Scope
Reference
2604SHO
Description
On behalf of Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Childrens Trust commissions an extensive Short Breaks offer that provides a range of options for disabled children and young people over a broad range of support needs. This ensures children and young people access the right type of Short Break for them and enables their parents and carers to have a break from caring. The aim is to deliver positive outcomes, improve lives and prevent and reduce crisis by offering local community-based activities wherever possible.
The Trust is commissioning Targeted Short Break Services for the City - those not requiring a social work assessment, but meeting other criteria such as having an EHCP, or being in receipt of DLA or a diagnosis of some sort.
A UK3: Planned procurement notice - Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-054076
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-059470 was published 4 September 2025.
Total value (estimated)
- £5,192,000 excluding VAT
- £6,230,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 1 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Extensions subject to satisfactory performance and funding
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
- 85312000 - Social work services without accommodation
- 85312120 - Daycare services for disabled children and young people
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 1
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 1
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
To the Most Advantageous Tender
Lot 1. Targeted Short Breaks and Brokerage service
Description
Brokerage and City-wide network of local providers - Targeted short breaks for children with mild to moderate needs delivered via a wide range of local providers and bespoke services, ensuring a wide geographical spread of locations to allow families to access services in, or close to, their local communities. Lot 1 will be awarded to a single provider who will manage the network and all brokerage of places. Activities in Lot 1 do not include childcare for children of working parents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £2,200,000 excluding VAT
- £2,640,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Lot 2a - Short breaks for children with Autism specifically as a primary need
Description
This service will provide autism-friendly activities such as clubs, play schemes, and outings, delivered by trained staff with expertise in autism. It will include behavioural support from professionals skilled in managing challenging behaviours through structured interventions. The service is designed for children who may have additional support needs, including severe learning disabilities, and for those whose behaviour consistently challenges services or poses a risk of injury to themselves or others.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,824,000 excluding VAT
- £2,188,800 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Lot 2B - Short Breaks for children with complex needs
Description
This service will support children whose needs arise from a disability, illness, or sensory impairment and who require significant additional support on a daily basis. These needs may be present from birth or may have developed following illness or injury, and can include psychological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Children accessing this service will often require multidisciplinary input, and their care must be tailored to their individual life circumstances.
Lot value (estimated)
- £972,000 excluding VAT
- £1,166,400 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Lot 2C - Accessible short breaks for physically disabled children with complex needs
Description
This service will support children moderate to severe physical disabilities who require tailored assistance to support their mobility, coordination, and overall development. The aim is to promote independence, inclusion, and access to education and community life. Support should be delivered in venues equipped with specialist resources such as mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, adapted chairs), assistive technology, and modified furniture.
Lot value (estimated)
- £196,000 excluding VAT
- £235,200 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Targeted Short Breaks and Brokerage service
Lot 2. Lot 2a - Short breaks for children with Autism specifically as a primary need
Lot 3. Lot 2B - Short Breaks for children with complex needs
Lot 4. Lot 2C - Accessible short breaks for physically disabled children with complex needs
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 October 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
7 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 December 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 2 October 2029
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | The contract will be awarded based on a combination of quality, price, and social value. Tenderers must provide clear, structured responses to all questions, demonstrating a positive commitment to... |
Price |
Weighting description
The contract will be awarded based on a combination of quality, price, and social value. Tenderers must provide clear, structured responses to all questions, demonstrating a positive commitment to service delivery. Responses will be evaluated for completeness, relevance, and alignment with the Trust's objectives, including value for money, safeguarding, and compliance with the Living Wage Policy. The evaluation will follow the Open Procedure under the Light Touch Regime as defined in the...
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc
2604SHO - Targeted Short Breaks Service
Contracting authority
BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
- Companies House: 10762047
1 Avenue Road
Birmingham
B6 4DU
United Kingdom
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government