Inclusive Wiltshire launching to support children and young people with SEND

A new programme designed to expand activities and experiences for children and young people with additional needs is set to launch in Wiltshire this spring.

Inclusive Wiltshire is a new approach from Wiltshire Council that aims to improve access to activities, social opportunities and community experiences for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 25.

The scheme has been developed in partnership with SEND families and professional organisations to ensure it reflects what families say they need most. Inclusive Wiltshire will replace the former Short Breaks Scheme, which has now ended.

From spring 2026, families will be able to access four different types of support through the programme. A new online eligibility checker will help parents and carers identify which option is most suitable for their child or young person.

The four elements of the new scheme are:

Community Activities – inclusive local sessions and opportunities run by trusted organisations

Activity Payment – financial support to help eligible families choose personalised activities

Activity Plus – supported activities delivered by Wiltshire Council’s Leisure, Culture and Communities teams and partner organisations

Activity Extra – specialist, highly personalised activities for children and young people with the highest levels of need

Families will soon be able to complete the application questionnaire through the Wiltshire Council Local Offer website, which will guide them to the most appropriate option.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, SEND, Education and Skills, said the programme represents a significant step forward.

“Inclusive Wiltshire marks an important step forward in offering wider experiences and opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and SEND.

“Families asked for clearer pathways and more flexibility, and this new approach delivers exactly that. We’ve worked closely with the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council and community partners, and these activities are truly inclusive, enabling young people to grow in confidence, build friendships and enjoy meaningful experiences across Wiltshire.”

Stuart Hall, Director of the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council, said families had played a key role in shaping the new programme.

“Families have been extensively engaged in shaping Inclusive Wiltshire and we have seen the new offer evolve in response to the feedback shared by families.

“We are delighted to see a payment option, and specialist activity clubs for children and young people with the most complex needs, as families told us these were really important. Families regularly say there are not enough community activities near where they live, and we hope this new approach will help increase opportunities across Wiltshire.”

Wiltshire Council says further details, including the eligibility checker and information about available activities, will be published on the Local Offer website ahead of the full launch.

You can watch Cllr. Hubbard talk more about Inclusive Wiltshire’s initiative here.