Contact: Sandra McDine, 01962 847228, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Children's Services approves the proposal to seek an exemption from the County Council Standing Orders on Contracts for the purchase of residential respite bed nights for children with disabilities from KIDS Southeast Limited.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Maximising well-being" - by ensuring that children and young people are provided with a meaningful respite opportunity, and are able to remain living with their own families, within their own communities.

2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

"Staying safe" - The provision of safe and secure respite care is not only beneficial for the young people receiving the care, but also for the parents/carers to give them the opportunity to "recharge their batteries" to continue providing quality care at home for their children.

"Enjoying and achieving" - There are a range of activities and resources available at this purpose built respite unit which provides different opportunities for the children and young people. It also provides an opportunity for these activities to take place with a variety of other children and young people, potentially outside of their usual peer group.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 Consideration was given to tendering this service. However, due to the satisfaction and confidence in the service shown by parents/carers, and the current uncertainties in relation to the re-provisioning of Bedhampton House, this was not considered appropriate at this time.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor Felicity Hindson MBE

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services