Kent County Council is consulting on a draft five-year Short Breaks Strategy that proposes widening activity options, changing how overnight breaks are allocated, and retiring the Max Card discount scheme linked to the Disabled Children’s Register.
Families of disabled children and young people across Kent have until 23 November 2026 to have their say on how the council runs its Short Breaks programme — the support that gives disabled children access to safe, inclusive activities while giving parents and carers time to rest. The consultation opened on 6 October 2026 and is open to parents, family members, professionals and community groups.
Short Breaks come in several forms: community clubs, overnight stays, or in-home support tailored to a young person’s needs. The draft strategy aims to widen those options, cut waiting times, and improve the information available about eligibility, assessment routes and what’s actually on offer.
This is a further consultation — an earlier round ran in March, and the revised draft reflects feedback received from that process. Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Short breaks are an important part of making sure disabled children and young people can enjoy safe, fun and inclusive activities, while parents, families and carers have the time they need to recharge. The ways breaks are offered is varied and tailored to a young person’s needs. It might be better to have a community-based club, overnight stay or in-home support, and this refreshed strategy aims to set out how we’ll make this happen for eligible people.” Changes to the draft include stronger safeguards for children with complex needs and clearer guidance on provider staffing, training, personal care, communication, sensory support, medical needs, behaviour and safeguarding.
Two further proposals accompany the strategy. KCC is consulting on changing how overnight short break nights are allocated so they reflect individual needs. The council also proposes to retire the Max Card offer linked to the Disabled Children’s Register, with families to be signposted towards wider discount initiatives.
Easy Read versions of the strategy and questionnaire are available. Paper copies and Large Print formats can be requested from the council.
Key information
- Consultation open: 6 October to 23 November 2026
- Online questionnaire: available via KCC’s Short Breaks consultation page at www.kent.gov.uk/shortbreaksconsultation
- Email questions to: commissioningfordisabledchildren@kent.gov.uk — quote “Short Breaks Consultation”
- Alternative formats (paper, Large Print): email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay: 18001 03000 42 15 53)
KCC seeks views on new five-year plan for disabled children's short breaks Quiz
5 questions