Aiming High for Disabled Children

1. Aiming High for Disabled Children Achievements of Programme and beyond 2011 Juliet Penley, Lead for AHDC in West Berkshire Council

2. Aiming High for Disabled Children Launched in May 2007 ‘ to improve service provision across the board for disabled children and their families. Enhancing quality and opportunity for them. Followed extensive pressure by groups such Council for Disabled Children and EDCM. Aim ‘to transform family support..’ National survey of young disabled people: what 1 thing would improve your life? More fun things to do!

3. Aiming High Programme Short Breaks. Improve range, quality and quantity. No longer seen as ‘respite care’. Transition to adulthood Early Years. Early identification, co-ordination of services, appointment of key worker. Parent participation. Every area to have a parents forum. DCATCH. Improve access to child care.

4. Needs Analysis & Consultation The following gaps in short break provision were identified: Information and Advice Service Youth provision for young people with autistic spectrum disorder who are 14+yrs old. Increase in leisure activities – specialist and universal Increase in after school clubs, holiday schemes, and week-end activities. Increase in home sitting and befriending services Specialist leisure and holiday activities for children with complex and high medical needs.

5. Aiming High Funding 2009/10 there was ring fenced funding: £160,100 revenue and £75,400 capital monies 2010/11 £516,500 revenue and £176,000 capital. Similar monies allocated to NHS but not ring fenced. Commissioning process (panel of PCT, parent and LA) and bids invited.

6. Short Break Development 18 bids in 2009 and 23 bids in 2010 for revenue funds. Grants awarded: Appt SEN information worker at Children Information Service (now Family Resource UK). Joanna Thomas-Wright now Julie Munt Oasis Youth club established by National Autistic Society Support expansion of various services Mencap, Crossroads, Buddies and Brookfield school. New holiday schemes run by Castle School and Dingley Employment of Youth worker to increase participation. Increase direct payments Increase short break foster carers

7. Aiming High capital funds Adapted family changing facilities at Northcroft Leisure Centre Adapted holiday mobile home for Crossroads Vehicle for Mencap and improvements to playground Specialist leisure items: access steps for trampolines, gym equipment, wheelchair basketball equip, Extended services building at Brookfields school

8. Achievements April 09 – Dec11 Increase in number of disabled children receiving a short break service from 400 to 687 Total number of nights of overnight care provided increased 487 to 792 Family based or individual day care hours 919 to 2935 Group based specialist hours 3539 to 7200 (14500 in summer holidays) Hours in universal services 400 – 2300 Direct payments 29 to 45

9. Aiming High for Disabled Children Government identified 2 priority groups of disabled children: Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Complex Health Needs ASD hours receiving short break service, Both individually supported breaks and specialist groups increase by 100% Increase also for those children with complex health needs but slower rate.

10. The Future of Short Breaks Success nationally of Aiming High has lead to short breaks funding being part of Early Intervention Grant. In West Berkshire £490,000 allocated. Research indicates short breaks are a key factor in supporting families Active involvement of parents in service development. Short Break duty (Section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Act 2008) comes into force 1st April 2011 LA need to publish a ‘short break statement’ by Oct Good news!