D3 Tenders | Provider List for Break Time & Short Breaks (including intensive therapeutic and short breaks service (ITSBS) for SEND children and young people)

Notice Information

Get alerts for notices like these

Notice Title

Provider List for Break Time & Short Breaks (including intensive therapeutic and short breaks service (ITSBS) for SEND children and young people)

Notice Description

Lancashire County Council is preparing to recommission its Break Time & Short Breaks services for children and young people aged 0-18 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with a new framework planned to commence on 5 April 2027. As part of this process, the Council is undertaking market engagement to: * Understand provider capacity, capability, and interest * Gather feedback on the current service model * Explore opportunities to strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and flexibility * Inform the final commissioning approach and tender design This notice invites existing and potential providers of Short Breaks and Break Time (group based SEND activities) to participate

Planning Information

Background Short Breaks and Break Time provide essential support for children and young people with SEND by offering quality group based activities, building independence, social skills and confidence, and giving families a much needed break from caring. Feedback from families, children, practitioners and providers has highlighted variable availability across the county, increasing levels of need, demand for more local and accessible provision, the importance of 1:1 and personal care capacity, and the need for consistent information across providers. Providers have also expressed interest in clearer commissioning expectations, improved communication, and shared development opportunities. The Council is reviewing the current delivery approach, including the Break Time model, and wishes to test potential enhancements with the market ahead of formal tendering. Objectives The preliminary market engagement aims to: 1. Understand the Current and Potential Provider Market • Assess provider capacity, capability, and areas of specialism. • Identify geographical gaps, staffing challenges, and delivery constraints. 2. Gather Insight to Inform the Service Model • Collect feedback on the strengths and limitations of the current Break Time and Short Breaks offer. • Test emerging commissioning ideas, including approaches to inclusion, accessibility, flexible delivery, and support for children with higher or complex needs. 3. Support the Development of a Clear and Achievable Specification • Ensure the future framework reflects realistic provider operating conditions. • Explore innovation, partnership opportunities, and models that enhance local access and consistency. 4. Strengthen Provider Engagement and Transparency • Provide clarity on anticipated timescales, expectations, and the future tender process. • Build open communication channels and support new providers to enter the market. 5. Help Shape a Fair, Competitive, and Well Informed Procurement Process • Ensure providers are well prepared for the upcoming tender. • Use market insight to design a commissioning approach that is deliverable, sustainable, and responsive to family needs. The Council is actively reaching out to both current and potential providers of Short Breaks and Break Time services to: • Understand market capacity and capability • Gauge interest levels • Explore potential improvements to service delivery • Test elements of the future commissioning approach This is being done before the specification and tender documents are finalised. These activities form the core of the preliminary engagement: A. Online Webinar An introductory session delivered via Microsoft Teams where the Council: • Presents the current service model • Shares emerging commissioning intentions • Provides a Q&A opportunity for providers B. In Person Provider Engagement Event A deeper engagement session including: • Overview of the existing offer • Discussion of inclusion, accessibility, and staffing models • Consideration of innovative and flexible delivery options • Provider workshops to gather detailed feedback C. Provider Feedback Questionnaire A structured survey to collect further detail on: • Activity types • Staffing and capacity • Geographical reach • Ability to support children with complex needs • Barriers to delivering Short Breaks • Provider recommendations for improvement Who Should Attend? This engagement is open to: • Current Short Breaks / Break Time providers • Academies delivering or interested in delivering SEND activities • Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations • Specialist SEND providers • Organisations with experience in play, youth work, outdoor education, creative arts, sports, life skills, or therapeutic activities • Providers able to offer 1:1, personal care, medical needs support, or sensory friendly environments Both new and potential providers are welcome. Invitation for Providers to Register Interest The Council is inviting organisations to register for: • The in person event • The online webinar • Updates and future communications This ensures a broad provider base is informed and able to contribute. HOW TO REGISTER Providers who wish to register should do so using one or both links below:- BREAK TIME https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Jj5on7nYCUaexOGjbku00rPz6VymFxxBhNNk5v2R_05UM0Q3U09WTkc2QThLNDA2RVVFOVlWRDY3My4u CHILDRENS SHORT BREAKS - DOMICILLIARY/HOMECARE PROVIDER https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Jj5on7nYCUaexOGjbku00rPz6VymFxxBhNNk5v2R_05UNDNIT1ZUNlFGTjkwRDRQOTJGTDE3WlEyMS4u Or please see the link below to the engagement notice on Lancashire County Councils website:- https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and-procurement/tenders/lps-caph-market-engagement-provider-list-for-break-time-short-breaks-including-intensive-therapeutic-and-short-breaks-service-itsbs-for-send-children-and-young-people/ QUESTIONS For questions relating to this notice or the engagement events, please contact: cyp-shortbreaks@lancashire.gov.uk

Notice Details

Get alerts for notices like these

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-066ab3
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023361-2026
Current Stage: Planning
All Stages: Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type: UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type: Framework
Procurement Category: Services
Procurement Method: Not Specified
Procurement Method Details: Not specified
Tender Suitability: Not specified
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: £70,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value: Not specified
Awards Value: Not specified
Contracts Value: Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 16 Mar 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline: Not specified
Future Notice Date: 6 Jul 20264 months to go
Award Date: Not specified
Contract Period: 4 Apr 2027 - 4 Apr 2035 Over 5 years
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status: Planning
Lots Status: Planning
Awards Status: Not Specified
Contracts Status: Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Get alerts for notices like these

