Derby City Local Offer

28/05/2026

We'd like your feedback for our Community Short Breaks Consultation.

Derby City Council is reviewing its Community Short Breaks Service and proposing some ideas for change.

We want to ask you about these changes and for you to give feedback. This is really important to us as you are the parents and carers of children and young people with SEND who may access this service.

Your views will help us understand the impact of the ideas for change that we are proposing and what you think about the Community Short Breaks Service that you currently receive.

Find out more about the consultation and access the Parent/Carers and Children and Young People surveys by clicking on the link below: https://letstalk.derby.gov.uk/short-breaks-consultation

This consultation will close at midnight, Wednesday 19th August 2026.

What are Community Short Breaks?
Community Short Breaks are for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who need extra help to take part in activities.
They are for children and young people who:
• cannot join in with universal* activities without support, or
• have more complex needs that cannot be met by universal* services or family support alone
*Universal services are services that are available to all children, young people and their families.
There are two types of Community Short Breaks:
• A grant
• A targeted** service from providers
**Targeted services are for children and young people who may need additional support and may require an assessment of need to access services.
These providers arrange activities and provide additional support to children and young people with SEND to:
• spend time away from home
• relax and have fun
• make new friends
• try new activities and opportunities
• increase independence skills
• build confidence
• learn new skills
• improve health and wellbeing
Activities may take place after school, at weekends, or during school holidays.
Community Short Breaks also support families by giving parents and carers time to rest from caring.

For more information about short breaks, visit https://www.derby.gov.uk/education-and-learning/derbys-send-local-offer/health-and-wellbeing/short-breaks/ -1

20/05/2026

The latest Derby Promise Festival of Ideas event at Derbyshire County Cricket Club brought together more than 160 children and young people to explore exciting opportunities in STEM, AI and digital careers. Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops and employer-led sessions, young people gained real insight into future industries and career pathways.

Businesses including Rolls-Royce, Caddick and Balfour Beatty helped bring the world of work to life, inspiring young people to think about careers in engineering, sustainability, technology and STEM.

Derby Promise continues its mission to tackle youth unemployment an...

19/05/2026

A huge well done to the team of Transition2 staff and learners who proudly supported Cosy’s Annual Charity Bike and Hike event on Saturday 16th May!

Staff and learners worked together to prepare refreshments for participants, before taking up their roles at Longford School, where they provided drinks, snacks and encouragement at the halfway point of the hike.

Transition2 learner Charley (pictured), who is completing a Supported Internship with Cosy, achieved an incredible milestone by completing the full 20-mile walk alongside his Cosy
colleagues. Hayley, Transition2’s Curriculum Lead, joined Charley for the first thirteen miles, offering support and encouragement along the route.

Meanwhile, Transition2 colleagues Dan and Simon took on the challenge of cycling 107 miles from Derby Arena to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness. The tailwind helped them beat last year’s time!

Through the event, supporters came together to raise funds for two incredible charities: Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. At the time of writing, the sponsorship total has
reached a staggering £39,542!

For more about Transition2's Supported Internships for young people aged 18-24 with SEND, visit transition2.co.uk

18/05/2026

The team at the Glow & Grow training café are celebrating being awarded a 5-star hygiene rating – fantastic recognition of the hard work of both staff and learners.

The café is a key part of a one-year study programme for learners aged 18-25 years with SEND, delivered by Derby City Council’s Transition2, as part of their vocational learning programmes. Learners spend time working in the café, gaining hands-on experience in a professional hospitality and catering environment.

During this placement, each learner completes, as a minimum, a Level 1 Food Hygiene qualification, supporting future employment or progression into a Supported Internship.

📅Glow & Grow Cafe is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays
⏰10am to 2pm
📍Based inside Friar Gate Studios, Ford St, Derby, DE1 1EE
⏰ 10am to 2pm

The café also offers room hire and catering for on-site events. Beyond its day-to-day operations, its primary purpose is to provide a realistic workplace setting where learners can develop essential employability skills. For more information about the cafe and supported internships, visit transition2.co.uk

14/05/2026

Friar Gate Studios Skills Centre is a city centre-based hub for young people (16-25) with SEND in Derby.

Services based there are designed to help in preparing for adulthood. Take a look at this video to learn more about what's on offer at Friar Gate Studios, including:

• Horizons 6th Form – developing potential in an inclusive space
• Transition 2 - learning and employment pathways
• Glow & Grow - learner-staffed public café
• BeConnected – focused on socialising, friendships and community
• Health Space – with a special focus on emotional wellbeing
• Derby SEND Voice – forum for Derby’s SEND parents and carers
• SEND Officers – support and advice in planning for adulthood
• Careers Information, Advice and Guidance – independent service linking young people with learning and employment opportunities
• Independent Travel Training – Developing skills and confidence to travel independently

For more information, visit transition2.co.uk

Friar Gate Studios
Ford Street
Derby
DE1 1EE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyzXw83gA8k

Friar Gate Studios is a city centre-based hub for young people (16-25) with SEND in Derby, to help in their preparation for adulthood. On offer at Friar Gate...

04/05/2026

A reminder that our first Youth Voice Group for young people with SEND (aged 16-25) is taking place this week. If you'd like to get to know new people and discuss priorities for young people with SEND, we'd love to see you there!

📅Thursday 7th May
⏰5:30pm – 7:00pm
📍Glow & Grow Café, Friar Gate Studios, 22 Ford Street, Derby, DE1 1EE
Food will be provided!

At this first meeting, we’ll:
• Decide on a name for the group
• Set our top priorities for the year ahead
• Get to know each other in a relaxed, welcoming space
Email [email protected] to book your place.

01/05/2026

Dream Fest’s family day is tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-4pm, at the Market Hall. It’s free to attend, and there’s lots going on - take a look below 👇

✨ Derby Dream Fest is happening this weekend (Sat 2 May)! ✨

Derby Promise’s Dream Fest brings the West End to Derby's children and young people this spring
Join us on Saturday 2 May, 10am–4pm for a fun-filled day celebrating creativity, performance and big dreams.

Expect:
🎭 Young people’s performances
🎶 Live music and arts sessions
🎨 Creative workshops and prop-making
🛍️ A Young Makers Market
⭐ Special performances from West End stars
🌈 SEND-friendly activities and a sensory space

Bring the family, drop in anytime, and enjoy a day of inspiration exploring careers in the creative industries. We’d love to see you there!

Brought to you in partnership with Derby Promise, CANVAS Derby and Culture Derby.

Find the full event details on our website 👉 https://orlo.uk/0cvS8

01/05/2026

A fantastic first day of Dream Fest yesterday, watching our young stars take part in theatre workshops, ask great questions during creative careers talks, and then put on an impressive show at Derby Theatre. We’re back today for more fun and learning ahead of the family event tomorrow! Join us for family fun and activities - free to attend!

Saturday 2nd May
10am-4pm
Derby Market Hall