Short Breaks Strategy 2026-31

We would like to hear your feedback on the:

• Draft Kent Short Breaks Strategy 2026-2031
• Proposed change to the standard allocation of overnight short breaks
• Proposal to stop the Max card.

The strategy

The Short Breaks Strategy 2026-2031 sets out our approach to meet the statutory responsibility to provide secure, safe, and appropriate Short Breaks for disabled children and young people, as well as providing parents and carers with the opportunity to have a break from caring to pursue other activities.

Access to Short Breaks should be available to disabled children and young people who are aged between 0-18, who meet eligibility criteria and who live within the boundaries of Kent County Council.

Short Breaks have two key aims:

• To give parents or carers of disabled children or young people a break from their caring responsibilities.
• To enable eligible disabled children and young people to have social opportunities and join in with safe, fun, and interesting activities, whilst developing autonomy and independence as they grow.

In the development of this strategy, we have spoken in-depth with families, Short Break service providers, Social Care practitioners and Health partners to ensure we captured views, ideas and lived experiences. We connected with parents and carers, disabled children and young people in a variety of ways such as surveys, interviews, group work and workshops.

We have listened, heard and actioned the views captured to create a shared vision and seven key objectives of how we propose Short Breaks will develop over the next five years. We want to build on current successes, improve opportunities and ensure we are providing the right Short Breaks, at the right time, in the right place, and for the right groups of children and young people.

Proposed change to the allocation of Overnight Short Breaks

At present, all eligible children and young people receive a set amount of Overnight Short Breaks. We are proposing to change the way we offer Overnight Short Breaks so that nights are allocated based on a child’s individual assessed needs. This proposal supports our goal of ensuring families and children receive the tailored assistance they need.

Proposal to remove the Max card offer

The Max card is a discount card for families of children with disabilities which can help save money on days out, such as castles, bowling alleys, etc. Max cards have been offered in Kent since October 2016. The number of requests for the card has been falling.

As a large number of benefits are available without the Max card, we are proposing to remove the Max card offer and instead promote awareness of the direct offers available from venues and the Carer’s card (which has a cost of £8 for a 2-year membership).

Have your say

Please read the draft Strategy and the consultation documents for Overnight Short Breaks and the Max card (in the Documents section on this page) before completing the online questionnaire to tell us your views. Alternatively, you can complete the Word version or Easy Read version and send it to us by email or post.

All feedback will be considered and a consultation report produced. It will be considered at the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee (expected in July 2026).