Welcome to the Summer SEND Local Offer Newsletter 2026.

Introduction & Latest News

Blogs

SEND Short breaks, holiday Clubs, Early Years & Childcare

It's all about Summer 2026!

What’s on, events, groups, workshops & clubs

SEND Support – local & national

16-25 Preparation for Adulthood

With the summer holiday approaching we have some fantastic short breaks, activities and support services included in issue 41 of the SEND Local Offer newsletter, it’s a bumper issue again!  With a new look email based on parent carer feedback.  

Reading SEND Local Offer continues to take the service into the community to support and inform families, attending the Special United (Me2) events, Reading Children’s Festival Forbury Fiesta, Kinship carers groups, attending the Parenting Special Children ethnically diverse group and the Living well with Autism course. Young people and families have really valued our attendance, sharing information about key support and services available in Reading.

Full timetable of support and services offered at the Family Hub is now available through the SEND Local Offer platform, service support from 0-25 are available to families and young people.

Reading SEND Local Offer provides children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families, information about what support is available in the local area. It helps parents, carers and young people clearly see and access the range of services that they may need. Visit www.readingsendlocaloffer.org Email localoffer@reading.gov.uk Call on 0118 9373777 (option 2), Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

• Parenting Special Children have a number of workshops and events coming up. For more details go to:  parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

• The national charity Contact have a number of virtual workshops for families of children with additional needs from finances, educational support and handling meetings effectively as a parent. See for more details Family workshops | Contact

• The Reading Family Carers Card

Many people are family carers and support someone who relies on them to collect shopping, prescriptions and other essential items. You may not identify yourself as a carer because you are firstly a parent, a wife, husband, daughter, son, grandchild, friend or neighbour.

Reading Mencap have produced The Reading Family Carers Card it’s available to carers for FREE and it will identify you as a family carer in order to help shorten the time you might have to spend queueing for a shop, a pharmacy or even a health appointment. It is supported by Reading Borough Council.

Please click on the link below to the Reading Services Guide information page about the Reading Families Carers Card.

https://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/advice.page?id=FiM1gU0NzYk

• Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND (Reading IASS) 

This service was formerly called the Parent Partnership Service. It offers free confidential and impartial advice and support to Reading parents and carers who have children (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs or disability. Here is a link to their website where you can find further information.          https://www.readingiass.org/                      

Reading Short Breaks funded by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC)

SEND Short Breaks.

Please click on the links for bookings and further information.

SEND Short Breaks Summer 2026

Reading Borough Council have commissioned the following short breaks for summer 2026. Please contact the short break providers directly to book a place.  

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks -Summer Holidays- Reading FC SEND Play Camp

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks - Summer Holidays - Reading FC SEND Sports Camp

***

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks -Chance to Dance Stars CIC - Dance and Multi Activity Program (includes half terms & holidays)

***

Reading Directory | Reading SEND Short Breaks Local Offer - Summer 2026 - NCS (Community-Based)

***

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks Summer Holidays 2026 - Reading Play

***

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks - PRIMARY SENSORY Summer holiday clubs 2026 (Make Sense Theatre)

Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks - SECONDARY SENSORY Summer holiday clubs 2026 (Make Sense Theatre)

Reading Directory | SEND Summer Short Breaks - MLD musical theatre weeks (Make Sense Theatre)

You can view the SEND Short Breaks Statement here - Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks Offer - Statement Explained

To unsubscribe or change your permissions you can always contact us at: fis@reading.gov.uk or localoffer@reading.gov.uk

Complete the online form to be added to the parent carer mailing list - Reading SEND Local Offer - add to mailing list – Fill in form

You can also view Reading SEND Short Breaks here Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks (all ability activities)

To unsubscribe or change your permissions you can always contact us at: fis@reading.gov.uk localoffer@reading.gov.uk

Holiday Activities and Food scheme (HAF)

Brighter Futures for Children co-ordinates the Holiday Activities and Food scheme on behalf of Reading Borough Council, funded by the Department for Education.

Please note: HAF registration is only open to children eligible for pupil premium free school meals.

Further information and booking details please click on the link Holiday Activities and Food scheme (HAF) - Brighter Futures For Children

Link to Short Breaks page Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks (all ability activities & overnight breaks)

For parent carers who need information on childcare, holiday clubs, childminders etc for the school holiday – www.readingfis.org/childcare