Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex

30/03/2026

In our new film, Alex talks about his experiences of living with Autism. Alex is a nine-year-old boy from Essex who shares his experiences as a SEND Sensatio...

30/03/2026

Uttlesford families!

Join us for a fun, relaxed session with Gargs Animal Encounters! Children will meet a selection of animals, learn all about them, and get creative with themed crafts.

Let’s Get “Owl” Creative on Tuesday 7th April 13.30-15.30pm!
Farnham Village Hall, Rectory Lane, Farnham, Bishops Stortford, CM23 1HU

Animals that may join us can be viewed here: https://www.gargsanimalencounters.co.uk/animals
Please note:
• Only children registered with the West Essex Inclusion Project aged 0-14 need a booking, adults do not need to book.
• Parents/guardians/carers are encouraged to stay for the session. If this is a barrier to your child attending, please contact me directly.

This session is designed specifically for children and young people aged 0–14 with SEND across West Essex.

Booking link here: https://eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/776

Please ensure your child is registered with The West Essex Inclusion Project and Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex before booking. Please contact, Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens if you have any questions or would like to register with us! Contact details in the comments below!

If you'd like to see why we love our visits with Garg so much, please click here: https://eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com/assets/Uploads/Why-we-love-Gargs-Animal-Encounter2.jpg

Essex SEND Local Offer

24/02/2026

The Essex Short Breaks 2026 season is NOW OPEN!

You can access caravan and beach hut bookings by signing into your Short Breaks Digital Account:

https://bookings.bookinglab.co.uk/ecc-shortbreaksdigitalservice/login

If you are not already registered for Short Breaks, you will need to register here:

https://eligibility.bookinglab.co.uk/essex/52481/introduction

To learn more or see our frequently asked questions visit our website:

https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/news/caravan-and-beach-hut-bookings-2026/

If you need any help the best way to contact us, is via email: [email protected]

Historically, we have received a high volume of enquiries in the lead up to, and during caravan and beach huts being launched for the new season. Therefore, we may be delayed responding to individual enquiries immediately, and we thank you in advance for your patience.

16/02/2026

Just over a week to go until we go live with bookings for 2026!

📢ANNOUNCEMENT📢

Short Breaks are excited to announce that bookings for caravans and beach huts will go live on 24th February 2026 at 1pm.

Bookings are made on a first come, first served basis and can be made from your Short Breaks Digital Account.

Historically, we have received a high volume of enquiries in the lead up to, and during caravan and beach huts being launched for the new season. There are now over 8,000 families registered with Short Breaks which means we are not able to respond to individual queries. Updates will be made to our website as needed.

https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/

03/02/2026

📢ANNOUNCEMENT📢

Short Breaks are excited to announce that bookings for caravans and beach huts will go live on 24th February 2026 at 1pm.

Bookings are made on a first come, first served basis and can be made from your Short Breaks Digital Account.

Historically, we have received a high volume of enquiries in the lead up to, and during caravan and beach huts being launched for the new season. There are now over 8,000 families registered with Short Breaks which means we are not able to respond to individual queries. Updates will be made to our website as needed.

https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/

20/01/2026

The Essex Short Breaks Community Capital Inclusion Fund 2025/26 successfully awarded organisations funding to improve access and inclusion in clubs and activity settings.

All Hands on Deck at Hamford Primary School were one of the successful organisations that applied. They used the funding to purchase an outdoor classroom shelter, sensory equipment, and install new outdoor play equipment. All hands were on deck over the summer to upgrade their sensory space with children enjoying their new safe space since September.

The Children and Families Commissioning Team are so pleased to see how this funding has created a positive impact for children and attending Hamford Primary School.

You can learn more about the fund here:

https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/what-are-essex-short-breaks/capital-grants-and-inclusion-funding/

08/01/2026

📣Your voice matters in the SEND Local Area Inspection
Ofsted and CQC want to understand what SEND support is really like for families in Essex.

You can share your experience whether you are a parent/carer, a child/young person or a practitioner. This survey only takes a few minutes, which you can complete here 👉https://ofsted.smartsurvey.co.uk/p/AreaSend/10364949

They’re asking:
• Are children’s needs identified early?
• Is the right support in place?
• Are parents and carers listened to?
• Are young people being prepared for adulthood?
The inspection will shape future SEND services in Essex – and families’ experiences are a vital part of that.

👉 You can Read more about howthe inspection works here: https://essexfamilyforum.org/ofsted-cqc-visit

Graphic reads:
Area SEND inspection for Essex Local Area Partnership. Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are visiting your area to inspect the local arrangements for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
The inspectors want to know about the help and support that children and young people with SEND get. You can tell us by filling in a survey below. What you tell us will be treated in confidence.
The surveys will close at 9am on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Please take this opportunity to have your say
by clicking the link above to complete
the relevant survey. Thank you!

08/01/2026

Local Area SEND Inspection – January 2026

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are carrying out a SEND inspection in Essex over the next three weeks.
It’s important that families have the opportunity to share their views.

You can take part by completing a short questionnaire.

The questionnaire is open from 5 January 2026 until 9am on 13 January 2026.

There is a questionnaire for parents and carers, and a questionnaire for young people.

Find out more and share your views::

Find out how you can be involved in the inspection.

01/12/2025

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marked annually on 3 December, is an opportunity to champion accessibility, understanding, and the value of every individual.

To mark the occasion, we are encouraging everyone to spread some positivity by ordering a FREE Postcard Pack!

Just visit https://sendsensation.co.uk/celebrate/ to order yours today!

11/11/2025

The Essex Short Breaks Community Capital Inclusion Fund 2025/26 successfully awarded organisations funding to improve access and inclusion in clubs and activity settings.

Mistley Kids Club were one of the successful organisations that applied. They used the funding to purchase and install a new accessible kitchen space, that enables all children to be included in cooking activities as part of their independence skills development.

The Children and Families Commissioning Team are so pleased to see how this funding has created a positive impact for children and young people attending Mistley Kids Club.

You can learn more about the fund here: https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/what-are-essex-short-breaks/capital-grants-and-inclusion-funding/

11/11/2025

Sharing on behalf of our colleagues Accuro (Care Services).