Health and social work services

Tender description

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking a Service Provider to deliver Overnight Short Break and other Short Break services that achieve the overall aim of enabling and supporting children and young people with a disability to live ordinary family lives and participate in universal activities. The service will also provide families with a short break from their caring responsibilities. The contract will be for an initial period of 12 months, commencing on 1.6. 2018, with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months. The Service Provider shall provide person centred services based on the social model of disability and on a good understanding of the principles inherent in the Children Act 1989 and its associated Regulations and Guidance; the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services; the Care Standards Act 2000; the Children’s and Families Act 2014; the Care Act 2014; UNICEF UK’s Child Rights; and the Tower Hamlets Children and Families Plan. The Service Provider shall commit to the following principles, which are inherent in these policies: — best Interests of the Child, — life, Survival and Development, — human Dignity and Respect, — holistic approach, — self-determination and participation, — non-Discrimination, — independence and Inclusion, — transparency and accountability. The Service is required to deliver services to children and young people who have one or more of the following conditions: — complex health needs, including those with physical and/or learning disabilities, those who require palliative care (continuing care) and those with associated sensory impairments. — autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) accompanied by severe learning disabilities and/or behaviour which is challenging. The required service shall provide overnight weekend short breaks, overnight holiday short breaks and two after school clubs, delivered in a suitable Ofsted registered residential setting(s) owned or leased by the Service Provider. The Service Provider will also run a weekly Saturday club in a children’s centre, or other community building, identified by the Council. The service shall be provided for children from ages 5 to 18 for daytime short breaks and 6 to 18 for overnight. The Service Provider shall also have the potential to provide overnight weekend short breaks for 18-25 year olds, if necessary on a spot purchase basis, subject to the Service Provider’s usual requirements for assessing risk. Services will be delivered in age appropriate groups where possible. The Service Provider shall actively encourage children and young people to participate in activities of their choice, individually or in a group, either independently or with a member of staff, depending on the level of need. Activities will: — be fun and meet needs and preferences identified by children and young people, — include activities within the residential setting such as cooking or arts and crafts as well as trips out such as to the cinema or to take place in sport and fitness activities, — be accessible and affordable, which means they will not cost any more than similar schemes for non-disabled children and young people; and — will improve children and young people’s confidence and self-esteem.