Introduction

We believe that the basic needs of disabled children are no different from those of any other child. But we recognise that some disabled children have additional needs, or face extra barriers which prevent their inclusion in society. And it is those children, that we try hard to support.

This service covers the following:

• Children’s Social Care Disability Early Support Services
• Community Inclusion and Activity Team
• Somerset Supporter Scheme (children with disabilities)
• Direct Payment Scheme
• Short Breaks Children’s Homes (PDF 543KB)
• Short Breaks Foster Care
• Home-based care

The team works closely with colleagues in the Health and Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Services, and the Inclusion Team within Education.

If you are a professional and wish to make a referral to Children’s Social Care, it must be submitted using our multi-agency referral form – the Early Help Assessment (EHA) which you can find on the Professional Choices website.

Community Inclusion and Activity Team

Community  – We want to enable children and young people with a disability or additional need and their families to access their local community.

Inclusion – We want children and young people with a disability or additional need to feel included in their community and in clubs and activities.

Activity – We can signpost children and young people with a disability or additional need to many opportunities to access regular clubs and activities in the school holidays. We offer some of these activities ourselves and work with many other organisations who offer great activities too. This information is sent to you in our newsletters and calendars.

Team – We cover the whole of Somerset and our team work directly with referred families to offer support, information and guidance, as well as offering activities and clubs. We are part of the Children With Disabilities Team.

If your child or young person:

• has a diagnosed disability or is currently going through the process of an assessment
• has an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan)
• is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

You can refer to the Community Inclusion and Activity Team for time-limited support for your family to help with information, advice and signposting, and possible funding to help you to access local opportunities.

• Winter holiday activity calendar (PDF 855KB)
• Community Inclusion and Activity Team Flyer (PDF 287KB)
• Free Activity Day Passes (PDF 1.17MB) – Available all year round for all families in Somerset with a child or young person with a disability or additional need.
• Events calendar – search Community Inclusion and Activity
• Follow us on Facebook @LocalOfferSomerset

Make a short breaks payment

If you have received confirmation from the Community Inclusion and Activity Team about an activity day booking with a reference number you can use the form below to complete your payment.