Looking after a child with disability can be very rewarding and, at times, very demanding. A short break from these responsibilities gives parents and carers the opportunity for some time out and gives disabled children and young people the chance to have fun and make friends. 'Short Breaks' is a term that describes opportunities that support disabled children and young people to take part in fun activities and develop important skills, while giving their families a chance to have a rest from their caring responsibilities.

A short break can be anything from a couple of hours a week going swimming, attending a play scheme in the summer holidays, or sometimes spending the night with friends away from the family home. A short break is different from childcare, which enables parents and carers to work.

Short breaks are often described as being Universal, Targeted or Specialist depending on the circumstances of the children and families that use them.

• Universal: These are general services available to all families with children, regardless of disability. Examples include playgrounds, after-school clubs, or day care centres (with potential adaptations for accessibility).
• Targeted: These breaks offer more support for families with children who have additional needs but don't require the most complex care. They might involve in-home respite care, specialised weekend clubs, or short getaways with trained staff.
• Specialist: These are short breaks designed for children with the most complex needs. They often involve overnight stays in residential care with highly trained professionals and cater to specific needs like sensory processing or behavioural challenges.