Short Break Project
Our Short Break Project aims to give children and young people (CYP) with learning disabilities the opportunity to have fun, socialise and be independent, whilst giving families a break from their caring role. This service is supported by grants from Kent County Council.
Please see below for details of the activities of our Short Break Project for 2026-27:
The Clubs
Our clubs are venue-based to ensure they are inclusive to all children and young people. We focus on child-led play opportunities, enabling the children and young people to individually choose their activities with the support of our team. Each session will have a variety of activities available based around the interests and needs of those in attendance, for example arts and crafts, sensory activities, books, music, baking, sports, and outdoor activities.
All our clubs are run by an experienced coordinator and supported by a high level of skilled staff and trained volunteers. We are able to support with behaviours that challenge; personal care needs; moving and handling, including the use of hoists; and a range of health needs, including epilepsy, gastro-feeding and diabetes management.
We use two specialist venues, based in Southborough and Tonbridge. All sessions run for five hours from 10am-3pm and require a parental contribution of £5 per hour.
Making a Referral
Referrals can be made directly from parents/carers. Alternatively, a social worker or other professional can use the form to register interest for a child/young person and we will contact the family to continue the referral process.
In the interest of fairness and equality, spaces are allocated for one year and reprioritised on an annual basis. Each year, we have a two-week referral period where families, including those who already access us, can apply for a space for the upcoming year. We have a limited number of spaces available at our services and typically receive very high demand, which means unfortunately a referral does not guarantee a space.
Children and young people who are awarded a space will be allocated a group and venue with an appropriate peer group based on evaluation of their individual needs. All children and young people must be able to safely participate in a group with up to eight peers.
Referrals received after our two-week referral period will be placed on our Reserve List for families to be offered spaces on an ad-hoc basis when they are available.
Details of other providers and the services they offer can be found on KCC's Local Offer
Short Break Project
If you are interested in a space at our Short Break Project, please complete our referral form by clicking the link below:
We are accepting referrals for 2026-27 until Midday on 22 February 2026
In the interest of the environment, we are a predominantly paperless organisation and encourage you to use the online form if you are able to. If you require a printable or hardcopy version, please contact us at: info@novachildrensproject.co.uk.
Prior to completing the form, please ensure you have read our
This service is supported by grants from Kent County Council.