Short Breaks - community based activity groups

CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

20 May 2026 at 06:27

Planning

22 Dec 2025 at 07:54

Planning

08 Oct 2025 at 10:09

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process described involves Cheshire West and Chester Council as the buying organisation, with the title "Short Breaks - community based activity groups". This process falls under the health and social work services industry category and is located within regions designated as UKD6 in the United Kingdom. The procurement is currently at the tendering stage, with key dates including the end date for tender submissions on 19th June 2026 by 10:00 AM and completion of the award period by 1st October 2026. The procurement method is open, allowing competitive bids, and is designed for community and specialised short breaks to assist families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in health and social work services, particularly those capable of delivering community-based activities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are especially well-suited to compete, given the focus on personalised and outcome-focused service delivery that complements children's educational, health, and care plans. With a gross budget of £1,099,716, the contract covers several areas in Cheshire, including Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford, Northwich, and Neston. Firms that can demonstrate high quality and social value in their service proposals will have a competitive edge. Additionally, contract opportunities have built-in renewal options, offering longer-term prospects for business growth and sustainability.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Short Breaks - community based activity groups

Notice Description

Cheshire West and Chester Council want to make sure that families have access to meaningful and supportive short breaks services. Objectives * Support carers with their caring responsibilities * Ensure services are outcome focused and, where appropriate, link into supporting a child or young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) * Ensure families are in control of how they use short breaks and how to access them * Prioritise the child/young person and parent/carer experience and perspective when designing the services delivered and how they are accessed * Offer disabled children and young people the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and reduce loneliness * Reduce escalation to more statutory services i.e. services provided by the local authority which could include social services * Involve, children, young people and their families in the decision-making process * Maximise the use of specialist resources and universal services within communities * Ensure staff are qualified and skilled to deliver safe and high-quality services * Offer a range of short breaks to support the needs of carers of children/young people with SEND with the right mix of services which are person-centred and respond to family's needs * Are fairly accessed; priority will be for those who need it most and eligibility for services will be clear and transparent The benefits of Short Breaks Short Breaks should provide a diverse range of services that offer children and young people with SEND meaningful and enjoyable experiences that support their personal growth and development, while also giving their primary carers valuable time to rest and recharge. These breaks can take place in a child's home, the home of an approved carer, or in community settings such as local sports clubs. Depending on a child or young person's eligibility, needs, and interests, a Short Break might range from a few hours, like attending a trampolining session, to several days for those requiring more intensive care and support. In Cheshire West and Chester, every Short Break opportunity should enable children and young people to enjoy themselves, build friendships, and develop confidence, independence, and the social and emotional skills needed for a successful transition to adulthood. For families, Short Breaks also offer vital time for parents, carers, and siblings to enjoy time for themselves.

Lot Information

Chester

delivery will be in the chester area

Renewal: 1+ 1 years

Ellesmere Port

delivery will be in Ellesmere Port area

Renewal: 1+ 1 years

Winsford

delivery will be in Winsford

Renewal: 1+ 1 years

Northwich

delivery will be in Northwich

Renewal: 1+ 1 years

Neston

delivery will be in Neston

Renewal: 1+ 1 years

Planning Information

The 1st engagement event will be on 19th January and is a face to face event - full details are on the Chest, www.the-chest.org.uk and bidders must complete the eventbrite in order to attend. Clarifications can be addressed via the messaging portal on the Chest. Any updates for any future events will be sent via the chest or directly to providers who engaged at this event (for example if 1:1 follow up conversations are required)

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05aa4f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045965-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
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


CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,099,716 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,099,716 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
19 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
1 Jun 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER 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
ELLESMERE PORT
Postcode
CH65 0BA
Post Town
Chester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD63 Cheshire West and Chester
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLD6 Cheshire, TLD63 Cheshire West and Chester, TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Cheshire West and Chester
Electoral Ward
Central & Grange
Westminster Constituency
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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