22 048 Children and Family Support Service

Cheshire East Council wishes to establish a Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) agreement to provide a broad range of support to children and families at home and in the community. Children's Services teams that identify children and families that require commissioned service support will access the FPS when considering their options.

Children and Family Support Service are available for a range of circumstances where needs are identified in the home, for example to support children with disabilities, when positive behaviour support services are required, therapeutic support and assessment is needed and also for support in the community to support children on the edge of the care system. On occasions commissioned support is required to support the placement of a cared for child. Every element of support to children and families is geared to maximise their positive outcomes, support mental health and wellbeing and the safety of children at home and in the community.

Providers joining the FPS must adopt a person-centred approach and ensure that services are outcome focused, meeting the identified needs of individuals they support. Providers will adopt a strength-based approach, supporting people to recognise and achieve their full potential, whilst also working towards increased levels of health and wellbeing.

The contract period will be for fixed term of 5 years. The FPS will open in rounds annually during the contract period, with two rounds in the first year, and then opening every twelve months. We may also open the FPS at any point during the contact period, should a need to do so arise.

The FPS is divided into eight Lots, Providers can apply to join one or more lots / categories:

Step-down from cared for children's accommodation and tier 4 mental health beds

Tenders are invited from Providers who wish to be included in the Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) being introduced by Cheshire East Council for the provision of Children and Family Support Services.