Made by a PURA parent in the UK. Information only, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

Respite, short breaks & hospices

How to ask your council for short breaks (respite) and a carer's assessment

A step-by-step guide for families in England: asking the children with disabilities team for a needs assessment and short breaks, getting a carer's assessment, and where else to find respite.

By PURA Family Directory team · published

Information only, not medical advice. Every child with PURA syndrome is different. Please talk to your child's own doctors and therapists before making decisions about their care. In an emergency call 999; for urgent advice call NHS 111. Our disclaimer.

Needing a break is not a failure

Caring for a child with complex needs is a marathon, and short breaks help families keep going. In England, councils have a duty to provide short breaks for carers of disabled children. GOV.UK guidance explains how councils should provide them. GOV.UK also explains that your council can help with short break services, holiday play schemes, care at home, some aids and adaptations, and some financial help, under the Children Act 1989.

Step 1: Ask for a needs assessment for your child

Contact the disabled children's or social services team at your council (find your council). GOV.UK says a social worker will then talk to you about your family's needs, including health, social care and education. This is called a needs assessment. Before the call, jot down a typical day and night, how much supervision your child needs, and how caring affects you, your partner and any siblings.

Step 2: Ask for a carer's assessment for yourself

A carer's assessment looks at how you are coping. The NHS explains that it is free, that parents of disabled children should contact the council's children with disabilities department, and that it can be done at the same time as your child's assessment. It might lead to help such as someone taking over caring so you can have a break. Carers UK has tips to help you prepare.

Step 3: Look at your council's short breaks offer

Councils publish a short breaks offer, usually as part of their 'Local Offer' for children with SEND. Short breaks might be a few hours with a carer at home, a holiday club, an overnight stay or a direct payment, which lets you arrange support yourself. If your child qualifies, GOV.UK says direct payments are an option.

Other sources of respite

Many children's hospices offer short breaks and family support for children with complex or life-limiting conditions. Together for Short Lives can help you find services. One PURA family has shared how Julia's House supported them. Charities such as Rainbow Trust offer practical and emotional family support. If you are struggling, Contact's helpline can talk you through your options.

Questions families ask

What if my council says my child doesn't qualify?

Ask for the decision and the reasons in writing, and ask how to challenge it. Contact can advise on next steps.

I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Does this apply?

The law differs in each nation, but every council or trust offers some support for disabled children and carers. Start by contacting your local social work or children's disability team.

Sources

Checked 1 November 2026. Rules, rates and services change, so always check the latest version.

This article is part of our guide to Respite, short breaks & hospices. See all respite & short breaks listings →