ESCC - DM - RFQ - Provision of Accessible and Inclusive Activities for Children and Young People with Autisic Spectrum Condition

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT There is a duty placing responsibility on Local Authorities to deliver short breaks for carers of disabled children and young people.

ESCC has allocated funding to develop short breaks capacity in order to assist those who care for disabled children to continue to do so, or to do so more effectively by giving them breaks from caring.

Short breaks also give disabled children and young people the chance to spend time away from their main carer.

It is a time when they can enjoy play and leisure activities and build new relationships, whilst their main carer has a chance to recharge their batteries.

A short break can take place during the day, in the evening, at the weekend or overnight, and can happen in the child's home, in a carer's home, or in a residential or community setting.

Short breaks can be in specialist and universal settings, and can be planned and regular as well as being available at short notice.

METHOD STATEMENT 1.

Overview - what it is that we require SCOPE OF WORK To provide a varied programme of indoor and outdoor activities (youth clubs, art, music, drama, sports and adventurous activities) at evenings and weekends and during school holidays for children and young people with Autism.

Activities should be in consultation with the children and young people involved, promote independence, and introduce them to new experiences and fun activities.

All staff working with children with ASC must have completed appropriate training.

The service users will be expected to make a financial contribution towards the activities and trips.

This service is available to children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions who are eligible for either specialist or targeted services, or both.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SERVICE 1. o Reduce family stress and difficulty o To offer a safe and enjoyable experience for autistic children and young people o To enable autistic children and young people to make new friends and enjoy new experiences. o To offer a range of services which support autistic children and their families.

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES 2.

Children & Young People o Improved social skills and behaviours o Increased independence o Becoming more positive about and gaining confidence in trying new experiences o Able to lead a life more ordinary and access a range of universal services Families/Carers o Reduction in stress o Reduction in family breakdown o Better relationships with disabled child o Confidence in service demonstrated through repeat bookings Staff o Professional development o Workforce development o Staff to feel they have made a difference to families DETAILED REQUIREMENTS 3.

A) GUIDING PRINCIPLES The provider will be expected to demonstrate processes that provide: o Waiting list management o Equitable service...