the Local Offer pages for updates.

We’re also giving Short Breaks a new name, chosen with feedback from SEND families, which we’ll share early in the New Year!

Thank you for being part of this journey as we make these improvements to support all SEND families.

Short Breaks Team