For families who need trusted, specialist care for their child, so they can take a break knowing they’re in safe hands.

Our specialist respite service gives children and young people meaningful, individual support while their families have time to rest, spend time with others or simply step away from caring responsibilities. Respite is not treated as ‘just childcare’: we focus on safety, relationships, communication, independence and enjoyable experiences. Support is flexible and can take place at our settings, in the family home or out in the community.

Who is this for?

This may suit a family who needs a trusted break but finds ordinary childcare difficult because their child requires more individual, specialist or behaviourally informed support. It can also help children who benefit from structured opportunities to access the community, build independence or spend time with familiar practitioners. Families do not need to justify needing a break. We plan support around the child’s needs, preferences, communication and risk, as well as what would make respite genuinely useful for the family.

What it involves

We begin by learning about the child, their communication, routines, preferences, support needs and any relevant risks. Practitioners build rapport and plan activities around what the child enjoys, whether that is time at one of our settings, community activities or support at home. Visual supports, communication systems, Positive Behaviour Support strategies and individual behaviour plans are followed where relevant. Respite can also create natural opportunities to practise independence, waiting, transitions, self-care and community skills without turning every activity into a lesson. Families share the information we need for safe, consistent care, and we keep communication open about how sessions are going. Support can be reviewed and adjusted as needs change.

How it’s delivered

Respite can be delivered at either of our Bicknacre settings, in the child’s home or in the community. The pattern of support is agreed individually and children are supported by trained practitioners who receive child-specific guidance and behavioural supervision. Staffing ratios are based on assessed need, rather than a single standard ratio. Community activities are planned with safety, dignity and meaningful participation in mind. We work with families and, where relevant, social-care or local-authority professionals so the package remains appropriate and responsive.

Qualifications and oversight

Support is delivered by trained practitioners with regular supervision and oversight from qualified behaviour analysts. Oversight includes assessment, programme design, review of data, coaching and changes to teaching strategies when needed. We work within professional standards and keep families and relevant professionals involved in decisions.