Portsmouth City Council has set up a new way for organisations to offer day services for people with learning disabilities. This is called the Learning Disabilities Day Opportunity Framework.
Learning Disability Day Services Framework
What is the Day Opportunity Framework?
The framework started on 1 November 2024 and will run for 8 years. It allows organisations of all sizes to apply, from small and medium local businesses to large regional and national providers. Even micro-providers who support just one or two people can join.
The aim is to offer a wide range of services, like a “high street” of choices, so people with learning disabilities can find activities and support that suit them.
When and how can providers apply?
Organisations can apply to join or add new services at any time during the 8-year framework period. However, applications are only looked at twice a year, in April and October.
There’s no limit to how many providers can join but the council reserves the right to decide to stop accepting new applications. If this happens, we’ll give 3 months’ notice and inform you by:
- adding a Modification Notice to the original Find a Tender Service Contract Notice
- updating the framework advert on the Contracts Finder and Portsmouth City Council’s e-sourcing system
This could be a temporary or permanent change and will be clearly stated in the updated notices and adverts.
How are services arranged?
The Day Opportunities Framework is used to help place people with learning disabilities into services that meet their needs. Sometimes, several placements are grouped together into a block contract. These are arranged through either a Further Competition or a Direct Award process.
Each placement must match or be better than the prices set in the framework. If a block contract is created, it will be judged separately based on quality and cost, not just the framework prices.
What do these services offer?
Day opportunity services help people with learning disabilities to enjoy life outside their home. These services give people the chance to:
- Learn new skills
- Take part in fun and meaningful activities
- Make friends
- Improve their health and wellbeing
They also give families and carers time to do things they might not be able to do while caring for someone. This could include going to work, doing everyday tasks, or taking a break.
What is the council aiming to achieve?
Through the Day Opportunities Framework, Portsmouth City Council is working to grow and improve services in the community. These services help people with learning disabilities and their carers live everyday lives and enjoy better health, independence, learning, work, leisure, and relationships.
These services are designed to help people with learning disabilities reach important life goals. They focus on four key areas:
- Health
- Independence
- Community
- Employment
By supporting people in these areas, the services help them become healthier, more independent, and more involved in their communities. This also helps families and carers by giving them time to do other important tasks.
What staffing levels are offered?
Day opportunity services offer different levels of staff support depending on what each person needs. These are called staffing ratios.
The ratios are:
- 1 staff member for 1 person (1:1)
- 2 staff members for 1 person (2:1)
- 3 staff members for 1 person (3:1)
- 4 staff members for 1 person (4:1)
- 5 or more staff members for 1 person (5+:1)
Service providers don’t have to offer all of these levels. They only need to set prices for the ones they do offer.