Targeted Short Breaks Service

Brokerage and City-wide network of local providers - Targeted short breaks for children with mild to moderate needs delivered via a wide range of local providers and bespoke services, ensuring a wide geographical spread of locations to allow families to access services in, or close to, their local communities. Lot 1 will be awarded to a single provider who will manage the network and all brokerage of places. Activities in Lot 1 do not include childcare for children of working parents.

This service will provide autism-friendly activities such as clubs, play schemes, and outings, delivered by trained staff with expertise in autism. It will include behavioural support from professionals skilled in managing challenging behaviours through structured interventions. The service is designed for children who may have additional support needs, including severe learning disabilities, and for those whose behaviour consistently challenges services or poses a risk of injury to themselves or others.

This service will support children whose needs arise from a disability, illness, or sensory impairment and who require significant additional support on a daily basis. These needs may be present from birth or may have developed following illness or injury, and can include psychological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Children accessing this service will often require multidisciplinary input, and their care must be tailored to their individual life circumstances.

This service will support children moderate to severe physical disabilities who require tailored assistance to support their mobility, coordination, and overall development. The aim is to promote independence, inclusion, and access to education and community life. Support should be delivered in venues equipped with specialist resources such as mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, adapted chairs), assistive technology, and modified furniture.