the tendering process from Maria K

[family]

We are going ahead with the bid conference on the 25th November at the Roundthorn Hotel, Penrith.  Parents are being invited to the morning session from 10-12 to find out more about the tendering process and services to be delivered as well as a training session for those who will be involved in the tender panel.  There are basically 4 places for parents from each locality so if there are any parents interested in attending then ask them to email sarah.stephenson@cumbriacc.gov.uk.  Parents will be provided with lunch afterwards and will be welcome to stay and chat to providers attending the first of two sessions from 1:30 ? 4:00 and the second session 4:30 ? 7:00.  Out of pocket expenses will be refunded as per usual arrangement, but through me, not Jon this time.  As mentioned at the locality stakeholder groups we need to get one parent from each locality on the tender panel, we need the whole 0-19 age range covered and we need parents of children with a range of disabilities, so that we don?t end up with 4 parents of children with autism aged 12 in Eden, because we will be discussing what is the best fit strategically for all severely disabled children across the whole of Cumbria.  Difficult for anyone to get their head around but to step outside your own geographical location, child?s disability and age group will be very challenging indeed, and we will need to reach a consensual decision between 4 parents and 4 LA officers.