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: LANCASHIRE 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: PRESTON
Postcode: PR1 0LD
Post Town: Preston
Country: England
Major Region (ITL 1): TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2): TLD4 Lancashire
Small Region (ITL 3): TLD45 Mid Lancashire
Delivery Location: TLD4 Lancashire
Local Authority: Preston
Electoral Ward: City Centre
Westminster Constituency: Preston

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023361-2026
16th March 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-066ab3-2026-03-16T10:28:23Z",
    "date": "2026-03-16T10:28:23Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-066ab3",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PBBJ-2179-TNXM",
            "name": "Lancashire County Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PBBJ-2179-TNXM"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "PO Box 100, County Hall",
                "locality": "Preston",
                "postalCode": "PR1 0LD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD45"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Nicola Mills",
                "email": "caphprocurement@lancashire.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PBBJ-2179-TNXM",
        "name": "Lancashire County Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Background Short Breaks and Break Time provide essential support for children and young people with SEND by offering quality group based activities, building independence, social skills and confidence, and giving families a much needed break from caring. Feedback from families, children, practitioners and providers has highlighted variable availability across the county, increasing levels of need, demand for more local and accessible provision, the importance of 1:1 and personal care capacity, and the need for consistent information across providers. Providers have also expressed interest in clearer commissioning expectations, improved communication, and shared development opportunities. The Council is reviewing the current delivery approach, including the Break Time model, and wishes to test potential enhancements with the market ahead of formal tendering. Objectives The preliminary market engagement aims to: 1. Understand the Current and Potential Provider Market * Assess provider capacity, capability, and areas of specialism. * Identify geographical gaps, staffing challenges, and delivery constraints. 2. Gather Insight to Inform the Service Model * Collect feedback on the strengths and limitations of the current Break Time and Short Breaks offer. * Test emerging commissioning ideas, including approaches to inclusion, accessibility, flexible delivery, and support for children with higher or complex needs. 3. Support the Development of a Clear and Achievable Specification * Ensure the future framework reflects realistic provider operating conditions. * Explore innovation, partnership opportunities, and models that enhance local access and consistency. 4. Strengthen Provider Engagement and Transparency * Provide clarity on anticipated timescales, expectations, and the future tender process. * Build open communication channels and support new providers to enter the market. 5. Help Shape a Fair, Competitive, and Well Informed Procurement Process * Ensure providers are well prepared for the upcoming tender. * Use market insight to design a commissioning approach that is deliverable, sustainable, and responsive to family needs. The Council is actively reaching out to both current and potential providers of Short Breaks and Break Time services to: * Understand market capacity and capability * Gauge interest levels * Explore potential improvements to service delivery * Test elements of the future commissioning approach This is being done before the specification and tender documents are finalised. These activities form the core of the preliminary engagement: A. Online Webinar An introductory session delivered via Microsoft Teams where the Council: * Presents the current service model * Shares emerging commissioning intentions * Provides a Q&A opportunity for providers B. In Person Provider Engagement Event A deeper engagement session including: * Overview of the existing offer * Discussion of inclusion, accessibility, and staffing models * Consideration of innovative and flexible delivery options * Provider workshops to gather detailed feedback C. Provider Feedback Questionnaire A structured survey to collect further detail on: * Activity types * Staffing and capacity * Geographical reach * Ability to support children with complex needs * Barriers to delivering Short Breaks * Provider recommendations for improvement Who Should Attend? This engagement is open to: * Current Short Breaks / Break Time providers * Academies delivering or interested in delivering SEND activities * Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations * Specialist SEND providers * Organisations with experience in play, youth work, outdoor education, creative arts, sports, life skills, or therapeutic activities * Providers able to offer 1:1, personal care, medical needs support, or sensory friendly environments Both new and potential providers are welcome. Invitation for Providers to Register Interest The Council is inviting organisations to register for: * The in person event * The online webinar * Updates and future communications This ensures a broad provider base is informed and able to contribute. HOW TO REGISTER Providers who wish to register should do so using one or both links below:- BREAK TIME https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Jj5on7nYCUaexOGjbku00rPz6VymFxxBhNNk5v2R_05UM0Q3U09WTkc2QThLNDA2RVVFOVlWRDY3My4u CHILDRENS SHORT BREAKS - DOMICILLIARY/HOMECARE PROVIDER https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Jj5on7nYCUaexOGjbku00rPz6VymFxxBhNNk5v2R_05UNDNIT1ZUNlFGTjkwRDRQOTJGTDE3WlEyMS4u Or please see the link below to the engagement notice on Lancashire County Councils website:- https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/business/tenders-and-procurement/tenders/lps-caph-market-engagement-provider-list-for-break-time-short-breaks-including-intensive-therapeutic-and-short-breaks-service-itsbs-for-send-children-and-young-people/ QUESTIONS For questions relating to this notice or the engagement events, please contact: cyp-shortbreaks@lancashire.gov.uk",
                "dueDate": "2026-04-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "023361-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023361-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-03-16T10:28:23Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "NM/CYP/CAPH/LCC/26/1514",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provider List for Break Time & Short Breaks (including intensive therapeutic and short breaks service (ITSBS) for SEND children and young people)",
        "description": "Lancashire County Council is preparing to recommission its Break Time & Short Breaks services for children and young people aged 0-18 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with a new framework planned to commence on 5 April 2027. As part of this process, the Council is undertaking market engagement to: * Understand provider capacity, capability, and interest * Gather feedback on the current service model * Explore opportunities to strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and flexibility * Inform the final commissioning approach and tender design This notice invites existing and potential providers of Short Breaks and Break Time (group based SEND activities) to participate",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD4",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 70000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-04-05T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2035-04-04T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-07-06T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}