A non-statutory service at five Staffordshire special schools has been extended until 2028.
Staffordshire County Council has increased funding so around 300 children and young people can experience overnight stays at the schools without their parents.
The scheme, funded voluntarily by the county council, provides additional opportunities for children with particular needs to learn valuable social skills.
Nick Lakin, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said:
Following conversations over many months with parents, carers and the schools themselves, I am happy this new contract ticks all the boxes: it fulfils a valuable need in our community, increases payment to schools for the first time since 2017, and is still a cost-effective way of helping those vulnerable children and young people who need it.
At a time when parents say they are struggling for support, we have listened to them and retained a non-statutory service that they want.”
The five schools involved are Cicely Haughton, at Wetley Rocks; Horton Lodge at Rudyard; Loxley Hall School, near Uttoxeter; Saxon Hill Academy, Lichfield; Walton Hall Academy, near Eccleshall.
Agreement on the new contract followed conversations with schools, parents, carers and young people.
Feedback also made clear that the successful Aiming High programme of activities, the Life Skills Programme, and SEND-accessible Healthy Activities and Food provision, need to be promoted more so parents understand eligibility better.
Nick Lakin added:
The overnight residential accommodation provision also helps families in less obvious ways.
We are seeing an increase in the need for support for the brothers and sisters of children with complex needs.
Parents tell us that while having their child in overnight accommodation is good for the youngster concerned, it also allows parents to spend some quality time with other siblings.”
