Call for Expressions of Interest: Delivery Partners for Pilot Inclusive Summer Scheme Programme

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. 

Proposals may include expansion of existing provision or development of new provision.

EOIs should indicate the intended: 

• target age group (e.g., primary, post-primary, and/or young adults) and anticipated number of places. 
• operating model (e.g., day scheme, short sessions, outreach, activity-based, specialist support model). 
• recruitment or referral pathways for existing or new participants. 
• days/times and overall duration of programme delivery during the summer period. 
• delivery location(s) within the Council area, including transport considerations where relevant. 
• types of activities (e.g., sport, arts, outdoor learning, sensory activities, life skills, social activities) and how these will be adapted to participants’ needs. 

EOIs are welcomed from non-commercial, not-for-profit organisations that are based in and/or currently operating within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area (or can clearly demonstrate their ability to deliver provision within the Council area). This includes (but is not limited to) community and voluntary organisations, sports organisations, charities and social enterprises operating on a not-for-profit basis. 

Applicants must be able to provide: 

• an open and accountable governing document (Constitution or Articles and Memorandum of Association, or applicable governing document) that has been properly adopted and in place for at least 12 months;
• a bank account in the name of the organisation, which requires at least two (unrelated) signatories     
• an annual set of independently examined financial accounts 
• a Management Committee or Governing Board, elected by its membership at an Annual General Meeting, and elected office bearers; 
• appropriate policies and procedures in place including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and appropriate training for staff & volunteers involved in the delivery of the scheme. 
• a minimum of £5 million public liability and £10 million employer’s liability insurance (and professional indemnity where applicable). 

To be considered, providers must be able to evidence (or commit to having in place prior to delivery) the following as a minimum: 

• safeguarding: robust safeguarding policy and procedures; designated safeguarding lead; staff training and clear reporting routes. 
• appropriate supervision: supervision levels and staff-to-participant ratios proportionate to assessed needs and risk (including 1:1 or 2:1 support where required), with clear arrangements for breaks, cover and escalation. 
• relevant experience: experienced staff and volunteers with relevant qualifications and/or training. 
• nursing/specialist support (where required): access to registered nurses and/or appropriately trained staff to support healthcare needs (e.g., medication support/administration, PEG feeding, epilepsy/seizure management, diabetes care) in line with agreed care plans and permissions. 
• health and safety and risk management: up-to-date risk assessments for activities and venues; incident/accident reporting; emergency procedures; safe recruitment practices. 
• inclusive practice: person-centred planning; reasonable adjustments; accessible communication methods; arrangements to support sensory needs and neurodiversity. 
• facilities: suitable, accessible and safe premises (including accessible toilets/changing facilities where needed), appropriate space for calm/quiet areas, and safe storage for medications and equipment. 
• policies and governance: clear organisational governance, data protection, equality and inclusion policy, complaints procedure, and quality assurance arrangements. 
• insurance: Minimum of £5million public liability and £10million employer’s liability insurance (and professional indemnity where applicable). 
• family engagement: clear processes for gathering participant information (including care needs, permissions and emergency contacts) and communicating with families/carers. 

In completing the expression of interest via the online form applicants will be required to detail the following in order to be considered: 

• organisation details: name, address, contact person, telephone and email; legal status and governance structure. 
• relevant experience: evidence of delivery of inclusive provision for children/young people/young adults with additional and/or complex needs (including examples and outcomes). 
• proposed model: A clear outline of the proposed programme including target group, capacity (number of places), registration or enrolment process, dates/times, location(s), and indicative timetable/activities. 
• participation: how the provider will engage and reach families who may not typically access schemes or services, including those not already linked to existing provision. 
• staffing plan: proposed staffing structure, roles, qualifications, training, supervision ratios, and how 1:1/2:1 support will be provided where required. 
• nursing/specialist provision: Detailed nursing or specialist support arrangements, competencies, medication management processes, and how individual healthcare needs will be safely supported. 
• safeguarding and risk: summary of safeguarding arrangements, safe recruitment, risk assessments and emergency planning. 
• facilities and accessibility: description of venues and accessibility features; quiet spaces; moving and handling arrangements if relevant. 
• partnership approach: how you will engage with families/carers and collaborate with relevant services to support safe participation. 
• budget outline: high-level indicative costs and what funding/support you are seeking from the Council (if applicable), including how value for money will be achieved. 
• monitoring and quality: how you will measure participation, outcomes and satisfaction, and how feedback will be used for continuous improvement. 

This call is an Expression of Interest to inform partnership and commissioning arrangements. Shortlisted providers may be invited to provide further information, participate in clarification meetings and/or complete due diligence checks prior to appointment. 

All submissions must be made by 3rd June 2026 at 5pm 

Should you have any queries please contact Community Services via email: community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9244 7713 

As part of the approvals process, applications may be discussed during committee and council procedures. 

Click here to complete the Expression of Interest