We want to keep you updated on the changes taking place across Shropshire’s short breaks services. This update explains where things are now and what you can expect over the coming months. We'll continue to share information through:
- Direct emails to parent carers
- The local offer on the council website (including links to provider pages such as All‑In)
- Joint communications with PACC
- Newsletters and updates from short breaks providers
- The council’s newsroom
Overnight short breaks (specialist service)
A new provider, Shaftesbury, has been appointed to take over overnight short breaks. They're currently completing their Ofsted registration. Until this is finished, Action for Children will continue delivering the service.
What this means for you and your child
- There will be no break in service
- Your child will continue to be supported by the same staff team
- When Shaftesbury begins, the existing staff will transfer over, ensuring continuity in relationships and routines
We're working closely with Ofsted, Action for Children and Shaftesbury to complete registration as quickly as possible. We'll update you as soon as the changeover date is confirmed. Shaftesbury will be contacting parent carers and inviting them to parent carer drop-in sessions during late March and April.
If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s social worker.
Term‑time community‑based short breaks (TTCBSB) (specialist service)
Action for Children will continue to run term‑time activities, groups and events. We're currently working together on a refreshed programme that will:
- Build on the existing offer
- Provide a wider range of activities
- Reach more children and young people across Shropshire
Action for Children recently carried out a survey with families who use (or are waiting for) TTCBSB. Your feedback will help shape the new programme, and we'll keep you informed as it develops.
Holiday Club (specialist service)
The Holiday Club will continue to be run by Action for Children alongside TTCBSB until at least October. During this period, we'll be working with PACC, parent carers, and children and young people to redesign the service so that it:
- Reaches families across the whole of Shropshire
- Offers activities that children and young people tell us they want
Referral update
Due to increased demand:
- The Disabled Children’s Team will now refer only children and young people with more complex needs for Holiday Club
- If spaces remain, these may be offered to children registered with All‑In. All‑In will continue providing their own holiday activities for members
Family‑based shared care (overnight foster care)
A new overnight short break option is being developed with Barnardo’s, jointly commissioned with Telford & Wrekin Council. This won't replace overnight stays at Bradbury House. Instead, it will offer families more choice as the service grows.
Over the next 12–18 months, we'll:
- Recruit and train short break foster carers
- Work with families and Barnardo’s to match children to the right placements
- Help long‑term shared‑care relationships grow at a pace that suits everyone
All‑In (targeted early help)
We've appointed a new provider for All‑In: Shrewsbury Town Foundation Trust, the charitable arm of Shrewsbury Town Football Club. They'll build on the strong foundation created by Actio and will:
- Offer activities and groups throughout the year, including school holidays
- Work with smaller local organisations across Shropshire
- Provide activities for children aged 4+ with SEND
This means families across Shropshire will have access to a diverse and flexible range of opportunities, not just sports.
Activities include:
- Youth clubs
- Holiday schemes
- Horse riding
- Cycling
- Forest school
- Drama, arts and crafts
- Independence‑building workshops
- Preparation for adulthood sessions
All‑In Short Breaks give children and young people enriching experiences outside the home while offering parent carers valuable breaks.
To apply for All-In please visit The All In Programme webpages.