Portsmouth City Council - Short Breaks and Specialist Playschemes Service Contracts (2026)

Portsmouth City Council is seeking service providers to deliver Targeted Short Breaks and Specialist Holiday Playschemes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and additional needs. This is a re-procurement of existing services split into three lots: Lot 1 - Inclusive Community Short Breaks (play and activity sessions, £100,000 per annum base); Lot 2 - Befriending & Mentoring services (£170,000 per annum base); and Lot 3 - Specialist SEND Playschemes for complex needs (£247,000 per annum base). Total estimated annual value is £517,000 across all three lots. Services will support children and young people aged 5 to 18 living in Portsmouth during school holidays, weekends, and after-school periods. Each contract will run for an initial 3-year term with an option to extend by up to 2 additional years (maximum 5 years total), subject to performance and funding availability. Services must comply with the SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding standards. This procurement is subject to an 8+ working day mandatory standstill period under the Procurement Act 2023. Note: Contract scope and value may be subject to change due to ongoing Local Government Reorganisation discussions affecting the Portsmouth area.