Residential Replacement Care Services for Service Users with Learning Disability and/or Autism

Slough Borough Council is carrying out preliminary market engagement to establish a new residential replacement care (formerly known as respite) service for adults and older adults with learning disabilities. This follows the identification of a critical service gap.

The Council has statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 to provide carers with replacement care and prevent carer breakdown. Currently, there is no local residential replacement care provision in Slough, leaving carers unsupported and increasing pressure on social care teams to source out of borough placement, and the risk of crisis placements.

The proposed service will provide:

-A legally robust, person-centred, and fit-for-purpose replacement care offer

-Regular and emergency respite to prevent breakdown and promote wellbeing

-A local, sustainable, and flexible model that reduces reliance on out-of-area placements and spot arrangements

-Better continuity and outcomes for both service users and carers

The Council is seeking to commission a residential replacement care service comprising:

-Two block-contracted residential respite beds (730 nights per year)

-One optional spot-purchased bed for complex/emergency needs (up to 92 nights per year)

-Total estimated nights covered per year: 822 nights The provider must be CQC registered