Short Breaks FAQs

These sessions are a fantastic way for your child to have fun, make new friends and build confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Your child will have freedom to try different activities and find new interests while providing you with vital respite so you can go shopping, catch up with friends or take some well-deserved “you” time.

Young people aged 8-18 who have a registered disability. Children or young people who are on the autism pathway will also be eligible to attend.

Baking, Art & Craft, Games

Our sessions are suitable for all age ranges, and we have the experience to enable us to tailor our activities to the group and/or specific person on the day.

They can attend an unlimited number of sessions per month.

(Staffordshire): For the dates of the sessions each month. Please see Staffordshire Connects.

(Cheshire East): Taking place every third Sunday of each calendar month from 2pm – 5pm

(Newcastle-under-Lyme: Every Saturday 9am – 12 noon

(Staffordshire): Tamworth: St Peters Church, Hawksworth, Tamworth, Staffs, B77 2HH

Burton: Queen Street Community Centre, Queen Street, Burton on Trent, DE14 3LW

Cannock: Cheslyn Hay Village Hall, Pinfold Lane, Cheslyn Hay, Nr. Cannock, WS6 7HP

Stafford: Brocton Village Hall, Oldacre Lane, Brocton, Stafford, ST17 0TW

Newcastle: Caudwell International Children’s Centre, Innovation Way, Keele Science & Innovation Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 5NT

Lichfield: Whittington Village Hall, 4-6 Langton Crescent, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9LR

Moorlands: Westwood First School, Westwood Road, Leek, Staffs, ST13 8DL

(Cheshire East and Newcastle-under-Lyme): Cheshire East sessions take place at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre on Keele University Campus.

Caudwell Children
Caudwell International Children’s Centre
Innovation Way
Keele Science & Innovation Park
Newcastle-under-Lyme
ST5 5NT

We only offer weekend day-time short break options.

Yes, our short breaks are suitable for all children with a registered disability.

We do not offer food during our 3 hour Short Breaks sessions. We ask children to bring a drink and a snack.

(Staffordshire): To book on please phone 0300 111 8007 (Option 2 and then Option 3)

(Cheshire East): You can sign up to a Short Breaks session by completing our sign-up form.

(Newcastle-under-Lyme): You can sign up to a Short Breaks session by completing our sign-up form.

All other Staffordshire areas

To book on please phone 0300 111 8007 (Option 2 and then Option 3)

For the dates of the sessions each month. Please see Staffordshire Connects website:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer – Search Results | Staffordshire Connects

All places are offered on a first come, first served basis.

All our short break sessions are free of charge.

We are unable to offer transport to and from our short break sessions.

Each session has an Activity Lead and Sessional Workers present – the number of staff at each session is dependant on the number of children attending the session.

Yes, family members can participate, and siblings can attend if we have spaces available.

All our short breaks staff are first aid trained and have experience of working with children with a disability.  You will be asked to complete an Initial Assessment prior to your child attending their first session – this will cover allergies, like/dislikes, mobility needs, how they like to communicate, etc.

 If parents wish to stay during the session, they can do this.

We do not provide personal care, or administer medication – but if your child/young person requires this, then a parent or carer can stay for the duration of the session.

Email shortbreaks@caudwellchildren.com