Early Market Engagement: Specialist Short Breaks – overnight Specialist Short Breaks – community-based clubs and activities Targeted Short Breaks

Shropshire Council would like to take the opportunity to engage with potential providers and/or partners in the future commissioning of our short breaks services. Please note that the purpose of this process is for the council to discuss with the market and inform our current understanding of key issues and themes relating to the provision of these services and to discuss what the market has to offer to assist the Council to deliver the services from 1st April 2025. Please note that this is not the commencement of any formal procurement process, and the Council is not committed to carrying out such a process. For the avoidance of doubt no information provided in response to this process will be used by the Council in assessing providers during any subsequent procurement process. This early market engagement exercise is intended to allow providers to outline their views and to provide information to the Council decision making process. The Council will consider the information received as a result of this exercise to help inform the Council’s options appraisal and subsequent Council decision making process. The Council is developing an approach to how short breaks are to be commissioned in future and is considering how best to shape any future procurement in terms of: •(Ref 1 – above) Delivery of an overnight respite provision that is responsive to fluctuations in need, is tailored to meet the individual needs of children and young people with disabilities and enables opportunities for them to socialise, make friends, develop interests and participate in activities independent from their families. Provision to include activities that prepares young people for adulthood and builds their individual resilience. The council can provide a building suitable for delivery of overnight short breaks. Provision of Domiciliary Care (children’s support and care at home) in order to provide more choice for parents or may enable a rapid response to an emergency situation. •(Ref 2 – above) Delivery of a range of community based short breaks suitable for children and young people with a wide range of disabilities that are responsive to their individual needs and abilities. The range of disabilities may include – but is not limited to learning and physical disabilities, autism, sensory impairment and medical needs. Activities may include – but are not limited to sport activities, art, drama, cookery, friendship, and interest groups, fun and games, music, martial arts dance, youth clubs, forest school, engagement with animals – for example horse riding/animal welfare. •(Ref 3 – above) Commission (Sub-Contract), deliver, expand and develop a range of community based short breaks suitable for children and young people who have a wide range of disabilities that are responsive to their individual needs and abilities. The range of disabilities may include – but are not limited to learning and physical disabilities, autism, sensory impairment and medical needs. Activities may include – but are not limited to sport activities, art, drama, cookery, friendship, and interest groups, fun and games, music, martial arts dance, youth clubs, forest school, engagement with animals – for example horse riding/animal welfare. The council would be keen to see how the provider would engage, involve and enable providers of Universal Services to support access for disabled children and young people to be able to access, enjoy and participate in those services available for all children and young people. The Council is keen to engage with the market to understand the opportunities available to shape our approach to commissioning the above. Additional information: If you have any questions about this early market engagement, such questions should be submitted to the Council through an email to Yvonne Oliver. Yvonne.m.oliver@shropshire.gov.uk Please use the link below to obtain a copy of the EOI Application form: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/doing-business-with-us/current-opportunities-for-tendering/view-and-apply-for-current-tenders/