Cornwall Council provides a range of short break and residential services for disabled children and young people across Cornwall.
Our children's homes are managed by Ofsted-registered Home Managers. They are regularly inspected to ensure high standards of care and support.
Short Break Services
Cornwall's Short Break Statement
The Short Break Statement explains Cornwall Council's vision for short break services for families living in Cornwall who have a disabled child or young person aged 0 to 18 years.
It outlines:
What short break services are available
Who can access them
How to apply
When an assessment may be required
Some services require an assessment to ensure the right level of support is provided for your child and family.
Download: Cornwall's Short Break Statement
What are short breaks?
Short breaks help disabled children and young people to:
enjoy new experiences
develop independence
take part in activities that are important to them
They also provide families and carers with opportunities for rest and support.
Different families will benefit from different types of support. Short breaks can:
help families spend quality time together
enable children and young people to socialise
support participation in community activities
Types of short breaks available
Family Fun Days
Inclusive events for disabled children, young people, and their families. They are delivered throughout Cornwall by a range of organisations.
School Holiday Activities
Fun and engaging activities for disabled children and young people during school holiday periods.
Direct Payments and Personal Budgets
Flexible funding arrangements that allow parents and carers to arrange support that best meets their child's individual needs.
Group-Based Activities
A range of services offering short break opportunities for disabled children and young people. Support levels vary depending on individual need and service eligibility criteria.
Some services also provide one-to-one support to help children and young people access activities within their local community.
Specialist Youth Clubs
Regular clubs where disabled young people can meet friends, socialise, and explore issues important to them in a supportive environment.
Family Based Short Break Care
Family Based Short Break Care provides support for disabled children and young people within the home of an approved carer.
Support can range from a few hours each week to several days each month, depending on the child's needs.
Benefits of Family Based Short Break Care
Short breaks can:
Provide enjoyable and positive experiences for disabled children and young people
Help children and young people build friendships and social skills
Give siblings opportunities to spend individual time with their parents or carers
Provide parents and carers with a break from ongoing caring responsibilities
Create rewarding experiences for carers and the families they support
Accessing Family Based Short Break Care
Children, young people, and families can access Family Based Short Break Care through their Disability Social Worker.
Referrals are considered by the Disabilities Panel as part of the assessment process.
Become a Short Break Carer
Family Based Short Break Carers offer valuable support to disabled children and young people by welcoming them into their home for short periods.
How to apply
The first step is to contact the Family Based Short Break Care team:
Email: FamilyBasedShortBreaks@cornwall.gov.uk
We regularly hold information sessions for people interested in becoming carers. Following an information session:
A social worker will visit you at home to discuss the role in more detail.
An assessment process will begin.
Training, references, and safeguarding checks will be completed.
Your application will be considered for approval.
Approved Short Break Carers work within fostering regulations. However, the role differs significantly from that of a foster carer.
Residential Children's Homes
Residential short break referrals are completed by social workers following an assessment of a child's needs. Referrals are then discussed at the monthly Short Break Panel.
Tresor Children's Home
URN: SC361789
Tresor provides short break care for children and young people with disabilities and complex individual needs. It offers a supportive environment where young people can:
Enjoy a variety of activities and experiences
Socialise with their peers
Develop communication skills
Build independence and everyday living skills
Address:
Tresor, St Blazey, Par, PL24 2DS
Telephone:
01726 815964
Documents and Reports
Poppins Children's Home
URN: SC040132
Poppins provides long-term care for up to two children with disabilities and complex individual needs.
The home offers:
A welcoming, safe, and stable environment
Opportunities to participate in a wide range of experiences
Individualised support to help each child reach their potential
Address:
Poppins, Church Lane, Gwennap, Redruth, TR16 6BD
Telephone:
01209 822470
Documents and Reports
Miller's Nook Children's Home
URN: 2633410
Miller's Nook provides long-term care for up to three children and young people with disabilities and complex individual needs.
The home offers:
A welcoming, safe, and stable environment
Opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences
Individualised support and encouragement to achieve personal goals
Address:
Miller's Nook, 2 Lamb Park, St Blazey Road, Par, PL24 2HZ
Telephone:
01726 817391
Documents and Reports
Job Opportunities
Interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people?
We are always keen to hear from people interested in working within our residential services.
You can find out about current vacancies using the link below:Jobs and Careers with Cornwall Council