COVID 19 UPDATE

Covid 19 Short Breaks Offer Update

 

Due to the impact of COVID 19, a number of children cannot access their usual Short Breaks, either because the carer is unavailable,  the Short Break provider has had to close/cancel their activities or because as a family you do not wish to have a Short Break outreach worker in your home during this period of lockdown (which is understandable).

 

However, we recognise that some families are now faced with the challenge of keeping children entertained and occupied during the current period of lockdown.

 

In the current exceptional circumstances we would like to offer families some alternative support to the standard Short Break packages, we would like to offer families the opportunity to purchase equipment and toys such as outdoor play equipment, books, arts and craft materials, etc so that they can continue supporting the development, play and stimulation of their children through creativity. 

 

What is the Short Breaks Offer?

This offer is only open to children or young adults with disabilities who are known to the Short Break service and have been allocated Short Break hours or a Direct Payment.

 

When making your request ensure that you clearly state you chids name, DOB and postcode

 

The offer is as follows:

1. you may purchase items to the maximum value of £300

2. any monies spent will be deducted from your existing Short Break allocation (including Direct Payments)

   1. i.e. if you spend £300, your Short Break allocation will be reduced by 15 hours

   2. if you are in receipt of Direct Payments, they will be reduced by £300

3. you do not need to spend the full £300. If you wish to buy items of a lower value, you may do so

   1. i.e. if you purchase items with a maximum value of £100 you may do so, and the Short Break allocation will be reduced by 5 hours

   2. this deduction will be from the service that has been allocated for the 2020/2021 financial year (from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021)

 

PLEASE NOTE

You do not have to accept this offer. If you would prefer, you can keep your short break hours or direct payments to use when the situation changes.

 

1. all purchases must be specifically for the child or young person with a disability and is limited to one order per household.

2. you must make the purchases simultaneously (i.e. in one day). We cannot accept multiple requests spanning several days/weeks (one order can include multiple purchases

 

What do I need to do?

1. Make a list of the things you would like to buy and how much they cost

   1. (please write the list of the items in the e-mail, do not send photos, videos, catalogue pictures of the item in the e-mail or as an attachments as the reques will be returned for clarifictaion)

2. before making your purchase you must e-mail the list to the Short Break Coordinator; Tony Connole (Anthony.Connole@walthamforest.gov.uk) to have the items approved (please put “Request for Short Break Equipment” in the email subject bar)

3. You will then be sent written confirmation that you can buy your items

   1. if you do not receive written confirmation from the Short Break Coordinator, you will not be reimbursed for your purchase

4. Once you have received confirmation, you can buy your items

5. Send your invoices/receipts to the Short Break Coordinator

   1. you must submit the original receipt/invoice for payment and keep a copy for your records

   2. the invoice receipt must contain details of the purchase (handwritten receipts will not be accepted)

6. All items must be purchased from a reputable retailer (including online retailers)

7. All purchases will be reimbursed after you have received confirmation from the Short Break Coordinator and submitted invoices/receipts (you will only be reimbursed after you have made the purchase and submitted a valid receipt/invoice)

8. there will be no cash alternatives/upfront payments

9. this offer cannot be used as a part payment for an item (i.e. items over £300)

 

What can I buy?

1. you may use this service to purchase items such as: (this list is not exhaustive)

   1. sensory toys/equipment

   2. outdoor play equipment-i.e.  trampoline, swing set, scooter, bike, sand box

   3. books (including e-books)

   4. arts and craft materials

   5. games/puzzles

   6. outdoor growing equipment- seed etc

   7. suitable electronic aids

 

2.         the purchase must be for your child only. You cannot make the purchase on behalf of someone else.

 

What can I NOT buy?

You cannot use the funding to purchase the following

1.         any subscription services such as Sky Television, Netflix, etc

2.         any large electronic items (televisions)

3.         any white goods

4.         items for other children in the family

5.         tuition services

6.         part payment for an item over £300

7.         clothing

8.         food, drink etc

9.         any item in conjunction with support/funding by another provider, charity, organisation

 

This is a one off offer due to the COVID 19 and will not be repeated later in the year. All requests must be submitted by 24th April 2020 and all purchases must be completed by 30th April 2020.

 

The decision of the Short Break Coordinator is final.

 

Please e-mail Tony Connole (Anthony.connole@walthamforest.gov.uk) if you have any questions.

  

PLEASE NOTE

You do not have to accept this offer. If you would prefer, you can keep your short break hours or direct payments to use when the situation changes.

 

Unused Short Break hours cannot be carried forward into the new financial year.