Many children and young people requiring support such as medication, oxygen, suction, gastrostomy feeding or with moving and handling needs are often denied access to short breaks and activities because providers haven't got the necessary skills to support them.

Using shared care protocols for children, the training has been established to equip the providers' staff with vital child specific knowledge and in doing so, open up more opportunities for children with conditions such as Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy.

Andrea West, Operational Lead Children's Complex Care, said: "This project enables children and young people with complex health needs and disabilities, who previously had to stay at home, to now join in, have fun and be with their peers.

"These young people can safely access a broad range of activities previously denied them, it has opened many more doors."

The training is sponsored by the Aiming High Trust Board and 120 sessions have been held since its launch last April. One parent commented: "To have the input of an experienced occupational therapist really helped put my mind at rest."

Community Health Buckinghamshire is now promoting training to any short break/activity providers such as after schools clubs, leisure centres, guiding/scouting organisations and holiday play schemes.