SEND & Additional Needs
We believe every child deserves the chance to enjoy holiday camp. Here's how we support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in our mainstream camp environment.
Understanding the Three Levels of SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are categorised into three levels. We can typically support children at Level 1 within our mainstream camp setting.
SEN Support
Children who need some additional support in a mainstream setting. This might include mild learning difficulties, mild speech and language needs, or mild social and emotional needs. These children can typically thrive with small adjustments and awareness from staff.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Children with more complex needs that require a formal plan from the local authority, often involving specialist support. These children typically need additional one-to-one or specialist provision beyond what a mainstream setting can provide.
Specialist Provision
Children who attend specialist schools or require highly specialised care, equipment, or one-to-one supervision at all times. This level of need falls outside the scope of a mainstream holiday camp environment.
Our Staffing Ratios
We operate from our standard staffing ratios across all venues. Unfortunately, this means we are unable to accommodate any one-to-one care needs within our mainstream camp environment.
Early Years & Early Explorers
(4–6 year olds)
Older Children
(7+)
Our ratios ensure a safe, engaging environment for all children, but they do not allow for the dedicated one-to-one support that some children may require.
Success Stories
We have many success stories of children with SEND needs coming to our camps and truly flourishing. The mainstream environment provides wonderful opportunities for social interaction, confidence building, and making new friends.
Many families have found that their children really benefit from the structured but fun atmosphere, the variety of activities, and the chance to be part of a wider group.
💡 Try a Trial Day
It can always be worth trialling a day to see how your child gets on. We always have spaces to rebook if it all goes to plan — and most of the time, it does!
Extra SEND Support in Suffolk
On occasions, we apply to local councils for additional SEND support funding. We are pleased that in Suffolk, we are working with Activities Unlimited — a local charity — and the Suffolk County Council Short Breaks team to provide extra SEND support workers.
These additional workers operate at a ratio of one member of staff to four children. While this doesn't provide one-to-one support, it can make a real difference for children who just need some time out away from the course area, or who benefit from a bit of extra encouragement and support throughout the day.
We will continue to apply for similar support in other councils where we operate.
Visit Suffolk Local Offer — Activities UnlimitedSEND Resources at Every Venue
SEND Resource Box
Every venue is equipped with a dedicated SEND resource box for staff to use.
Ear Defenders
Ear defenders available for children who are sensitive to noise.
Sensory Toys
A selection of SEND toys and sensory items to help children self-regulate and feel comfortable.
Want to Discuss Your Child's Needs?
If you feel your child may enjoy and embrace the time spent at camp and you'd like to discuss their needs further, please call our dedicated SEND Support Line. We're here to help.
Call Our SEND Support LineOur team can discuss your child's needs, answer any questions, and help you decide whether to try a trial day.