Oakwell Children's Short Breaks Centre

Who we are?

Oakwell is a Children's Short Break Centre and is part of Children's Service, Community and Social Services.

Oakwell is based in St. Brelade in a quiet estate within the local community.  The building was refurbished in 2014 and now has five disabled access bedrooms with tracking hoist systems, state of the art interactive communication technology, sensory room, muilti-sensory hydrotherapy pool and beautiful garden. 

Oakwell has a team of 6 Residential Child Care Officers and four Nurses. 

Who do we provide a service for? 

The team at Oakwell support children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have a range of additional needs include intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and / or significant health conditions. 

We provide focused support for those children who are unable to access universal services or the community short break service. 

Our house

Oakwell aims to be home from home with additional activities on offer to get the most out of your stay. 

Children bring their own belongings with them when they come to stay and can choose from one of the themed rooms.

Our open planned lounge is modern and spacious. 

What service do we offer?

We provide a person centred approached to meet targeted outcomes for children and young people.

Targets can include:

• Support with independence skills, communication and socialisation
• Support where there maybe sleep issues
• Support to implement programmes where there may be continence needs, health needs such as epilepsy and diabetes
• Support to understand and address complex sensory needs

Listening to the voice of the child is essential in all that we do.  We work closely with children / young people, their families, social workers or relevant professionals to agree key targets for / with children. 

Whilst overnight support is provided for some children young people, the team also support children / young people within the local community for outreach activities. 

Indoor activities

Support can be provided within Oakwell either for short sessions or for overnight stays. 

Interactive Sensory Room, Eye gaze communication system, switch operated toys and programmes, interactive magic carpet, arts and crafts, sensory baking, Smart TV, computer, hydrotherapy, sensory garden.....

Outdoor activities

We encourage and support all children / young people to participate in activities within local community...

• Walks, parks and beaches
• Cinema, swimming and bowling
• Snacks out, picnics, Sailing

Transport

Oakwell has two wheelchair accessible vehicles and are able to provide transport for children / young people from home / school during short breaks.

Links with other services

The Oakwell team liaise with all relevant professionals who work with the child / young person, to promote a holistic and consistent approach, to include:

• Social Work
• Education
• Positive Behaviour Support Services
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Consultants and GP's
• CAMHS
• FNHC
• Hospice