This Key Executive Decision is seeking approval to procure a Havering Short Breaks Open Framework that enables the approval and ongoing quality assurance of the providers that are entered onto it.

The framework aims to further develop a wide range of short breaks activities and enable access to parent/carers of children with special educational needs anddisabilities (SEND).

It will develop a wide variety of fun, meaningful, supporting options available and will ensure the Council is compliant with its statutory duty under the Children Act 1989, which requires Local Authorities to provide services designated to provide a break to carers of children with disabilities.

Report Title: Proposal to procure an Open Flexible Framework and interim arrangements for Havering’s Children’s with Disabilities Statutory Short Breaks.

Presented by: Councillor Oscar Ford – Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

Cabinet:

1.         Agreed to procure a Havering Short Breaks open framework commencing on 01 October 2026 for a term of five-years at an estimated value to the Council of £13.136m, noting the price: quality evaluation ratio to be used of 30:70.

2.         Agreed to extend the current two Havering Short Breaks contracts with Family Information Group (FIG) and Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham (DABD) for six months from 01 April 2026 until 30 September 2026 to support the interim arrangements.

3.         Agreed to extend the arrangements for provision of Short Breaks via Individual Placement Agreements (IPAs) with existing providers and if required with new providers until the commencement of the new Short Breaks’ framework on 30 September 2026.

4.         Delegated authority to the Director of Starting Well to:

a.         enter all arrangements and documentation necessary to give effect to 2 and 3 above

b.         establish the Short Breaks Framework and award initial framework contracts; and open the framework and award framework contracts as required throughout the term of the framework.

c.         set the fee for access to the Short Breaks Framework and enter into access agreements as required

5.         Noted that call off contracts throughout the term of the framework will be awarded in line with the Council’s financial scheme of delegation