Each family is allocated a short breaks practitioner who will provide breaks weekly breaks, during term time, school holidays or both. Our workers will work closely in partnership with parents to focus on the individual needs and wishes of the child. 

The service is regularly reviewed and closely monitored by the service manager. 

Parents/carers of a disabled child aged 0-18 who live in the London Borough of Ealing. They can benefit having a well needed break knowing their child is safe and having a fun time.
Children and young people who have a break from their family and professionals, and have someone to help them access local facilities and fun actitivies, both specialist and mainstream. content

£20.50 per hour

All referrals need to come through ESCAN (Ealing Service for Children with Additional Needs) at www.ealing.gov.uk  or (020) 8825 8700. Self-referrals can be made through our website, www.directshortbreaks.org.uk.  Short breaks can be funded through direct payments or privately. 

 Contact Ruby Johnson on 020 7359 3635

or contact Carole Webb at Mandeville School on 020 8966 1282

Buckets and Spades has a positive impact on the children and young people who use the service. It gives them the chance to:

• Gain some independence away from their families
• Interact with other children
• Improve their confidence and communication skills
• Access a range of exciting activities and outings on a regular basis. 

The service has an equally positive impact on their families. It gives them:

• Respite from caring for their child with disabilities
• The reassurance that their child is being well looked after in a safe and caring environment
• The knowledge that their child is having a stimulating, fun time away from the family unit
• Valuable time to spend with their other children away from caring for a child with a learning disability.

We are able to offer breaks to children and young people up to the age of 18 with a variety of disabilities including autism and multiple and complex health needs. This includes people who require specialised moving or who behave in a challenging way.

Buckets and Spades Lodge is a large purpose-built bungalow in Finchley with 6 bedrooms and 3 adapted bathrooms. The building offers a range of adaptations:

• It is fully wheelchair accessible
• It has celling track hoists
• It has profiling beds with and without sides
• The playroom area includes a purpose-built sensory room
• The dining room has recently been modernised and equipped with a height adjustable dining table
• The recreation area includes the latest touchscreen games computers and iPads
• There is a large, well maintained garden and outdoor play area.

About our team

Our aim is to provide a personalised tailored service for each child and young person who stays with us. This involves one-to-one support during the day and waking night staff throughout the night.

Our team of highly motivated and dedicated staff undergoes continuous training both from our own extensive training programmes and from external courses. We ensure that their knowledge and skills are always kept up-to-date.

1 Fairholme Gardens
London N3 3ED, Telephone: 020 8809 8809

Email: info@norwood.org.uk

or contact Carole Webb at Mandeville School on 020 8966 1282