SEND Short Breaks Services Market Engagement Session

London Borough of Newham is undertaking a recommissioning review of its short breaks offer for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Council is seeking to engage with current and prospective providers, voluntary and community sector organisations and other interested stakeholders to help inform the future design and procurement of short breaks services.

The purpose of this engagement is to: •Share the Council's emerging commissioning intentions and service model. •Gather feedback on the proposed service structure and delivery approach. •Understand market capacity, innovation, and opportunities for collaboration. •Explore how providers can support the delivery of positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families. •Inform the development of any future procurement process. The Council is exploring a tiered short breaks model, comprising a combination of specialist and targeted provision that responds to individual needs.

The model is intended to promote inclusion, independence, wellbeing, community participation, and positive outcomes for children and young people. The requirement is for children's welfare/social care services (CPV 85311300-5 and/or 85300000-2), which are classified as Light Touch Services. The estimated contract value of £1.7m exceeds the current Light Touch threshold of £663,540 (including VAT) and is therefore subject to the Procurement Act 2023 provisions applicable to above-threshold Light Touch Contracts.