Universal Services
Generally, all children, young people and their parents and carers can access short breaks through a wide range of activities and services available in the local community. These are known as Universal Services.
Universal services are services that everyone can access. All children and young people have a right to inclusive universal provision. This includes the right to inclusive education, health, inclusive leisure activities and the right to have fun and enjoy the same things as other children and young people.
Universal services are everyday activities or events that are used as short break opportunities by most children, young people and their families. The majority of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities are able to access a short break opportunity by using free or affordable local services within their local communities.
Universal services include Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Girl Guides, before and after school clubs, various leisure activities, Libraries, community sports centre activities, youth activities, family activity days/events, group-based activities, early year’s childcare, Children’s Hubs and a range of support and activities delivered by voluntary and community groups.
The inclusion of disabled children is also supported through -
- Advice and information to settings through the Early Years Access and Inclusion Team. The Early Years settings (nurseries, pre-schools and childminders) are supported by the Area SENCOs to provide appropriate provision and interventions to enable children with SEND to access their free early education
- Early Years funding to improve the access of disabled children who need additional support in private and voluntary Nursery settings until their 5th birthday. This is available via the Early Years Inclusion Support Panel – Early Years settings can apply to the panel via their Area SENCO
- Family Information Service providing a range of information for parents and carers.
There is also a wealth of Voluntary and Community Sector groups run by parents and volunteers across the city for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. These include -
You can find more groups in the Leisure directory.