Aiming High for Disabled Children

What is Aiming High?

Aiming High for Disabled Children is a major programme to transform services for disabled children and their families to ensure they get the help and support they need. The programme focuses on developing short breaks, accessible childcare, parent participation, and support for young people as they develop into adults.

We have undertaken extensive consultation with disabled children and young people and their families, and their views have fed directly into our Aiming High Strategy. This Strategy and a report on our consultation findings are available to download via the links at the end of this page.

Short Breaks

A major strand of the Aiming High programme is the development of a whole range of short break provision.

What is a short break?

A "short break" gives children or young people with a disability opportunities to have fun doing things they enjoy, spending quality time with other young people in new environments. It also means that parents can have a regular planned break from the responsibilities of caring for their children.

This may be for a few hours during the day, evening, overnight or for the whole weekend.

A short break service cannot be provided to allow the main carer to go to work.

Am I eligible for a short break?

Does your child require specialist services, or does your child require additional support to take part in all activities?

Is your child aged from 0-18 years of age, living in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead?

If you have answered yes to these two questions then it is likely that you will be eligible for a short break service.

How do I apply?

Call 01628 685878 or email Aiming.High@RBWM.gov.uk for more information.

You may need to fill in an application form if your child is not already known to the Council's Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) Service.

What short break services are available?

We aim to provide a range of services to suit the needs of all families.

With additional support, your child may be able to benefit from a variety of everyday activities:

• Sport, leisure and youth provision
• After school clubs and other extended school services
• Activities at Children's Centres
• Art, drama and music clubs
• Mainstream holiday playschemes, e.g. at a Leisure Centre
• and more.

We can put in place the additional support required by your child.

This might be:

• An extra member of staff or a support worker to give one to one care.
• Training to help staff care for your child and help him or her participate in activities.
• Support provided by the Community Children's Nursing Team for children with complex health needs.
• Specialist equipment.

We also have a range of specialist services for children with additional needs:

• Saturday Clubs
• Specialist Childminders
• After school clubs
• Young people's buddy groups (a supported social group for 13+)
• Specialist holiday playschemes
• Holiday activities for young people aged 13 to 18 years
• A sitting service by a specially trained person caring for your child in your own home
• Foster carer for regular day or overnight stays
• A specially trained support worker to take your child out or play with him or her at your home
• Overnight stays
• Over-night or day-care in a foster family home

How much will a short break service cost?

You will be expected to pay the standard cost for an activity.

Your child may need additional support in order to attend, without which he or she would not be able to participate. Any additional cost agreed will be paid by the Short Break Team.

Further Information

For further information about short breaks and to discuss your child's needs, please call 01628 685878 or email Aiming.High@RBWM.gov.uk

For further information about other services and activities provided through the Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Service, please go to the following link: http://wwww.rbwm.gov.uk/children_ldd

The Family Information Service can give information about all local services and activities for children and families. The Family Services Directory is available at the following link: http://fsd.rbwm.gov.uk/

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