Framework to provide Short Breaks for Children who are Disabled from April 2023 - Potential reopening

To express your interest in applying for the framework to provide short breaks for children who are disabled from April 2023, please email childrensservicescontracts@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by no later than Tuesday 18th October 2022 at 16.00 at which point this expression of interest period will close.

Where there are expressions of interest from one supplier or more, then the framework will be re-opened to allow suppliers who have expressed an interest during the above period to apply to become members.

Related to Project DN454600 Framework to Provide Short Breaks for Children who are Disabled from April 2020 originally tendered 10th January 2020. Publication OJS Number: 2020/S 081-192474 Contract Finder Notice Reference: DORST001-DN454600-05067034

We are looking to reopen and expand our Short Break Provider framework (set up in 2020) to extend the number of suitable service providers offering a range of varied short break opportunities for children, young people and their carers across Dorset.

Short Breaks for Children, Young People and Young Adults who are Disabled are focused on delivering and developing services for 0 – 25-year-olds.

This tender is about putting in place a range of Targeted and Specialist Short Break opportunities throughout the County (Dorset).

Short breaks are when a child or young person has planned time apart from their main carer outside school hours, taking part in activities they like, to form and develop friendships and become more confident and independent. Short Breaks allow the child’s family to have a break from the demands of caring, to relax and recharge their batteries, to spend time with each other and their other children and to reduce family stress. Short Breaks can take place in a community location, the child’s own home, the home of an approved short break carer, or in a residential setting.

Reliability of the provision and support is essential in order that a family can plan ahead. The framework is divided into the two categories detailed below:

CATEGORY A: Specialist Services - This is likely to include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Residential overnight short breaks
• Weekend, after school and holiday short break sessions
• Personal Assistant, in-home and community support work

CATEGORY B: Targeted Services - Services required are likely to include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Outreach one to one services including befriending/buddy/PA schemes (at home or in the community)
• After school, holiday and weekend play, sports and activity sessions for all ages - Activity, day and evening sessions for young people aged 15-18 and/or 18 – 25

To express your interest in applying for the framework to provide short breaks for children who are disabled from April 2023, please email childrensservicescontracts@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by no later than Tuesday 18th October 2022 at 16.00 at which point this expression of interest period will close.

Where there are expressions of interest from one supplier or more, then the framework will be re-opened to allow suppliers who have expressed an interest during the above period to apply to become members.