Children's Services
Umbrella’s Children’s Services provide fun, inclusive, and supportive activities for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs across Derby City and Derbyshire. Through one-to-one and small-group sessions, we help children build confidence, develop life skills and enjoy positive social experiences in safe environments.
Who Can Access Children's Services?
Who Can Access Children's Services?
- Children and young people up to 18 years old who live in Derby City or Derbyshire.
- Those in receipt of Short Breaks funding or a Personal Budget from Derby City Council or Derbyshire County Council.
- Families without any approved funding who would like to self-fund sessions.
- Families seeking fun, structured, and inclusive day sessions for children with additional needs.
What Support We Offer
Group Activities
When: Weekends and school holidays (usually 10:00–15:00)
Where: Umbrella House (Mackworth) and The Annie Hall Centre (Derby), plus community venues
Support: Each child has a dedicated 1:1 support worker
Our group sessions are fun, inclusive, and completely child-led. Children can take part in a mix of group and individual activities designed around their interests and abilities.
All sessions must be booked in advance. Before attending, new families will have a home or group visit, and complete an “All About Me” form so we can tailor support to their child’s needs.
Examples of past activities include:
Trampoline classes • Trips to local farms • Teddy Bear’s Picnic • Dinosaur Day • Swimming and bowling • Park visits • Onsite activities at Umbrella House or The Annie Hall Centre
Essential Life Skills
Our trained staff help children develop confidence and independence through hands-on learning.
These sessions focus on practical skills that support daily life and emotional growth.
We help children to:
Stay safe in different environments
Make healthy food choices and learn basic cooking
Develop daily living skills
Build confidence through positive reinforcement
Most importantly – have fun while learning!
Small Group Support
Available in: Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire, and South Derbyshire Dales
For: Children up to 18 years
Small group support offers the benefits of group interaction in a safe, structured, and fully supported setting.
Each child receives 1:1 support from their worker within the group.
Sessions are run by experienced Umbrella staff through holiday play schemes and weekend day trips, both in the community and at Umbrella venues.
Activities include:
Swimming • Bowling • Trampolining • Farm visits • Outdoor play • Themed days like Lego Day or Creepy Crawly Day
These sessions are designed to build social skills, confidence, and independence through shared fun and friendship.
1:1 Support in the Community
Available in: Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire, and South Derbyshire Dales
For: Children up to 18 years
Our 1:1 support in the community allows children to enjoy personalised activities with a trained support worker, usually on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on funding.
Activities are flexible and designed around the child’s needs and interests — whether that’s visiting the park, going swimming, bowling, or enjoying a creative day out.
Referral Process / How to Access
For children living in Derby City:
To refer your child, you’ll need to complete an Early Help Assessment (EHA) and send it to Derby City Council.
Useful contacts for further information on EHA and being applying for Short Breaks in Derby City
Email: thelighthouse@derby.gov.uk
Phone: 01332 256990
Email: short.breaks@derby.gov.uk
For children living in Derbyshire County:
Please contact the Umbrella Family Support Team for more information on how to access our Positive Activities and Group Support sessions.
Please contact Derbyshire County Council’s Short Breaks Team for further details of how to apply for Short Breaks funding.
Derbyshire County Council Short Breaks Information
Tel: 01629 533190
You may also be interested in:
FAMILY SUPPORT
The first point of contact for families contacting Umbrella. Offering a parent-led service designed to empower and support families.
SUPPORT GROUPS
We run a variety of support groups for families, children, and young people.
PLAY AND LEISURE
Providing children and young people with disabilities or additional needs with the opportunity to take part in fun and accessible activities.