New partnership to deliver All In Short Breaks for children and young people with SEND
Shropshire Council is delighted to announce the awarding of a new contract for the delivery of All In Short Breaks to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Following a robust and transparent tender process, the contract has been awarded to Shrewsbury Town Foundation, the charitable arm of Shrewsbury Town Football Club Foundation. The new contract will begin on 1 April 2026, initially lasting for three years.
The All In Short Breaks programme is a targeted Early Help initiative designed to meet the unique needs of children and young people with SEND, offering them the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of enriching activities, which may include youth clubs, holiday schemes, horse riding, cycling, forest school, drama, arts and crafts, football and other sports, independence workshops and preparation for adulthood. All In Short Breaks provide enriching experiences for children and young people, offering them the opportunity to spend time away from their parent carers, which can benefit both the child and parent carer.
By working with the Shrewsbury Town Foundation Trust, Shropshire Council aims to build on their strong local record in providing life-enhancing activities while also working with smaller local providers and charities. This approach will ensure that the All In Short Breaks encompass a diverse range of activities, and is not just limited to sports. Shrewsbury Town Foundation Trust already works closely with smaller organisations right across Shropshire, which means that short breaks will be accessible to children with SEND no matter where they live.
The decision to award the contract to Shrewsbury Town Foundation follows a full, transparent, and robust procurement process. All submissions were fully evaluated, with the award of the contract based on quality, service provision and value for money. Members of Shropshire Parent Carer Council (PACC) were consulted throughout the whole commissioning and tendering process, and were valued partners in the development of the specification and subsequent evaluation of tenders. Representing the voice of the wider SEND community, PACC provided invaluable insights and feedback into the diverse and changing needs of children with SEND and their families.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“For families and children with SEND, the value of All In Short Breaks cannot be understated. From working closely with Shropshire Parent Carer Council (PACC), it is evident how much sheer joy these many different activities bring to children and young people.
“Shrewsbury Town Foundation Trust provided an outstanding tender submission. Their community-focused ethos, combined with their understanding of the unique challenges of children with SEND and their families, makes them an ideal partner for Shropshire Council. Their commitment to close collaboration with families and partnerships with local providers will further develop and expand the All In Short Breaks offer, ensuring that these breaks are responsive to the needs of families, and enables more children with SEND to take part in rewarding, life-enhancing activities.
“I am, as ever, grateful to PACC for all their support and guidance. Their unique perspectives mean that the new partnership is set to provide greater choice, flexibility and opportunities for parent carers and children with SEND, ensuring that the new offer will be more broader and more inclusive.”
Shin Aujla, Foundation Director of Shrewsbury Town Football Club Foundation, added:
“Shrewsbury Town Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Shropshire Council to deliver the county’s All In Short Breaks provision, offering vital support and enriching opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and providing them and their family the opportunity for a short break from their caring responsibilities.
“Shrewsbury Town Foundation will lead a wide-ranging programme of short break activities designed to promote independence, social engagement, and physical wellbeing. The initiative will run at venues across Shropshire through various delivery partners, ensuring families countywide can access meaningful, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences.”
The award of the new contract forms part of a wider review of all short breaks offered through Shropshire Council and its partners. Third-party contracts for Overnight Short Breaks, Specialist Community Based Short Breaks, and Family Based Care are all currently being evaluated, and are at different stages of the bidding and procurement processes. The contract for Overnight Short Breaks was recently awarded to Shaftesbury.
What happens next?
Shropshire Council have started to work collaboratively with Shrewsbury Town Football Club Foundation and have begun the mobilisation process, with the new All-In Short Breaks due to go live on April 1 2026.
Further communication will be shared with parent carers during this period to ensure that the changeover is smooth, seamless and responds to their specific needs. The views of PACC will continue to be sought during this time.
If your child is an existing All-In member you do not need to do anything as you will be contacted with further details in due course. If your child is not currently a member and you would like to join the programme you can apply here The All In Programme | Shropshire Council
In the meantime, parent carers are urged to contact ShortBreaks@shropshire.gov.uk for more information.
Smaller providers of charities or activities to children and young people who wish to get involved are urged to contact Andrew Price, Inclusion Manager of Shrewsbury Town Football Club Foundation. (Andrew Price andrew.price@foundationstfc.co.uk)
