Summer Holiday Activities 2023
The long summer holidays are nearly here.
Many of our families have children who struggle with the change in routine when school ends for the summer. For some children busy days out can be overwhelming, or is not accessible.
We’ve put together a list of local services and activities where you can find support and SEND friendly activities over the summer.
SGPC - Our Community, our own SGPC Facebook group for Parent Carers of children (0-25) with additional needs & disabilities can be used throughout the school holidays to connect with other families and to support each other.
We have a post currently pinned to the top of our page for parent carers to share summer holiday ideas.
SEND Specific Activities
Many of these run year round activities for children with additional needs and disabilities, and their families.
Incredible Kids is a play centre which runs various sessions during term time and in the holidays for children with additional needs. Membership is free and sessions are held at The Vench in Lockleaze.
Gympanzees is a world of fun and fitness for all disabled children. They have a lending library during term time and offer pop-up sessions during the school holidays. Location for this summer is The Venturers Academy in Withywood.
JIGSAW in Thornbury runs sessions for children with additional needs and disabilities through the holidays as well as during term time. They also have an SEN lending library and hold events and meetings. Free to join.
National Autistic Society (NAS) South Glos branch. Need a diagnosis of social communication or autism to access the activities on offer but no diagnosis needed to access some of the support. • Nothing Special arrange accessible activities at quieter times.
Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) from South Glos Council - Food and activities for children who are entitled to free school meals. A small amount of funding is also allocated for SEN children.
Kingston Seymour playground for children with additional needs to enjoy. A lovely safe space with fully accessible equipment based in Clevedon. One-off fee of £2.50, run by Yeo Valley Lions Club.
Warmley Wheelers is a scheme for children and young people with health conditions to be able to access cycling. They have a wide range of standard and specially adapted bicycles.
Children’s Playlink offer holiday play schemes to approximately 200 disabled children and young people. The schemes run in Yate, Bradley Stoke, Staple Hill, and Thornbury.
Short Breaks are a way of giving parents and carers a break from their caring responsibilities. Short breaks can also benefit your child with disabilities. You can find a list of the activities available here.
We'll be releasing a survey on 1st September to get your thoughts and feedback on the Short Breaks provisions you have accessed over the summer holidays. Keep an eye out on our social media to find out when this is available, or sign up to our database to have it emailed directly.
SEND Friendly Activities
National Trust Tyntesfield summer activities.
Victorian Games 24th July- 6th August 10.30am-4pm
Happy Campers 7th – 20th August 10.30am-4pm
Let’s Play 21st August- 3rd September 10.30am-4pm
SEND Friendly Sessions
Many of the local attractions hold specific sessions for children with additional needs and disabilities.
Super Sense
Access Sports
Airhop
Wacky Warehouse
Jump soft play
Hengrove park
Active centres
Bristol Family Cycling Centre
Mud Pie Explorers (forest school)
Wake the Tiger
Bump roller disco