Council to work closer with families to redesign 'break' service

Lancashire County Council is looking to work closer with the families of children and young people with special educational needs to help redesign the service which gives them a 'break' from their caring role.


The move comes following a public consultation earlier this year where people were asked to give their opinions on potentially ceasing the Lancashire Break Time service.


In total, more than 750 responses were received which has now led to plans to re-look at the service and the help it gives children and their families to ensure it meets the needs of those who use it. Members of the cabinet will be asked next month to formally agree a proposal to redesign the whole of the short break service in conjunction with families and carers.


Edwina Grant OBE, Executive Director Education and Children’s Services, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation. We have listened to your views and through the responses we received it has become clear that we need to look at the whole short break service and not just Lancashire Break Time, to deliver a service that better meets your needs.


"We recognise that the wider service provision is quite traditional and could be better designed around the needs of children and their families.


"We therefore want to look at how we can consider the whole service offer in partnership with parents and carers and we will be carrying out a range of activities that include face to face meetings with parents and carers to shape a new service offer.



"In the meantime, the Lancashire Break Time service will continue in its current form until the review of how short breaks are to be delivered is completed."



The report to formally agree the way forward will be considered by members of the Cabinet on August 8.