Short breaks and fun activities

Short Breaks are fun activities for children/young people with SEND.

Leeds City Council provides a range of Short Breaks for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These breaks also support parents, carers, and families.

The aim is to make sure children and young people with SEND are supported well and that families get the help they need.

Leeds City Council works in these ways:

  • They listen to children and take their views seriously.
  • They use a kind and fair approach when working with families.
  • They look at the needs of the whole family, not just one person.
  • They offer help early, before problems get bigger.
  • They support children and young people to join in with local community life where possible.

Short Breaks are fun activities for children and young people with SEND. These activities help them:

  • enjoy themselves
  • spend time with friends
  • feel confident
  • learn new skills
  • stay safe

Short Breaks also help parents and carers. They give families a chance to rest and take a break from caring.

The law says local councils must provide support like Short Breaks. This helps parents and carers continue to care for disabled children and helps them do this in a healthy and supported way.

Read the full short breaks statement here


Short Breaks Statement - Easy Read
 

Click here for a list of fun activities for young people in Leeds.

Click here to register your interest for a Short Break. 

Short breaks and fun activities

Short Breaks and Fun Activities: October 2026 update

We announced last year that we would be launching a new Short Breaks model and a brand-new range of activities following the Short Breaks Review. This is still being developed to ensure we deliver a high-quality service offer for all. Our team will continue to provide updates and guidance to ensure a smooth and positive transition to the new services when available.

In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that the below targeted activities will be funded until 31st March 2027. A big thank you to our current providers for their support and dedication. 

  • Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme provides activity days and a holiday play scheme available to young people in the Aireborough area of Leeds.
  • BID organises various activities for deaf, hard of hearing or visually impaired young people.
  • Endorphins offer a wide range of gaming experiences in a safe and supportive setting.
  • Leeds Mencap organises holiday play schemes for 3 different age groups and a youth club.
  • Leeds Weekend Care Association continues to offer Saturday play schemes.
  • Sunshine & Smiles will continue to offer a support network for children and young people who have Down syndrome with a varied programme of activities.

Further information on our Targeted service offer can be found here.

 We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce a newly commissioned service for teenagers in Leeds provided by MK Care Services – ‘My Leeds, My way.’ 

These services are funded by Leeds City Council as part of Targeted Short Breaks provision and can be accessed via an Expression of Interest form. 

Short Breaks Offer in Leeds

Short breaks give children and young people with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) the chance to have fun and socialise away from home.

Who is eligible

Short Breaks in Leeds are available to children and young people who:

  • have a special educational need or disability
  • are aged between 0 and 18 years old
  • live in Leeds

Types of short breaks

In Leeds there are lots of different short breaks to give children with SEND a chance to try new experiences, have fun and make friends. They also give families the chance to enjoy a break from their caring responsibilities.

Universal clubs
Universal clubs offer children with SEND the opportunity to join sport or youth groups. Find your local group on the Leeds Local Offer.

Specialist short breaks
Specialist short breaks are for disabled children with the most complex needs. To apply your child must have a social worker. You will need to contact them and ask for an assessment.

Targeted short breaks
Targeted short breaks are for children with specific SEND needs. Short breaks include:

  • weekends away
  • holiday activity schemes
  • residential and evening activities

Register your interest for a short break

If you would like your child to take part in a targeted short break, you will need to register your interest by completing our online form.  

Contact: 


 

Catalogue of short breaks and fun activities

Catalogue of short breaks and fun activities

This catalogue lists in detail fun activities and short breaks currently available to children and young people aged 0-18 in Leeds.

Click here to download the 2026/27 catalogue 

If you would like your child to access a targeted short breaks / fun activity please complete the expression of interest form.