Scope
Reference
CP2632-25
Description
Devon County Council are seeking to engage with Providers to start the journey with us in improving our local offer for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon including our universal offer, targeted offer, through to Specialist Shortbreaks.
Disabled children and young people have the right to be supported at home and in their local communities, to have opportunities to meet and make friends, feel confident, and to thrive with a good family life. Short breaks help to do this by giving an opportunity for children and young people to meet new people, take part in activities, enjoy positive learning opportunities and have different experiences whilst giving their families a break from their caring responsibilities.
Short breaks can last a few hours, a whole day, evening, overnight or for a whole weekend, or during the school holidays. They can take place at home, in the community or in a residential setting. Childcare settings can sometimes be used as venues for short break activities.
They can include support to access activities such as sports, music, crafts, drama or community groups; this might be through support from workers often called 'enablers'. This could be for a limited time to help a child join in with an activity until they can attend independently, or ongoing depending on their individual needs.
They can also include group activities like youth clubs, Saturday groups and holiday clubs.
Support is also available in the home through short breaks, either to offer a child or young person's parents additional support while they are there or to allow family members to take a break from their caring role.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2030
- Possible extension to 31 May 2034
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKK4 - Devon
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
Engagement process description
Dear All
We are inviting organisations and community groups to come to one of our discovery days, where we are looking to start our journey together in improving our local offer for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon including our universal offer, targeted offer, through to Specialist Shortbreaks.
Below are some of the key things we would like to achieve in children services and what we believe would be the benefits to organisations/communities.
What we hope to achieve in Children's Services:
• Learn about existing and potential services available in local communities that could support with the Shortbreaks offer
• Understand potential opportunities in current challenges highlighted from needs analysis, including helping older children develop independence skills and those currently underserved locations.
• Identify challenges and areas for improvement from provider to ensure services are effective and practical.
Why your Organisation/Communities should get involved:
• Early engagement with Devon's direction for short breaks, ensuring alignment with future plans.
• Discover potential opportunities for service development and partnership collaboration.
• Share experiences, highlight challenges, and showcase positive impacts to influence service improvements.
Dates and location below
July 11th Tavistock - Discovery Day - Disabled Childrens Service Tickets, Fri, Jul 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
July 15th Barnstaple Discovery Day - Disabled Childrens Service Tickets, Tue, Jul 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
July 18th Exeter Discovery Day - Disabled Childrens Service Tickets, Fri, Jul 18, 2025 at 10:15 AM | Eventbrite
Please book a place through Eventbrite link so we have a rough idea on those hoping to attend each session.
If you have trouble with the links please email childrenscommissioningsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk to book a place. Thank you.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
31 October 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Devon County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRC-4623-RJBH
County Hall, Topsham Road,
Exeter,
EX2 4QD
United Kingdom
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government