Introduction
We believe that the basic needs for 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:
- Children’s Social Care Disability Service
- Children’s Social Care Disability Early Support Services
- Community Inclusion and Activity Team
- Somerset Supporter Service
- Direct Payment Scheme
- Short Breaks Children’s Homes
- Short Breaks Foster Care
- Home based care
The team works closely with colleagues in the Health and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Services, and the Inclusion Team within Education.
- Autism and Communications Service (for children up to age 13)
- Occupational Therapy Service – specialist environmental and functional assessors in the home, school, respite and other venues
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 at: www.professionalchoices.org.uk
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 (EHCP)
- is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or 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.
Short break payments
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.
Useful websites and activity suggestions
Activities for families on our Local Offer website
Community Inclusion and Activity Team Flyer
Free Activity Day Passes – Available all year round for all families in Somerset with a child or young person with a disability or additional need.
Youth Equipment Store Flyer
Youth Equipment Store: Accessible Items
West Somerset Area: Library Packs for Kids
SASP
You can sign your children up to do SASP Challenges on their website and they can win certificates when they complete a challenge. SASP Challenge events can be found here. You can also find some activities that have been adapted for home on their website.
More information
Somerset’s Local Offer
Somerset’s Local Offer – Education, Health and Care Plans
NHS Somerset
Eligibility Criteria for Assessment by the Children with Disabilities Service
Somerset’s Short Breaks Statement
Early Support Team Flyer
Safety Information Leaflet
Occupational Therapy Service Leaflet