Issue details

Extension of Short Breaks Dynamic Purchasing System

West Sussex County Council has a statutory duty under the Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011 to provide short breaks for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, and their families.

 

Short breaks cover a range of activities from an hour’s sports activity, a summer playscheme, evening cinema trip or a fun day for the whole family. Short breaks enable children and young people with additional needs and disabilities to try new experiences, both with and away from their siblings and parents or carers, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, develop their confidence and have fun.

 

Short breaks also give parents and carers a break from their caring role, giving them a chance to rest, catch up on day-to-day activities and spend time with other family members. There is strong evidence that short breaks support the health and well-being of the children and young people receiving the break but also other family members. As families feel well supported and therefore more resilient this offers potential for less draw on specialist services provided by the Council both in children’s and ultimately adults’ services.

 

In May 2015 the then Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life approved the creation of a Dynamic Purchasing (DPS) Scheme for commissioning short breaks (Decision reference CH04 (15/16)). The initial term for the DPS is due to expire in April 2021 and the intention is to extend the DPS for a further two-year period.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/07/2020

Decision due: September 2020 by Executive Director Children, Young People and Learning

Lead member: Lucy Butler, Director of Children, Young People and Learning lucy.butler@westsussex.gov.uk

Lead director: Lucy Butler

Contact: Michael Rhodes-Kubiak, Short Breaks Commissioning Manager Email: michael.rhodes-kubiak@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 24511.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this decision should be made to the Executive Director Children, Young People and Learning via the officer contact by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Consultees

Providers

Procurement

Legal

Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553

Background3: Best Start in Life

Decisions

Background papers

  • None