TESS - Training and Education for Short Breaks Scheme

The scheme aims to:

• provide training and mentoring for carers, family members and short break providers when you wish to access short break provision for your child.
• ensure that your child's healthcare needs are met by short break providers, family or informal carers.
• ensure safe care provision and supervision for your child when accessing short break provisions.
• offer you choice on where your child can go for short breaks.
• The service is available to
• Disabled children and young people under the age of 19 who are living within the North Yorkshire and York area.
• Disabled children and young people that are identified for Short Breaks provision by City of York and North Yorkshire County Council.
  And who meet the following criteria:
• Children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder who have learning disabilities or behaviour which is challenging, or those children and young people whose challenging behaviour is associated with other impairments such as severe learning disabilities.
• Children and young people with complex health needs including those with disability and life limiting conditions, and/or those who require palliative care and /or those with associated impairments such as cognitive or sensory impairments and/or have moving/handling needs and/or require special equipment/adaptations.

Parents whose children may be eligible can speak to a professional working with their family, or direct to the voluntary/ group they would like to attend, about a referral to TESS.

Useful downloads Training and education for short breaks service (TESS) [1Mb] [pdf] Information about the TESS scheme