Family Short Breaks

West Sussex Family Short Breaks

West Sussex Family Short Breaks More opportunities to play, explore and belong

Inclusive family activity programmes for children and young people with SEND — designed to build confidence, friendships, skills and joyful memories.

About the programme

Activities with the right support around each child

DMC Signature Care is proud to deliver an exciting and inclusive Family Short Breaks programme, funded by West Sussex County Council, for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. We offer a range of fun, engaging and inspiring leisure and social activities outside the school day, creating opportunities for children and young people to try new experiences, build confidence, make memories and enjoy quality time with parents, carers and siblings.

Families are welcome to register their interest directly with DMC Signature Care, including those who are not currently receiving a council-referred Children’s Community Support package. We are committed to creating inclusive opportunities that bring families together and support children and young people to enjoy new experiences within their community. Places are subject to suitability, availability and the requirements of each activity.

What families can expect

Check your Eligibility

Short Breaks are ‘targeted’ services for children and young people with SEND who are aged 0 to 18 years old, live in West Sussex and meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), are awaiting a finalised Plan or have been assessed as requiring a Plan
have highly specialised needs and have undergone a social care assessment
attend a Special School or Specialist Facility
receive middle or high-level Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
have a physical or mental impairment, medical or sensory need that has a “substantial” and “long-term” challenging effect on their ability to undertake normal day-to-day activities
where universal services are not appropriate or have not been effective

Use the Family Short Breaks registration form

Complete the registration form to tell us about your child or young person, their support needs and the activities that interest your family.

Past and upcoming

See what is happening next

Upcoming events

Events are automatically separated into upcoming and completed activities using the programme dates.

Past events

Programme calendar

Summer, October half term and December holidays

Open each season to browse the activities listed for Adur & Worthing, Crawley and Chichester.

Charges: To be confirmed on the final flyer for each activity.

Summer Programme - 18 activities

Adur & Worthing

Crawley

Chichester

October Half Term - 12 activities

Adur & Worthing

Crawley

Chichester

December Holidays - 13 activities

Adur & Worthing

Crawley

Chichester

Flyer library

View or download the latest flyers

Open the flyer library to preview or download the latest programme and activity flyers.

All Main Flyer Animal Interactions Soft play Arts and Crafts Sea Side Trips Picnic days(DMC Family fun days).

Ready to register interest?

Complete the dedicated Family Short Breaks form and the DMC team can review the information you provide