Oldham Council extends £200k funding for SEND children's activities

Oldham Council has approved £200,000 per year for the next two years to keep POINT's Short Breaks Play and Leisure services running for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The charity, based on Middleton Road in Chadderton, provides activities that give local families both support and respite.

Cllr Mohon Ali, Oldham's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, visited POINT to announce the two-year extension from April 2026 to March 2028. The funding ensures children can continue accessing music, crafts, sensory play, sports, and adapted cycling at Alexandra Park without interruption.

Parents who recently completed POINT's 10-week Riding the Rapids course described it as 'life-changing' for understanding autism and ADHD. One parent said it helped them understand both themselves and their child, while another felt they'd gained a 'super power' to pass on to their children.

The service also organizes family trips to places like Blackpool Illuminations and Flamingo Land, giving children experiences they might otherwise miss. POINT's CEO Andrew Robinson says the activities help children build confidence, develop self-esteem, and grow their independence in a safe, inclusive environment.

The council says extending the contract avoids the need for more costly services later. For families across Oldham, it means their children can keep accessing trusted support that makes a real difference to daily life.