Swindon Short Breaks Activity Centre

Swindon Short Breaks Activity Centre

Swindon Borough Council invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the provision of Swindon Short Breaks Activity Centre.

Project Description

Swindon Short Breaks Activity Centre is a premises based scheme based at Upper Shaw Community Centre to support children living in Swindon aged 5-18 with additional needs, including but not limited to :

1. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
2. Disabled Children
3. Children accessing Swindon Borough Council’s Aiming High service

The service includes after school, weekend and school holiday provision delivered in a variety of ways dependent on the child/young person and their needs. The service will also operate in the community to access mainstream leisure provision.

The service will also need to provide transport to those who require support with attending, subject to availability.

The property that the service is provided in is a SBC owned property. The lease for this property will fall as part of the contract. The heads if terms are included in the tender pack, however once the contract is awarded to the winning provider the terms of the lease can be negotiated with the Council’s property department. This allows providers to work with the Council on terms that are mutually beneficial for both parties and will include detail such as maintenance and repairs of the property, rental value, term of the lease and sub-letting permissions.

The lease will be linked to the service contract, break clauses will be enacted should the service contract end or be terminated these options will be offered to all bidders in the tender.

Aims and Objectives of the Service

Short breaks are intended to have positive benefits for both disabled children and young people and their parents and carers. Short breaks have a dual purpose:

1. The main aims of short break services are to provide disabled children and young people the opportunity to:

• spend time away from their parents and carers
• relax and have fun with their friends
• develop their independence

2. They also give families an opportunity to:

• have a break from their caring responsibilities
• rest and unwind - spend time with other members of their family.

The Short Breaks service can include day, evenings and weekend activities and will be required to take place at Upper Shaw Farm Community Centre or in the community to access universal services with appropriate support that is tailored to the individual(s) needs to be inclusive.