Short breaks service statement

This is what we want to hear the following people say about our short break services:

• Children and young people
• Parents and carers
• Local Authority and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB)

• I have different options available to me in choosing the type, location and time of short break that I would like to do
• the short break has helped me to become more independent by teaching me skills that can help me in school, building relationships, travelling independently and using my own money
• my experience of the short break is positive because my voice was listened to and I helped to influence planning and the way the service was designed
• my short breaks are helping me to reach my full potential by developing new friendships, skills, self-confidence and links to other activities
• short breaks have focused on my strengths and what I could do rather than my difficulties or disabilities.

• I am well-informed about what short breaks are available and how to access them
• there is choice across the type, time and location of the short breaks available
• I receive clear communication from providers to inform my family’s choices
• I feel more resilient and able to deal with caring responsibilities because my child attends a short break
• I can access support before I reach a crisis point
• my child receives a quality short break and they are being cared for by trained, professional staff in a safe environment

• the local authority is meeting its statutory duties in relation to the provision of short breaks
• our short breaks offer provides support which is of high quality, value for money and allows us to make the best use of available resources
• we have good evidence that our short breaks offer is achieving positive outcomes for children and families.