Day Respite Service (Short Breaks for Children and Young People with SEND)
At Fresh Start Family Support, we understand that caring for children and young people with SEND can be both rewarding and, at times, overwhelming. Our Day Respite Service offers a safe, supportive space where children can relax, have fun, and feel themselves—while parents and carers have time to rest, work, or focus on other responsibilities.
We aim to create a calm, welcoming environment where every child feels understood and supported.
What a day with us looks like
We take time to get to know each child—their routines, interests, and what helps them feel comfortable and secure.
Arts, crafts, and creative play
Sensory activities to support calm and engagement
Games and gentle learning activities
Outdoor play where appropriate
Opportunities to build confidence and social interaction in a supported way
We provide 1:1 support, so children and young people with SEND receive personalised attention throughout their time with us.
School Pick-Up & Drop-Off Support
To make things easier for families, we can support with school runs as part of the respite service.
Collecting children safely from school
Escorting them to their respite session
Supporting with a calm transition into the setting
Dropping them home safely after the session
This helps maintain routine and provides reassurance for both children and parents.
Supporting development and independence
Where appropriate, we support children and young people with SEND to access the community. This helps build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills at a pace that suits them.
A safe and understanding environment
We support children and young people with SEND, including those with:
Autism
ADHD
Learning disabilities
Sensory needs
Our focus is on creating a space where children feel safe, respected, and able to be themselves.
Supporting the whole family
This service is designed to support the whole family. Having time to recharge can make a real difference to a parent or carer’s wellbeing, helping families continue to provide the best possible support at home.
Referrals & Professional Partnerships
We welcome referrals for children and young people with SEND from:
Local Authorities
CAFCASS
Social Workers
SEND teams
Schools and educational settings
We are happy to work in partnership with professionals to support care plans and agreed outcomes. We can also provide updates and feedback where needed to support ongoing assessments.
Important Information
We do not provide personal care
We do not administer medication
