Knowsley Council is re-commissioning a range of short breaks services that will support children with disabilities and their families in Knowsley.
Short breaks provide breaks from caring for carers of disabled children to support them to continue to care for their children at home and to allow them to do so more effectively. They also provide opportunities for disabled children to benefit from new interests, relationships and activities.
The contract will commence on 1 November 2026 until 31 October 2030, with an option to extend the contract for two further 12-month periods (until 31 October 2032).
The development of this tender includes feedback from residents regarding what they would like to see improved to better their needs in relation to SEND as well as recommendations from the Council for Disabled Children following a review they conducted earlier this year of the council’s short breaks offer and commissioning strategy.
The tender includes the delivery of a range of short break activities for children and young people with disabilities aged five to 19 years. There are three ‘lots’ included within the tender covering activity sessions that will take place on weekdays, at the weekend, and at school holidays.
Bids are welcomed for single or multiple ‘lots’ of this contract and collaborative approaches, including consortiums or joint bids.
Lot 1 – Centre based activities
Activities are designed to promote independence, confidence, peer relationships and physical wellbeing, while offering families essential respite. Each session includes a combination of free play, group activities, communication‑focused interaction and calm/sensory time, adapted for both age groups (5 to10 years and 11 to 15 years). Activities will be planned and developed based on young people’s feedback and may include arts and crafts, music, animal care, cooking and sensory groups.
Lot 2 – Physical Development based Activities
The service offers a combination of land‑based sports, movement activities and supervised swimming, tailored to individual needs, abilities and confidence levels. Sessions promote physical health, coordination, water safety skills, social interaction and emotional wellbeing, while delivering meaningful and enjoyable short breaks. Activities will be planned and developed based on young people’s feedback, but must include swimming sessions, and may also include activities such as drama, dance, yoga and gymnastics.
Lot 3 – Community based Activities
This service provides inclusive, stimulating and locally accessible sessions for children and young people with disabilities within community venues such as libraries, youth centres, parks and cultural spaces. A core principle of the provision is equality of opportunity, social inclusion and a sense of belonging within their communities. This includes participation in activities such as trips to local parks, cinemas and community events, as well as opportunities to socialise with peers in informal, youth-led settings.
You can find out more about this tender opportunity and how to bid here. The closing date for submissions is 12 noon on 29 June 2026.