Short Breaks for Children & Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is pleased to invite providers to a virtual Market Engagement Event taking place on Tuesday 17 March 2026, 1pm-2pm via Microsoft Teams. The purpose of this session is to outline our commissioning intentions for the new Short Breaks 2026-2031 Framework Contract, ahead of tender publication.

This event is open to all organisations with an interest in delivering Short Breaks for disabled children and young people aged 0-25, including those with:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities, including those who may require overnight care
• Sensory impairments
• Communication needs
• Complex or behaviour related needs
• Social, emotional and mental health needs

The session will introduce BCP Council's future vision for Short Breaks, shaped by a Needs Analysis and extensive engagement with Parent Carers Together (PCT). It will explore how the refreshed model aims to increase sufficiency, improve access, strengthen equity across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and deliver high quality, age appropriate and needs appropriate provision.

We will also outline how the new framework aligns with the Children & Young People's Partnership Plan (2025-2030), supporting its five key outcomes: Feeling Happy, Being Safe, Feeling Supported, Being Included, and Feeling Fulfilled. Short Breaks play a central role in achieving these ambitions by providing safe, enjoyable, confidence building activities for children and young people, while offering essential respite and support for families.

The recommissioned framework aims to

• broaden the range and availability of Short Breaks across all age groups
• increase specialist capacity, including 1:1 and 2:1 support
• strengthen local accessibility across the whole BCP area
• support Preparing for Adulthood outcomes (Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health)
• promote inclusion, participation, independence and wellbeing
• ensure children and families benefit from reliable, high quality, creative and responsive provision

The Short Breaks tender opportunity is anticipated to be published via Supplying the South West in April 2026.

To register your attendance for the Market Engagement Event, please contact Michael Mackay, Children's Contracts & Commissioning Manager, by email at michael.mackay@bcpcouncil.gov.uk by midday on Monday 16 March 2026. Please include your full name, email address and organisation name.

Please note: Participation or non participation in this Market Engagement Event will not affect any organisation's eligibility in the forthcoming procurement process. Attendance does not confer any competitive advantage. The session is intended solely to inform and engage with the provider market in advance of the tender release.