Oldham Council approves vital funding to support children and families with SEND

Oldham Council is extending its current contract with POINT - a charity supporting families of children with additional needs for a further two years.

The provision offers young people a safe, inclusive environment where they can build independence, develop confidence and enjoy positive experiences with their peers.  

At the same time, families receive valuable respite. 

The extension will see POINT, based on Middleton Road, Chadderton, continue its delivery of Short Breaks Play and Leisure (SBPL) services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. 

The current contract will be renewed for a further two years, from April 1, 2026, to 31 March 2028, with funding of £200,000 per year.  

This decision ensures Oldham families can continue to access high-quality, trusted support without interruption and avoids escalation to more costly services. 

POINT's initial three-year contract is being extended after delivering excellent outcomes and positive impact after building strong relationships with families across Oldham. 

Cllr Mohon Ali, Oldham's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, visited POINT to announce the extension. 

He said: “Oldham Council recognises how important it is for families to have continuity and reliable access to high-quality short break opportunities. 

"By extending our contract with POINT, we’re ensuring that this much-valued service can continue supporting local children, young people, and their families to thrive. 

"We are thankful to have great people like yourselves making a difference to the lives of young people." 

POINT's programme of activities for children and young people aged 0-19 includes music, crafts, sensory play and games, sports and team activities and adapted cycl‌ing sessions at Alexandra Park. 

Family trips provided by POINT have included Blackpool Illuminations and Flamingo Land.  

Andrew Robinson, Chief Executive Officer for POINT, said: "By offering activities that allow children and young people to engage meaningfully with their peers, we help them build confidence, develop self-esteem, and grow their independence.  We're dedicated here to families having the best experience." 

Deputy Chief Executive Andrea Greenwood said: "No two days are the same here at POINT. Activities are tailored to their needs and we have a wonderful environment where we offer everything from arts and crafts to film nights where we have a room set up like a cinema." 

During his visit to POINT, Cllr Ali heard from a group who had just completed the 10-week Riding the Rapids course, for parents and carers of autistic children and young people, and children and young people with learning difficulties and on the pathway to autism assessment. 

"It has been life-changing," said one parent. "I have autism and ADHD and this has helped me to understand myself and my child. It really helps you, you feel more confident as a parent." 

Another parent added: "The last few years of our life are now starting to make sense. After completing this course I feel I've got a super power that I can pass on to my super children." 

For more information about POINT click here.