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CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon

Devon County Council

This public procurement record has 7 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

28 Jul 2026 at 13:04

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

20 Jul 2026 at 12:37

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

19 May 2026 at 15:23

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

16 Dec 2025 at 10:16

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
PlanningUpdate

08 Aug 2025 at 10:28

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

27 Jun 2025 at 14:37

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

27 Jun 2025 at 14:30

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Devon County Council is procuring short-break services for disabled children and young people across Devon. The services provide play and leisure opportunities in family homes, community venues or residential settings, during days, evenings, weekends and school holidays. They are intended to give children opportunities to socialise, develop independence and life skills, try new activities and take part in their communities, while giving parents and carers time away from caring responsibilities. The framework has three service areas: targeted support for children from birth to 13; targeted support for disabled young people aged 14 to 17; and specialist provision for children and young people up to 17 with complex or multiple needs. This is a health, social care and community services opportunity.

The procurement has reached tender: Devon County Council has invited offers through an open procedure, with submissions made electronically through the Supplying the South West portal. Enquiries were due by 19 August 2026 at 12:00 and tenders by 26 August 2026 at 12:00. The award decision was due by 20 October 2026 at 23:59. The framework contract period is 3 November 2026 to 2 November 2031, with an option to extend to 2 November 2034. The estimated value is £44,000,000. Lot values are £14,400,000 for targeted support up to age 13, £9,600,000 for targeted support aged 14 to 17, and £20,000,000 for specialist provision. Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. Quality accounts for 100% of evaluation, and there is no participation fee.

This opportunity suits small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community or social enterprises that provide inclusive short breaks or targeted and specialist support for disabled children and young people. Suppliers should be able to deliver structured, enjoyable activities that promote social connection, wellbeing, confidence, independence and preparation for adulthood. The specialist lot is aimed at providers experienced in supporting children and young people with complex and multiple needs, including highly individualised support, safeguarding and meaningful participation. Some packages may require one-to-one support or enhanced staffing ratios, so bidders need suitable staffing capacity and the ability to respond safely to varying levels of need. Participation requires evidence of legal and financial capacity and technical ability. Framework suppliers may receive individual packages, placements or block contracts through further competition or direct call-off, without guaranteed business.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon

Notice Description

Devon County Council will be setting up an Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon. Short breaks are play and leisure opportunities which support disabled children to go to new places, spend time with friends, take part in fun and enjoyable activities, develop their independence, and try new things. These activities could be in the family home, in the community or other residential setting. A short break gives parents, carers, and families a chance to have time out and rest from caring responsibilities. Short breaks can last from a couple of hours to an evening, overnight, or weekend and can be offered during daytimes, evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Recognising that every child, young person, and family is unique, Devon County Council will secure a diverse range of high-quality short breaks provision ensuring that support is proportionate, accessible, and responsive. This Framework will enable Devon County Council to call-off and award individual packages and block contracts for placements to approved Framework Suppliers. It is anticipated that there will be two (2) Entry Points in the first year and then one (1) Entry Point every other year for the duration of the Open Framework. However, the Authority reserves the right to have more Entry Points at its discretion. The Framework will comprise the following Lots: Lot 1: Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years Lot 2: Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14 to 17 years) Lot 3: Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years Any questions in relation to this tender must be raised via the messaging section of the tendering portal www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk

Lot Information

Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years

This lot covers targeted short breaks provision for children aged up to 13 years old with disabilities, who have been assessed as requiring targeted support. Services will provide structured, inclusive, and enjoyable activities that promote social connection, confidence, early independence skills, and positive experiences outside the family home.

Renewal: The Open Light Touch Framework is anticipated to continue for a period of five (5) years unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority.

Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)

This lot provides targeted short breaks for adolescents aged 14-17 years old with disabilities, delivering age appropriate support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Provision will focus on developing the skills, confidence, and real world experiences young people need now and as they prepare for adulthood, in line with preparing for Adulthood.

Renewal: The Open Light Touch Framework is anticipated to continue for a period of five (5) years unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority.

Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years

This lot covers specialist short breaks provision for children and young people up to age of 17 years old with complex and multiple needs who require highly individualised support to ensure safety, wellbeing, and meaningful participation. Children and young people within this lot typically have significant needs across education, health, and social care, and may require 1:1 support or enhanced staffing ratios.

Renewal: The Open Light Touch Framework is anticipated to continue for a period of five (5) years unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority.

Planning Information

The new Devon Local Area Short Break strategy 2026-2030 sets out a clear vision for an inclusive, high quality graduated short break offer that promotes independence, life skills, and community involvement. This strategy has been developed with input from children and young people, parent carers and community partners, and builds on statutory responsibilities and co-production principles. Key changes will include a strengthened community offer, expanding universal and universal-plus activities, and the creation of a commissioned framework of providers for targeted and specialist short breaks. Devon County Council would now like to invite providers to an information event at which the latest details of our framework commissioning intentions, planned process and expected timeframes will be shared. This event will be held online via Microsoft Teams on 3rd June 2026 from 11:00 to 12:00. If you would like to attend the event please email childrenscommissioningsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk and a Teams invitation will be sent to you.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055545
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071200-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£44,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£44,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jul 20264 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
26 Aug 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
30 Jun 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Nov 2026 - 2 Nov 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Devon County Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX2 4QD
Postcode Area
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
TLK43 Devon CC
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Newtown and St Leonard's
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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