Short Breaks Event at High Ashurst, Saturday 29 March 2025

From 2023 to 2025, Surrey County Council got grant funding from the Department for Education’s Short Breaks Innovation Programme. This helped the Children Families and Lifelong Learning (CFL) Commissioning Team pilot various Short Breaks services in the last two years. Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) was a key partner. They offered outdoor activity breaks for children with complex needs and their families. They also supported co-production work with families to improve local services. To celebrate the wonderful experiences families with children with additional needs had, SOLD, with funding from the Department for Education, held a family fun day. This event provided an inclusive experience for families in Surrey.

Below, you’ll find a short video capturing the spirit of the day. Families share their heartfelt reflections, and you’ll get a glimpse of the fun, laughter, and community that made the event so special. It’s a powerful reminder of how outdoor experiences can bring people together and make a meaningful difference.

Many activities were on offer including a petting zoo, teacup ride, hook a duck, family entertainer creating balloon creatures, bubble fun, and dinosaur petting, as well as climbing, archery, and woodland skills. There was something for everyone. The digger pit was a firm favourite with the little ones, as was climbing in the fire engine from Dorking Fire Station. Chill-out spaces in the sensory tent, story time in the Big Hat, and soft play allowed a bit of space for those who needed it. Colleagues from Surrey Arts offered a DJ mixing opportunity for the older guests. Special guest, Bluey and Bingo, enjoyed meet and greets with the families and even had a go on the teacup ride.

All the families enjoyed the food, refreshments, and snacks that were on offer, created by the SOLD Catering Team. Being able to sit outside on such a beautiful day was perfect for all the families who attended.

Suffice it to say, the families really enjoyed the chilled environment, taking part in the activities that suited them and with flexibility for children to dip in and out as needed, and enjoyed a fun and memorable day together.

Many of the families shared that going on a ‘normal day out’ is so stressful for both the children and their families. However, the Short Breaks Family fun day offered a relaxed, calm, and no-pressure environment with like-minded families who are all in similar situations, which made a huge difference to them, and they were so very grateful for having the opportunity to take part.