£5 million contract for disabled children breaks

Shropshire Council is asking organisations to bid for the contract, which is worth £5.5million, and could last for nearly six five years.

The authority has said the breaks are a hugely important part of providing support for families which disabled children.

Steve Ladd, service manager for Shropshire Council’s disabled children’s team, explained that the service could make a big difference to people's lives.

He said: “Short breaks are part of a continuum of services which support children in need and their families.

"They include the provision of day, evening, overnight and weekend activities for the child or young person, and can take place in the child’s own home, the home of an approved carer, or in a residential or community setting.

"All families need support at some time in their life, and having a child with a disability can bring challenges and difficulties that other families do not face.

“For some parents the provision of short breaks simply means the difference between being able to cope with their disabled child, and not being able to cope.

"For children, overnight short breaks provide social opportunities such as making friends and taking part in activities; developing independence skills, confidence and self-esteem.

"As children get older, having a break away from home may assist with improving the experience of disabled young people’s transition to adulthood and preparation for adult life.”

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services, said: “Shropshire Council, in partnership with the Shropshire CCG, commissions overnight Short Breaks services for families with disabled children.

"We’re committed to offering the right service at the right time and the opportunity to commission a service provider to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable children and families is no exception.

"This service will support Shropshire Council’s mission, which includes supporting communities and families to be resilient. It will also support the strategic outcomes of Shropshire’s Children’s Trust, which include that children are safe and well looked after in a supportive environment."

The tender for the contract says that overnight care shall be available 365 days a year, and "the service provider shall provide 2920 residential nights, including day care in school holidays".

The contract will start on May 19, and will run for an initial period of two years and ten and a half months. There is the option to extend it for up to three years.