Framework for the provision of a Short Breaks Service

The aim of this service will be to provide specialist group and 1:1 support at home or out in the community to disabled children and young people so that they are able to enjoy activities in these environments and spend time away from their parents/carers so that they are able to have a break from caring also. Short breaks form part of a continuum of services that support disabled children, young people and their families and are provided to give: • Disabled children and young people enjoyable experiences away from their primary carers, thereby contributing to their personal and social development, reducing social isolation and their overall wellbeing; • Parents and carers a necessary and valuable break from their caring responsibilities.

The Authority wishes to encourage the culture of Direct Payments over time. The Authority also reserves the right to use other procurement routes for some specific requirements.

There is no guarantee given as to the quantity or regularity of call off contracts to be made. For these reasons, no guarantees of business value or volume can be given.

Service Providers will have to form their own views as to the potential for such an arrangement. Where the Customer is selecting to use Direct Payments they may ask the Authority for guidance relating to providers of services that come under this framework agreement.

The Authority will confirm to the Direct Payment Customer that the Service Providers on the framework are of sufficient standing to use. Tenders are invited from individual organisations or a consortium of organisations working in partnership to deliver the services Please note, suppliers wishing to express interest and obtain the documentation, must do so by 17:00 on 26th November 2017.

The deadline for returns is 10:00 on 27th November 2017. For further information, please go to the Council's e-tendering system at https://www.eastmidstenders.org where you can express interest (reference DN301486) and obtain the documents. Please note we will only accept expressions of interest through the e-tendering system.