Solihull children, young people, and families with special educational needs and disabilities will soon have access to an even wider range of SEND specialist short break activities. This is thanks to continued funding from Solihull Council and new support from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)Programme. These include sessions after school, in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.
From Easter 2026 to August 2027, ten local organisations will be offering 18 different activity programmes. These will include everything from non-contact boxing and forest school, to arts and crafts, youth groups and more. The aim is to give young people a chance to spend time away from home, enjoy themselves with friends and develop independence.
These sessions are designed for children and young people who may not be able to join mainstream activities because of their disability or support needs. They do not require a social worker assessment to access and they sit alongside the Short Breaks activities already delivered by Social Life Opportunities (SoLO) on behalf of the Council.
Activities will be subsidised by Solihull Council and will be provided at reduced cost for families. Free, fully funded places will be available for children who receive free school meals during the school holidays. Those booking HAF activities will need their eligibility code, and can view Easter activities now. Details of each Short Breaks project will be added to the Specialist Activities section of the Family Information Service (FIS) Directory by the end of the month, and families can book directly with their chosen provider.
Details of each project will be added to the Specialist Activities section of the Family Information Service (FIS) Directory by the end of the month and families can book directly with their chosen provider.
More information about eligibility and what’s available can be found on the Local Offer.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of The Council and Lead Member for Children & Education, welcome the increased choice for families:
“We are delighted to be awarding these grants to these trusted providers, widening the choice of specialist activities. Giving children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to get involved in activities is so important and we know how valued it is by them and their parents/carers.
“These activities also offer families valuable time to rest, recharge and spend time with other family members. There will be a wide choice of enjoyable, safe and supportive activities so children and young people can have fun, make friends and try new things.
“Thanks to Solihull Parent Carer Voice for collaborating with us throughout the grant award process, we were aware at all times of the importance of listening to children, young people, and families about what they need from these programmes”