Integrated Short Breaks Service

Buckinghamshire Council intends to procure an Integrated Short Breaks Service for children and young people with disabilities and their families. Short breaks form part of the statutory duties placed on local authorities under Section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Act 2008, which requires the provision of short breaks to support families with disabled children.

The Integrated Short Breaks Service will aim to:

- Provide a range of community‑based, centre‑based and home‑based short break opportunities that promote personal development, independence, and enjoyment for children and young people with disabilities.

- Deliver family‑supporting breaks that strengthen resilience, enable rest for carers, and reduce family stress.

- Enhance social inclusion, relationships, and participation within the community for disabled children.

- Support children and young people to access meaningful activities that foster personal growth and allow families to maintain positive relationships.

The integrated model is expected to bring together targeted short‑break services with broader early help and social care pathways, ensuring seamless access, timely assessment, and equitable provision across the local area.

Estimated Contract Value:

This procurement is expected to exceed the £2 million threshold, which requires the publication of an individual UK1 Pipeline Notice.

Planned Procurement Approach:

The authority anticipates using a competitive flexible procedure under the Light Touch Regime. The authority will ensure transparency, early engagement, and market‑shaping opportunities ahead of formal tender publication.

Market Considerations

Publishing this pipeline notice will:

- Provide early opportunity for SMEs and VCSE organisations to prepare, reflecting typical market engagement for short breaks services.

- Enable providers to plan for workforce development, safeguarding, personalised support planning, and inclusive activity design.

- Support innovation in service models, including blended community activities, holistic family support, and digital coordination tools.

Estimated Procurement Timeline:

- Estimated Tender Notice Publication: Within the upcoming reporting period, aligned with UK1 requirements for forward‑looking visibility.

Service Commencement:

Expected to coincide with the next financial cycle; specific details will be set out in the Tender Notice.

Contract Duration:

A multi‑year contract is anticipated to ensure service continuity and long‑term stability.

Additional Context:

Integrated short breaks commissioning is a key part of local authorities’ wider SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) strategies, which will demonstrate increasing emphasis on:

- Aligning short breaks with early help pathways.

- Co‑production with families and young people.

- Ensuring inclusive, accessible services that reflect diverse needs.

This procurement will form part of the authority’s drive to improve outcomes for disabled children, enhance family resilience, and ensure statutory compliance through a coordinated, child‑centred approach.