Children's Short Breaks, Respite and Family Care Services

Providers may offer a range of block contracted services in the community and in family homes, for children who are assessed for long-term packages of care, on a 1:1 basis, through the Children with Disabilities Team. These children will, in general, be assessed with packages at less than 500 hours a year, across term-time and school holidays, usually with regular sessions in familiar places, with familiar people. Broadly, these services will include: Community Groups and Club Supported Exploring in the Community Day Support at Home Night Support at Home This offer is preventative and designed to give parents and carers meaningful breaks, so parents and carers are not expected to be present during these activities. However, occasional events and sessions with wider family members can be offered through core provision to support community engagement and build relationships. Providers should get to know the children they support well, and plan suitable activities that are engaging and well-matched to every child and their SMART outcomes. Additional information: The initial contract term will be for 3 years however the Council reserves the right to extend the contract by further periods not exceeding 72 months (72 being the maximum available extension period) at the discretion of the Council based on the contract performance of the successful

Providers may offer a range of services on a framework basis, in the community, in home and in overnight settings, for children who are assessed for both long and short-term package of care, where needs exceed support available through core provision in Lot 1. Children who are assessed for support under the enhanced framework are likely to have learning and physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, and life-limiting illnesses, as well as significant social, emotional and mental health needs, but may be under any team in the Children and Young People Directorate, including children on edge of care, those being discharged from Tier 4 beds, young people at risk of extra familial harm, and so on. Families eligible for packages under Lot 2 are likely to be assessed for large packages of care where they receive support most days of the week, and/or with high ratios of staff to children (2:1 + Additional information: The initial contract term will be for 3 years however the Council reserves the right to extend the contract by further periods not exceeding 72 months (72 being the maximum available extension period) at the discretion of the Council based on the contract performance of the successful

Providers are required to offer overnight respite under block contracts for multiple/mixed and solo beds for Children with Disabilities, in familiar settings, with familiar people. This service is described as Home from Home Beds. Children who are assessed as eligible for overnight respite will be open to the Children with Disabilities Team and will typically be assessed for between 2 and 4 nights per months. The majority of children will be suitable for support in a multi-bedding provision and matched with other children to support friendship forming and socialisation. This will not be appropriate for some children due to their health or behavioural needs, where a solo bed may be required. Home from Home beds should also provide appropriate hours in the morning and evenings for meals and routines, and for hobbies, skills and social time. Providers should get to know the children they support well, and plan activities that are engaging and well-matched to the child and their SMART outcomes. This offer is preventative and designed to give parents and carers meaningful breaks, so parents and carers are not expected to be present at anytime during the stay. However, occasional events and sessions with wider family members can be offered through to support family engagement and build relationships. Additional information: The initial contract term will be for 3 years however the Council reserves the right to extend the contract by further periods not exceeding 72 months (72 being the maximum available extension period) at the discretion of the Council based on the contract performance of the successful