Aspens' children's short break service (Ofsted registered) in the London Borough of Bexley provides overnight stays to children or young people with disabilities and emotional and behavioural needs. 

This specialist service has up to nine beds and accommodates young people from the age of 5 up to the age of 17.    Each child or young person has their own bedroom during their stay, with a lockable unit and key available to them. All children and young people have access to the shared facilities within the home.

The service operates seven days a week (closed over Christmas holidays) and the team also run a Saturday club (10.00 am-2.30 pm) at the centre.

Child-centred support

The service is centred around the child or young person and their family. The staff team are skilled in enhancing participation, preventing challenging behaviour and reducing risk.

Staff have a range of experience in supporting complex needs such as epilepsy, autism, gastronomy feeding, global development delay and challenging behaviour.

As well as allowing parents and carers to take some time to themselves, the service offers a place for the children and young people who stay there to learn and grow in a supportive environment. 

Children and young people are supported to maintain their existing interests and hobbies and encouraged to develop new hobbies and have new experiences.  We explore a broad range of creative, intellectual, physical and social interests and skills to ensure the children and young people accessing our service have fun while meeting their desired outcomes.

The local area

The Short Break and Overnight Service is within a residential area of Bexley surrounded by convenient shops and cafes. There is a community park directly opposite with excellent facilities to play and have fun outdoors. Local transport links are excellent, with bus routes directly opposite the service and the station is just a short walk away with regular trains into central London.

"Paul's stays with Aspens do as much good to him as they do to us. All teenagers need to have their own space from their mums and dads.... I see this as his time to grow. His stays at the overnight service have given me hope. All kids have to find their own way in life and, thanks to Aspens, Paul's getting used to being away from mum and dad. He's finding his own little space in the world." 

Alice, mum of Paul, who regularly stays at the Short Breaks and Overnight Service (pictured above)* 

*Read more from Alice on how Aspens' Short Break and Overnight Service has become a home from home for Paul here.

Accessing the service

Children and young people can access Aspens' Overnight and Short Breaks Service via a referral from the London Borough of Bexley Children with Disabilities team. Following a social work assessment, the case is taken to the panel where an appropriate short break is identified for the child.

The service supports children and young people to socialise with their peers and make new friends. As their confidence builds we offer opportunities which will broaden their horizons, build on existing skills and nurture their emerging skills; enhancing their independence.

We also offer social and fun youth groups, such as after-school clubs and Saturday clubs for children and young people aged 5 yrs to 17 yrs.

Ofsted rating: GOOD