Short Breaks Consultation - Next Steps
18 Aug 2020,
Introduction
Earlier this year we decided to consult the people of Bradford on our Short Breaks service. This consultation was an online survey and was live for 8 weeks, in which we had 24 responses. The reason behind this consultation was to help us review our Short breaks offer, we wanted to seek feedback from stakeholders as to current provision and to help inform and tailor the commissioning process.
We made the decided to go ahead during Covid-19 as feedback is important although, we appreciate this was and is a difficult time for everyone. We shared the survey via the Local Offer, social media platforms and asked members of Work Streams, Parent Carer groups and the SSPB, to share with their wider groups/audience.
Findings
The findings and conclusion from this Short Breaks survey can be found here.
From the responses, we have identified the following risks and/or issues. These can be seen in the table below or found here.
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Category (gap, issue, risk)
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Action/Question
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Issue - Over representation of males accessing SBs – what’s that about as very high % male?
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- Females make up 35% of the EHCP & SEN cohort in Bradford, but there we have only had one female response. Does this truly reflect the numbers of females accessing short breaks in Bradford?
- Are we not providing the right kinds of SBs for females?
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Issue – Those attending special schools account for a high % of those accessing short breaks.
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- Those attending a special school placement are either
- More awareness of LA consultations
- More likely to access a short break service
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Issue - Under representation of BAME children/families
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- How are we engaging them, what are the issues/barriers?
- Do they know about the LO.
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Risk - Autism highest area being accessed.
Issue – “I've tried getting help on a number of times my sons autistic and never be able to get any thing from Bradford council”
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- Do we have enough provision to meet demand/growing demand?
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Issue – Rejected a short break due to being CYP’s grandparents or family/foster carers?
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- What type of short break is this referring to?
- Get clarity from relevant service provider.
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Issue – Sent home from short breaks for being unwell? (If this a recurring issue then this is an issue) if this was once then not.
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- Funding a short break service which is then not being accessed fully.
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Issue – Club can’t cope
- Complex health/ behaviours, not enough staff as needs 2-1
- Lack of staff expertise, knowledge or confidence
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- Are we providing training?
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- Issue - Do not know what services are available (50% of these knew of the LO)
- Do not know how to access activities
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- This information should be on the LO and should be easily accessible.
- Referral process – is it accessible? Do they know where to go and how long they should expect to wait?
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Next Steps
We have started to review the content on the Local Offer to ensure that the information, eligibility criteria and referral process is accessible to all. Further to this we are meeting with another Local Authority in September to learn other methods of delivering this services.
As mentioned in the conclusion document, the number of responses is in line with this type of consultation both within Bradford and other Local Authorities. That said we are now wanting to build upon these findings. Therefore we are looking at holding some focus groups W/C 14/09/2020 to build upon these findings are in line with all families experiences across Bradford. If you are interested in being a part of these focus groups please email the SEND T&C team at SENDT&C@bradford.gov.uk
