Providing bespoke support for children and young people across the North-east

Encompassing everything from after school support, holiday clubs and weekend activities to overnight and even extended holidays in our children’s centre, NEAS Short Breaks service provides bespoke support for children and young people across the North-east of England. 

A chance to have a break, both for the parents and carers and for the young people themselves – we offer a safe environment to have fun, make friends, learn new skills and develop independence.


Our Site

Acorn House, Children’s Short Breaks:

The short breaks residential home is based at our North East Centre for Autism in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. We can provide overnight breaks and day care provision for children and young people who are autistic or / and have learning difficulties age 5-18. 

Aims of our Short Breaks service include:
  • to make a positive difference in the life of the children and young people and their families 
  • offering enjoyable and educational activities which meet with the persons individual preferences
  • family-centered so the service is developed with regular conversations and input from family members

What we say...

The key aspect of this support is that it is completely personalised – we don’t have a one shoe fits all approach. Everything is tailored to the needs of every individual. Our services can also take place in the community and in a very real sense it can keep families together. Respite together with a package designed to bring out the best in those who come to us, means it’s an incredibly valuable service

        Donna Williams, Area Manager

What Ofsted inspectors say...

The children and young people receive outstanding care that meets their complex needs.

        From our latest Ofsted report

What parents say... 

The service is the most consist thing apart from school in mine and Thomas’ life. It has become like an extension of my family. Staff can’t do anymore to help / support and care for my son. They have given him so many experiences that I on my own never could and I am grateful for that. The service and staff do a fantastic job and for me I don’t know what I would do without it.

        Gail, parent

What our young people say...

I’ve enjoyed coming to short breaks and thank you to the staff for helping me during my time here

        Kieran, short breaks attendee 

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose provides an overview of Aycliffe Short Breaks. It is our statutory duty to produce this document under the Care Standards Act 2000, but we hope it will also provide you with some useful information about what we do.

Statement of Purpose


For more information about Children's Short Breaks contact:

Cath Blair on 01325 328 080 or by email [email protected]