Planning

Short breaks for children

CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

22 Dec 2025 at 07:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

08 Oct 2025 at 10:09

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cheshire West and Chester Council is planning a procurement process focused on providing short breaks for children across their borough. The process is currently in the planning stage with a significant emphasis on engaging organisations that offer weekend, holiday, or after-school sessions for children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The initial engagement event is scheduled for 19th January, with further updates available to interested parties through direct communication or the Chest portal. This tender will be executed under the legal framework established by the UKPGA 2023/54, with procurement targeting health and social work services, more specifically, short break services. The anticipated contract period spans from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2030, with potential renewals extending up to March 31, 2032. The contract value is expected to be approximately £3.2 million GBP, with services being delivered primarily within the UKD63 region.

This procurement presents substantial opportunities for organisations focused on health, social work, and community services. Businesses specialising in providing innovative and customised care solutions for children with SEND would be well-suited to compete, especially SMEs and VCSEs that meet the required suitability criteria. By participating in this tender, organisations have the potential to expand their operations while contributing to the design and delivery of inclusive short breaks services. Engaging in the planning and collaborative workshops can offer valuable insights into the requirements of the council, allowing businesses to align their services effectively with the needs of the local community, thereby driving both social and economic growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Short breaks for children

Notice Description

Cheshire West and Chester Council invites organisations who provide weekend, holiday or after school club sessions to children or young people with SEND to a collaborative workshop focused on shaping the future of short breaks services across the borough. The session will begin with a welcome and introduction, followed by interactive workshops where we'll explore how short breaks can be delivered in partnership with the local authority to meet the evolving needs of our families. This is a valuable opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges, and co-design a person-centred, innovative short breaks offer for CWAC. We are interested in meeting with providers to help us explore a new offer for the borough.

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)

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05aa4f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085199-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
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
£3,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Dec 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Jun 20266 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
centralprocurement@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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), 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

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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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