For the avoidance of doubt this is not a Call for Competition, this is to initiate a Market Engagement/Soft Market Testing process.

Staffordshire County Council is seeking to contract with Providers who can provide activities and support in Staffordshire for Children and Young People with SEND.

Providers must have an understanding and regard to the following: • Care Act 2014 • SEND code of Practice 2015 • Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards • Children and Families Act 2014 • Short Breaks Regulations • Public Services (Social value) Act 2012 • Staffordshire Connects The objective of this service is to provide a range of Short Break activities across Staffordshire which Children and Young People with SEND can enjoy as independently as possible Those interested will be required to provide and evidence that they can deliver the following within Staffordshire, activities which are: • Meaningful and appropriate for a variety of ages • Interesting • Supports Children and Young People in preparation for adulthood • Promote independence and well being • Indoor and /or outdoor • Term time and holiday time • Offer Value for money • Offer effective short breaks for the family Providers will be required to • Encourage and enable Children and Young People with SEND to access community-based services and support • Work with local organisations to promote inclusion for Children and Young People with SEND • Be flexible if required to deliver activities when gaps in provision is recognised • Engage in meaningful partnership working and effective communication with the family and professionals • Develop networking opportunities for young people and families • Positive changes to the quality of people's lives • Have a genuine desire to influence change for others • Be innovative and consider solutions to challenges Staffordshire County Council is particularly interested to hear from providers who can offer activities !) in rural or less populated areas across Staffordshire, 2) and who can offer support for those with more complex needs Staffordshire County Council would like to hear from Providers who are interested and capable of delivering an excellent, high quality and outcome focussed service for children and young people with disabilities.

We would like to invite you to a Market Development Provider Workshop on Monday 8th July 2019 from 1pm until 3pm at County Buildings - Dining Room, Martin Street, Stafford ST16 2LR where you will have the opportunity to: • Understand the demographics and service needs of local families • Contribute to the shaping of services for children and young people with disabilities within Staffordshire • Meet commissioners and procurement staff To book a place please Email commercial.team@staffordshire.gov.uk Please also register an account on our E Tendering system, Proactis at https://www.proactisplaza.com/ against the category 85000000 (Health and Social Work Services).