Free events for SEND children to enjoy this summer

From inclusive splash pads to accessible cricket sessions, a variety of free events in the West of England this summer are being tailored toward children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

A number of community groups and charities are encouraging venues to make provisions for children with SEND, suggesting small changes such as dimmer lighting to make activities more accessible.

"Look at the environment you are holding an event in," said Jenny, who organised an inclusive teddy bear hunt in Wiltshire. "It's just about bearing in mind everybody has different needs and doing your best to support that," she added.

We have rounded up a selection of free events this August which are tailored towards SEND children and their families.

Sessions offering free food and crafts, such as stamp making and animal model painting, are being held at OTR Bristol for children aged 11-16. The sessions, which people can sign up for online, run until 19 August at Old Market in Bristol.

The upcoming Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which is free to attend, has accessible toilets and a changing facility which includes a hoist. There is also an accessible car park for anyone with a Blue Badge parking permit, although this does cost extra.

Meanwhile in north Bristol and Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation's Super 1s programme is holding free, inclusive cricket sessions for anyone aged 9-25 at various locations.

Bristol City Council also pointed SEND families to the Your Holiday Hub website which features free activities for any children eligible for free school meals who are on the SEND register.

Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum (GPCF) will host a free Stay and Play session for parent carers, children with additional needs and their siblings on 27 August at Pittville Park in Cheltenham.

It will run between 10:00 and 14:00 BST and feature games, activities, a play area, café and toilet facilities.

Drop-in sessions, held by GPCF in conjunction with Gloucestershire County council, are also taking place at the Beacon Children's Centre, Hilltop Children's Centre, River Children's Centre and Lighthouse Children's Centre for any parents looking for support.

Gloucestershire County Council's website states: "For many families of children with additional needs, the summer holidays can bring both opportunities and challenges, especially when trying to find activities that are inclusive, accessible and suitable for everyone.

"This summer, a variety of inclusive events, activities and support services are available across Gloucestershire to help families spend quality time together and access opportunities that meet their needs."

On 19 August from 10:30 to 12:00, Street Community Library will host a free finger painting session described as an "exciting sensory experience for children and the people that care for them". Anyone wanting to join needs to sign up in advance.

FLOC - Freeing Loneliness, Offering Community - is also hosting several events across Somerset for parents of SEND children to come together for an hour-long session to discuss their shared experiences.

A £5 donation is suggested by the group but organisers said no-one would be turned away.

A list of SEND events organised by Somerset Council can be viewed online, along with details about play days at the county's libraries, which are not SEND specific but are SEND welcoming.

Families in Somerset can also get free activity day passes if they have a child or young person with a disability or additional need. These are offered by the council's community inclusion and activity team.

Discover Frome also posts upcoming events, which include low-cost SEND events, online.

In Wiltshire, the Hideout Hub - a free club for young people with SEND - takes place each Tuesday at the Devizes Youth Lounge and each Thursday at the Melksham Riverside Centre, between 16:00 and 18:00.

There are also quiet sessions at Chippenham Town Council's splash pad between 09:00 and 10:00 on Tuesdays.

In Swindon, Send Community Connect is holding an inclusive teddy bear hunt at Coate Water on 14 August between 11:00 and 12:00.

Organiser Jenny, who is neurodivergent and whose son has autism, said people wanting to attend did not have to prebook and the rules would be very simple.

Elsewhere, Melksham Town Council will put on a SEND-specific screening at 10:00 every Thursday in the town's Assembly Hall.

SEND sessions will also take place at the town's splash pad in King George V Playing Fields every Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:30.

Wiltshire Council is running various free events at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon, art sessions at St Pauls Church Hall in Chippenham, a SEND-friendly comedy show at Pound Arts Centre and a creative walk at Salisbury nature reserve near the Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre.

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