Autumn 2026
As the leaves begin to turn and autumn settles in, we'd like to take this opportunity to share the latest updates and look ahead to the coming months.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support children, young people, and families through our short breaks service.
On this page
- Short breaks provider directory
- Short breaks activities and providers using direct payment
- Short breaks at Sam's workplace
- The Mill Adventure Base - Notts Outdoors
- Your Sport open day
- Side Quest Hub
- Help shape SEND services in Nottinghamshire
- Bridge Together October half-term
We also have this information available as a download Autumn short breaks newsletter [PDF]
Short breaks provider directory
The providers listed in this directory have been through Nottinghamshire County Councils tender process to be able to be listed on our Approved Provider Framework for children and young people with disabilities
The availability of a service may also depend on the provider being able to take on new children/young people at the time. There are contact details for each of the providers if you wish to find out further details. Download Short breaks approved providers - Your Notts Directory
Short breaks activities and providers using direct payment
There are a range of providers across Nottinghamshire that offer various activities and you can search for these through the Things to do - Nottinghamshire SEND Local Offer
You will then be able to find further information on each provider, including what services they offer, dates, times, and costs, by clicking into their individual records. Contact details are listed for each provider so you can contact them for further information.
Contact
For any queries please contact: commissioning.team@nottsccgov.uk
Short breaks at Sam's workplace
Sam's Workplace currently has availability for Short Breaks placements on Saturdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
The service provides a supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop independence, make new friends, and take part in a variety of engaging activities. Families are encouraged to get in touch to find out more and discuss whether the service is suitable for their child or young person.
Please email for more details, to see if we could be your perfect fit, contact samsworkplace@mail.com or telephone 01623 797 240
Find out more, go to www.samsworkplace.co.uk
The Mill Adventure Base - Notts Outdoors
The Mill Adventure Base short breaks offers fortnightly Saturday sessions during term time (10:00am-3:00pm) for young people with learning disabilities and additional support needs who are eligible for commissioned Short Breaks through Nottinghamshire County Council and have a minimum allocation of 100 hours.
The programme is designed for young people who can, or are working towards, participating in small group activities. Sessions focus on building confidence, self-esteem, wellbeing, independence and community integration through adventure-based learning and mentoring.
Activities may include archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, bushcraft, high ropes, low ropes, stand-up paddleboarding, shelter building, bouldering, zip wires, tomahawk throwing, weaselling, katakanus, raft building, artificial caving and off-site visits to local venues. Activities are chosen on the day with input from the young people attending.
Support is provided on a ratio of one instructor to three young people. As a result, the service is unable to provide personal care or one-to-one supervision.
For further information, visit the provider's website The Mill Adventure Base | Notts Outdoors
Email directly, nottsoutdoors@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0115 977 5775 (Option 1)
Your Sport open day
Come and Meet the Team!
Your Sport is inviting families to attend its short breaks open day this November.
The event is a fantastic opportunity to meet staff, explore the activities on offer, and find out more about how short breaks can help young people build confidence, make friends, and have fun in a safe and supportive setting.
Drop in between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 14 November 2026 at Brendon Lawrence Sports Centre NG3 4NB and discover what Your Sport has to offer.
Please note: Parents and Carers are required to remain on site.
Download Your Sport open day poster [PDF] (opens in new tab)
Side Quest Hub
A Place to Try, Make and Explore.
Side Quest Hub offers exciting weekly sessions for children and young people eligible for short breaks. From virtual reality experiences to creative digital projects, every session is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and fun.
Young people have the opportunity to develop new skills, make friends, and enjoy a range of engaging activities in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Find us at, Landmarks Centre, Pleasley, Mansfield
Wednesdays, 4:30pm to 6:00pm
For more information, contact 01623 209970 or email info@thelcf.org.uk
Download Side Quest Hub poster [PDF] (opens in new tab)
Help Shape SEND Services in Nottinghamshire
The SEND Partnership is keen to hear from parents, carers, children, and young people to help improve support and services across Nottinghamshire.
By sharing your experiences, views, and ideas, you can help shape future services and ensure that the voices of families are at the heart of decision-making. There are a range of opportunities to get involved, from consultations and surveys to participation groups and engagement activities.
Whether you have used SEND services for many years or are new to the system, your feedback can make a real difference in helping services better meet the needs of children and young people.
To find out more and explore current opportunities to get involved, visit the Nottinghamshire County Council participation pages.
Bridge Together - October Half Term Sessions
Looking for exciting activities during the school holidays? Bridge Together is offering a range of engaging October Half Term sessions for children and young people with SEND in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
Sessions include sensory play, themed activities, arts and crafts, and opportunities to socialise and have fun with peers. Activities are designed to encourage creativity, build confidence, and support young people to explore new experiences at their own pace.
Taking place throughout the October Half Term period in Cotgrave and Newark, the sessions provide families with the opportunity to access inclusive activities tailored to a variety of interests and support needs.
Whether your child enjoys getting creative, exploring sensory activities, or simply spending time with others in a relaxed setting, Bridge Together offers a positive and enjoyable Short Breaks experience.
For more information, please contact the Bridge Together team:
Find out more at, www.bridge-together.co.uk
Download Bridge Together October half term Sessions poster [PDF]