Specialist Group-Based Short Breaks for Children and Young People with Disabilities

Norfolk County Council is seeking providers to deliver specialist group-based short breaks to children and young people with disabilities (aged 8 to 17), from special schools’ premises in West Norfolk and Breckland. Children and young people will be assessed as eligible by the County Council’s Short Breaks Service and will have a wide range of support needs, from ‘low’ to ‘exceptional’. The service will form part of the continuum of services in Norfolk’s SEND Local Offer and will support the Short Breaks Statement for Disabled Children and Young People Living in Norfolk 2020/21. The term ‘short break’ describes the time that children and young people with disabilities have away from their families, and in turn, the time that families have away from their caring responsibilities. Specialist group-based short breaks are one form of short breaks provision and play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of families. They enable a child or young person to participate in fun, positive, safe activities that promote well-being and independence, form friendships, and explore new activities. Norfolk County Council is working in partnership with several special schools in West Norfolk and Breckland to deliver specialist group-based short breaks from their premises. Providers may be interested in delivering the service from one or more of the special schools. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced providers to support children and young people with disabilities in specialist premises with excellent indoors and outdoors facilities and equipment.This new service is being developed as a direct result of feedback from families and operational staff about the lack of provision in West Norfolk and Breckland, compared to other parts of the county.The contract will commence on the 26th July 2021 with the sessions delivered as half or full day, over three to five weeks during the school breaks. If successful, we aim to extend the service. The specific dates, duration and frequency of the service is in the process of being agreed and will vary slightly between the schools. Additional information: The value is based on the total budget for these services , including any extension if the services prove successful.