Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People

The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking providers to deliver Short Breaks Services for disabled children and young people, offering opportunities to take part in positive activities, develop independence, build friendships and achieve personal outcomes.

The services will also provide families and carers with a break from their caring responsibilities. Provision may include community-based activities, group sessions, specialist support and holiday activities, depending on the needs and interests of each child or young person and their family.

The £9.7 million opportunity is divided into six lots, covering different age groups and levels of need, from general needs provision to support for children and young people with more complex needs.

Service Requirements

The contract covers six distinct service areas:

• Lot 1 – Fun and Play (ages 6–13), General Needs: Fun and play activities for children and young people aged 6 to 13 with general needs.
• Lot 2 – Fun and Play (ages 6–13), Complex Needs: Fun and play activities for children and young people aged 6 to 13 with complex needs.
• Lot 3 – Social and Life Skills (ages 14–16), General Needs: Activities focused on social and life skills for young people aged 14 to 16 with general needs.
• Lot 4 – Social and Life Skills (ages 14–16), Complex Needs: Social and life skills activities for young people aged 14 to 16 with complex needs.
• Lot 5 – Preparing for Adulthood (ages 16 plus), General Needs: Activities supporting young people aged 16 and over as they prepare for adulthood.
• Lot 6 – Preparing for Adulthood (ages 16 plus), Complex Needs: Preparing for adulthood activities for young people aged 16 and over with complex needs.

Across the service, short breaks are intended to help children and young people develop skills, confidence and relationships while giving families and carers time away from their caring responsibilities.

Contract Information

• Buyer: London Borough of Lambeth
• Estimated total contract value: £9,702,000 excluding VAT (£11,642,400 including VAT)
• Contract start date: 1 April 2027
• Initial contract end date: 1 April 2031
• Extension options: Two possible one-year extensions
• Maximum contract duration: Approximately six years, potentially extending to 1 April 2033
• Location: Lambeth, London
• Contract type: Services
• Procurement procedure: Open procedure
• Procurement regime: Light touch
• Number of lots: Six
• Enquiry deadline: 3 December 2026, 12:00pm
• Tender submission deadline: 14 December 2026, 12:00pm
• Estimated award decision date: 5 March 2027
• Contract reference: 21
• Notice reference: 2026/S 000-106480

Estimated Value by Lot

Tender documents and submission portal: London Borough of Lambeth Procurement Portal

Find a Tender notice: Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People

Supplier Requirements

The opportunity is divided into six lots, allowing providers to consider the service areas that best match their delivery capabilities and experience.

The notice does not specify detailed supplier qualifications, accreditations, financial standing requirements or whether there are restrictions on the number of lots a supplier may bid for. Providers should consult the full procurement documents for the requirements and submission arrangements.

Tenders must be submitted electronically through the Lambeth procurement portal, in English.

Evaluation Criteria

Price accounts for 60% of the evaluation across all six lots, with the remaining 40% allocated to quality method statements.

The quality weightings differ depending on whether the lot covers general needs or complex needs provision.

Lots 1, 3 and 5 – General Needs

• Price: 60%
• Method Statement 4: 10%
• Method Statement 5: 10%
• Method Statement 1: 8%
• Method Statement 2: 6%
• Method Statement 3: 6%

Lots 2, 4 and 6 – Complex Needs

• Price: 60%
• Method Statement 5: 10%
• Method Statement 6: 10%
• Method Statement 1: 6%
• Method Statement 4: 6%
• Method Statement 2: 4%
• Method Statement 3: 4%

The notice provides the weightings but does not explain the individual method statement questions. These details should be checked in the tender documentation.

Commercial Relevance

This opportunity may interest charities, community organisations, specialist children’s service providers and other organisations delivering activities and support for disabled children and young people.

The six-lot structure creates opportunities across different age groups and levels of need, from general play and social activities to more specialist provision for children and young people with complex needs.

With an estimated total value of £9.7 million excluding VAT and a potential contract period of more than six years, this is a significant commissioning opportunity for providers working in children’s services, disability support, short breaks and preparation for adulthood.

Organisations considering a bid should pay close attention to the distinction between general needs and complex needs lots, as well as the substantial 60% weighting allocated to price.

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