Provision of Community Short Breaks for Children with Disabilities and their Families in Bedford Borough 2026

Invitation to Market Engagement Event – Activities in the Community (Short Breaks) Recommissioning Since 1 April 2011, local authorities have had a duty to provide Short Breaks for children and young people with SEND who meet the eligibility criteria within this duty. Short Breaks are opportunities for children and young people with a disability to spend time away from their primary carers, contributing to their personal, social and emotional development. They also provide families, parents/carers and siblings with valuable time for rest and other responsibilities. Activities in the Community (Short Breaks) is Bedford Borough Council’s offer to children and young people with SEND who reside within the Borough. These activities take place during evenings, weekends and school holidays, providing educational and leisure opportunities outside the home. Current services are delivered by SSG, Autism Bedfordshire and Embrace, with contracts due to end in March 2026. As part of our recommissioning process, we are pleased to invite you to an Activities in the Community (Short Breaks) Market Engagement Event: Date: Monday 15th December Time: 10:00am – 11:30am Location: Committee Room 1, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP This session will introduce our vision for the future of community-based activities (short breaks) and outline our intentions for the upcoming recommissioning process. We welcome attendance from current providers, prospective providers, voluntary and community organisations, and any organisation interested in delivering high-quality support for children and young people with SEND. During the session, we will: • Share Bedford Borough’s vision and priorities for the next commissioning cycle • Present insights from local families, young people, and recent engagement work • Outline the proposed commissioning and procurement timeline leading up to April 2026 • Invite providers to share their insights, experiences and innovative ideas • Explore how different organisations may contribute to a varied, high-quality local offer • Begin shaping the future model for Activities in the Community (Short Breaks) What to expect The session will include a short presentation followed by discussion and Q&A. Providers will leave with a clearer understanding of the future direction for short breaks, the likely commissioning approach, and forthcoming opportunities to engage in the process. If you have accessibility needs or require adjustments to participate, please let us know when booking. For further information and to register your organisation’s place please email: SENDEvents@bedford.gov.uk and cc Henry.masih@bedford.gov.uk Please note there will be a maximum of 2 attendees per organisation if attending Borough Hall. If you are unable to attend in person this session will also be held virtually, please specify your attendance route when registering interest.