Short break update
We are working to improve our Short Breaks Service by introducing a new online booking system which will be coming soon. This will enable our children and young people to access a greater range of leisure activities.
Short Breaks service update
Our short breaks service are in the process of commissioning a new online provider to replace the short break voucher offer. Due to the commissioning arrangements this is set to launch in the summer ready for the summer break. We recognise that this is taking longer than originally thought however our priority is having a service that meets all needs. This new offer will provide our children and young people a wider range of activities. We will email all our families of children and young people with an EHCP once they are able to register for this scheme.
Please find a timeline.
Short breaks Summer 2024
Milton Keynes City Council have updated their short breaks offer to children and young people with a finalised EHCP, living in Milton Keynes.
The offer consists of:
- An online booking system to access activities โ coming soon!
- SportWorks
- Short break activities โ free activities during the summer holidays.
Online booking system - bookinglab
bookinglab is the leading provider of children's activity bookings. We currently facilitate over 250,000 annual bookings, simplifying access to clubs, activities, and short breaks for families throughout the UK.
Our work is driven by our commitment to positively impact communities, ensuring that every eligible child can engage in enriching activities that promote growth and development, while also providing respite for parents and guardians.
Milton Keynes City Council have partnered with bookinglab to offer a digital booking portal that provides 24/7 access to short break vouchers.
You can register for an online booking account from the 22nd of July. To do so, please click here.
SportWorks
SportWorks is an award-winning social enterprise who, in 2023, supported over 31,000 individuals aged 7 months-102 years, to improve health, gain qualifications and move into sustainable employment or further training. Our team passionately believes in the power sport has to effect positive social change, and in its ability to enrich the lives of individuals and entire communities.
Please find further information on the sportworks website.
Information on SportWorks.
MK Short break summer activities
Following the success and positive feedback from families on the Short Breaks Easter Activities, MiltonKeynes City Council have a commissioned a summer offer for children and young people with a finalised EHCP.
With 10 providers offering sessions from 24 July โ 30 August and a total of 1392 places! Bookings will commence on 08 July.
This offer is available to all eligible families to access over the summer holidays. Further information will be shared on our Milton Keynes SEND Local Offer and an email sent to eligible families.
FREE activities from 24 July โ 30 August for children and young people with a finalised EHCP living in Milton Keynes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will I find out information about the summer activities?
An email will be sent to all eligible families and will include a link directly to the booking system.
All short break activities and sessions will be found in one place and are easy to book by registering with our online booking system with the programme available to view here with bookings commencing on 8 July.
How much do the activities cost?
All short break sessions for children and young people who have a finalised EHCP are free to attend.
How do I book the short break sessions?
Please contact providers directly through the short breaks online booking system and book your activities, the link will be emailed to parents on 08 July.
From the 26 June you will be able to view and search for suitable provision and register your interest through the new online booking system here and make bookings from the 8 July. Register your interest and book early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited.
My child has SEND, how do I know if the sessions will be suitable?
Please speak to individual providers about your child. Providers have catered their events for those with special educational needs and disabilities and will need specific details to enable the correct support to be put in place ahead of the event.
Is there a limit to the number of short break sessions you can book?
Due to the limited availability of places and to provide as many of our Short Breaks families the opportunity to access this activity, there is a limit of one family session/booking for certain activities over the summer. This information is included in their listing.
If you are unable to attend, please cancel the session to allow the place to be accessed by another child/young person.
I can no longer attend the session I booked. What should I do?
Please cancel any sessions you have booked and can no longer attend. We have limited places, sessions which are booked and not attended, incur a cost to the programme and can stop other eligible families from accessing the provision. Please click link on How do I cancel a booking? | Eequ Help Center to find out how to cancel a session or contact the provider directly.
Please email us at MKshortbreaks@milton-keynes.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Sensory bags
We still have some sensory bags available from our Easter short breaks offer. Families with children or young people with an EHCP are invited to collect a sensory bag from the designated Family Centres. Please note each bag contains a variety of items, please check the items are suitable for your child or young person. There are a limited number of bags and they will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
