Worcestershire County Council Establishes Short Breaks Services Framework for Children with Disabilities

Worcestershire County Council has established a new Short Breaks Services Framework to support its Sufficiency Duty in relation to short breaks for children with disabilities and to improve outcomes for children requiring specialist support.

The framework has been created as an open framework, allowing approved suppliers to deliver services through future call-off contracts. There is no limit to the number of suppliers that can join the framework, with all lots set to reopen at least annually.

The initial framework covers Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks and Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks, with services due to commence on 1 November 2026.

Successful Providers

For Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks, two organisations have been appointed:

• Barnardo’s
• Progress Children’s Services Limited

The framework lot has an estimated value of £2 million excluding VAT (£2.2 million including VAT).

For Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks, Progress Children’s Services Limited has been appointed.

This framework lot also has an estimated value of £2 million excluding VAT (£2.2 million including VAT).

Supporting Children and Families

The framework is intended to improve the availability of suitable short breaks by providing the right support at the right time and location for children with disabilities.

Lot 1 covers planned overnight short breaks within the home of an approved foster carer, while Lot 2 provides planned overnight short breaks within registered children’s home settings for children and young people with disabilities and/or complex needs.

Future Framework Expansion

Lots 3 and 4 were not awarded as part of the initial framework.

The Council confirmed that Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care and Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers will continue to operate through the existing Dynamic Purchasing System until 28 February 2027. These lots are expected to transition to the open framework from 1 March 2027, when Lots 1 and 2 will also reopen for additional suppliers.

Procurement Process

The framework was established through an open procedure under the Light Touch Regime.

For Lot 1, two tenders were received and both suppliers were appointed to the framework. For Lot 2, one tender was received and one supplier was appointed.

The award decision was made on 31 July 2026, with assessment summaries issued on the same day. The standstill period concludes on 14 August 2026, with framework agreements expected to be signed from 1 October 2026.

Framework Details

• Contracting Authority: Worcestershire County Council
• Procurement Reference: CSC25128
• Framework Type: Open Framework
• Initial Framework Start: 1 November 2026
• Lot 1 Duration: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2034
• Lot 2 Duration: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030
• Procurement Procedure: Open Procedure (Light Touch)

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