Holiday Short Breaks For Children and Young People

The Council is seeking providers of Group Based School Holiday Short Breaks Services for children and young people with disabilities. Informal expressions of interest in the provision of these services are sought at this stage in order to establish the level of market interest.

Short breaks are intended to have positive benefits for both disabled children and young people (0-25 years) and their parents and carers. The main aims of short break services are to provide disabled children and young people the opportunity to:

• Spend time away from their parents and carers

• Relax and have fun to develop friendships

• Develop their independence.

They also give families an opportunity to have a break from their caring responsibilities; and spend time with other members of their family. Short break provision can range from a few hours per week to an allocated number of activity days/breaks per year.

Short breaks can include day, evening, weekend activities, school holidays and after school. It can also include befriending and enabling young people to access leisure-based activities, transition support and independence skills. The services may take place in the child or young person’s own home, or an activity centre or community setting.

The provision of short breaks is considered an important part of the support provided to families of disabled children and young people.

The service is for children and young people with disabilities aged 5 – 18 with a wide range of needs including complex behavioural and medical conditions. The new contract is scheduled to commence on 24th July 2027. It is anticipated that the contract will be for a period of three years with two possible extensions of up to two years each, dependent on performance.

The council is intending to issue one tender separated into three Lots. This will be one Tender Notice made up of three Lots, one for each contract, leading to three separate evaluations, contract awards and contracts.

One service is to be provided for each contract as follows:

Service 1:

Specification: Short Breaks during school holidays for Low to Medium Level Needs. These will be focused on Physical Activity with other types of activities also available. Provider to deliver a minimum of 5 hours per day for a minimum of 23 days per annum.

Service 2:

Specification: Short Breaks during school holidays for High Medical Need and Mobility Needs. These will be mainly arts, crafts and other creative activities. Provider to deliver a minimum of 6 hours per day for a minimum of 29 days per annum.

Service 3:

Specification: Short Breaks Hub arrangements during school holidays for Low to High Level Needs. Lead provider to identify and coordinate community resources i.e. a range of providers delivering a minimum of 5 hours per day for a minimum of 24 days per annum.