1. Introduction
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is committed to delivering inclusive and accessible opportunities for children and young people. We are inviting suitably experienced community, voluntary and/or charitable organisations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to act as a delivery partner to expand or develop inclusive summer scheme provision for children and/or young adults with additional and/or complex needs who reside within the Council area.
Delivery partners will be expected to demonstrate appropriate governance, safeguarding and operational capacity, including adequate supervision levels, access to nursing and/or specialised staffing where required, suitable accessible facilities, and clear frameworks for planning and safely delivering activities that meet a diverse range of needs.
2. Programme Overview
The pilot Inclusive Summer Scheme Programme aims to increase the availability, quality and accessibility of summer provision for children and/or young adults with additional and/or complex needs. Provision should be welcoming, person-centred and designed to enable participants to take part in meaningful activities alongside their peers where appropriate, while ensuring safety, dignity and wellbeing.
The scheme has been designed to:
- Provide safe, inclusive and enjoyable summer opportunities for children and/or young adults with additional and/or complex needs.
- Offer families increased choice of provision and improved access within the Council area.
- Ensure robust safeguarding, supervision and care arrangements proportionate to assessed needs.
- Support participation through reasonable adjustments, communication supports and accessible environments.
- Promote partnership working with families, carers and relevant statutory/third-sector services.