Could you help make a short break create a big impact for a Barnsley child?

We’re appealing for people with experience of caring for children with additional needs to consider becoming short break foster carers, as part of work to strengthen local support for disabled children and their families.

Short break foster carers provide planned, short periods of care, such as evenings, overnight stays or occasional weekends, offering children positive experiences outside their family home.

This also gives parents and carers valuable time to rest and recharge.

We’re developing a dedicated short break fostering offer to complement our existing services. Increasing the number of locally based foster carers will provide families with more choice and help ensure children can receive support close to home, school and their community.

The role is designed to be flexible and can fit around other commitments, including employment and family life.

People who may be well suited include parents, carers, teaching assistants, health professionals, social care staff and others with personal or professional experience of supporting children with additional needs.

Our short break foster carers will be offered:

• Specialist training linked to supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

• Ongoing supervision from a dedicated fostering social worker

• Access to peer support and development opportunities

• Financial support and allowances which recognise the skills and commitment involved

 Carly Speechley Executive Director for Children’s Services said:

“Short break foster carers play a vital role in supporting disabled children and their families. These short stays can make a real difference, helping families feel supported and giving children new experiences in a safe, caring environment. We’re keen to hear from people who may not have considered fostering before but have experience and compassion to offer.”

People interested in short break fostering do not need previous fostering experience and are encouraged to start with an informal, no‑obligation conversation to find out more about the role.

More information is available at www.fosteringbarnsley.co.uk or by contacting Fostering Barnsley on 01226 775876.