SEND Sessions and Activities in Cheshire
These fabulous companies have made their venues inclusive for everyone by adding SEND sessions to their calendars. These are suitable for people with special educational needs and disabilities. Here are some up coming dates but please always check out their websites and socials to get up to date info.
Play @Lower Drayton Farm
Quiet Fridays 3-6pm
By design, we’ve tried to make the experience as accessible as possible so that everyone can join in the fun, with lift access to the first floor of the playbarn and accessible walkways and paths all around the site.
Our quieter, low-capacity sessions take place on Friday evenings during school term time and holidays.
Jodrell Bank
Relaxed Morning Visits
5th May & 2nd June
Relaxed visits: 10am till 11am on the first Sunday of the month
Join us for a relaxed start to the day – sound in our exhibition spaces will be at a reduced level and there’ll be a relaxed early showing of our free film ‘The Story of Jodrell Bank’ at 10.15am.
Castaway Play in Congleton
SEN sessions have different characters to meet. Please see picture for dates and characters. The sessions are on 9 am until 11.30 am.
SEN Sessions are run at a limited capacity with dedicated staff to give those who may become overwhelmed on a regular session a chance to play.
These sessions book up fast to please book now to avoid disappointment:
SEN Sessions at The Ice Cream Farm Chester
Parents and carers can expect: limited numbers, hand driers and music turned off, ear defenders available on request, indoor and outdoor attractions open
Open from 9am with the choice to stay all day
• Afternoon sessions (3:30 pm - 6:30 pm):
Sun 21st April
Sun 19th May
All dates are available to book here
Eureka Science and Discover
Relaxed SENdays: These special days run from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. They provide a more relaxed environment for children with special educational needs (SEN) and their families.
A relaxed day for disabled visitors and their families
What’s relaxed about it?
Low visitor numbers: We’ve heavily restricted ticket availability on these days, so our galleries will be much less busy than usual.
Flexible timings: We want these days to work around you! Which is why – although we do ask you to select an arrival time – we are flexible if you happen to get here a little earlier or later than your slot.
Chill Out Room: Need some time out away from the main museum? Just ask any of our Enablers (the people in purple shirts with “Eureka! Science + Discovery” written on them) for access to our Chill Out Room.
Ear defenders:You can borrow a pair of ear defenders for free from our Information Desk (by the admissions tills) – subject to availability, obvs.
Fully accessible venue:Including lifts and a Changing Places loo.
Trained, supportive staff:Our whole team are trained in disability awareness, and we really want you all to have a great day out. Just ask us if there’s anything we can do to support you 🙂
Do I have to pre-book?Yes please! All visitors must pre-book, even if you are an existing annual pass holder. There will be a very limited number of tickets available on this day!
Upcoming SENdays19th May & 26th July
Hockerhill Adventure Barn
Hockerhill SEN Sessions
On the first Thursday of every month, 3-5.30pm, we are creating a safe environment for all the usual Hockerhill fun and games, with fewer visitors and purposefully quieter surroundings.
So many of you have asked for SEN friendly playtimes and we’re so happy to be able to let you know about our new offering. Jump on our bookings page to grab a spot!
p.s. the cafe will open for you too!
Rock Up Manchester
Autism and SEN Friendly Session - Child or Adult climbing is a fantastic way to burn off some energy while having mountains of fun. We believe everyone should have a chance to reach new heights and therefore during our Autism and SEN friendly sessions we’ll turn the music off and there will be fewer climbers in the arena to create a calmer and quieter environment. Family and siblings are of course also welcome to climb.
All In Play in Northwich
All in play are a specialist play group designed to provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for children with disabilities. Our primary aim is to foster a sense of belonging and to create an opportunities for all children to engage in fun, free play experiences without any transitions or pressure in a judgement free space.
We host sessions for children with SEND & there siblings aged 0 - 11. These range from our quiet weekend sessions to our busier seasonal parties.
• At All In Play, we believe that every child deserves the chance to immerse themselves in a range of activities regardless of their diagnosis, disability, or complex needs. Our play group is open to all children, and no specific diagnosis or disability is required to attend. We strive to create an environment that promotes acceptance, understanding, and equality.
• During our sessions, we focus on engaging children through taste-safe sensory activities, allowing them to explore their senses in a secure and stimulating manner. Our play group is designed to provide a vast array of play opportunities where children can learn, discover, and have fun alongside their peers. We prioritize individual choice and enjoyment, ensuring that each child can participate in activities that interest them the most.
For more information on sessions, and to book and register please follow the link below..
At Winnington community building
Xplore Science Discovery Centre
Inclusion Sunday 28 April 2024, 9:30 am at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and discover the wonders of science in a way that feels comfortable and inclusive for them. That's why we are excited to announce that we will be hosting an Inclusion Day, a special event designed to make our centre more welcoming for those with an additional need or disability once a month. On Inclusion Day, we will be hosting a drop-in version of our current science show that will allow visitors to interact in a way that feels comfortable for them. We will also be offering a sensory space for visitors to use if they need it. This space will be a quiet and calming area where visitors can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the centre and relax. Xplore! offers free admission for carers. Click here to book
Warrington Play and Sensory Centre
It is a purpose built activity centre for disabled children and adults or those with special needs.
Our facilities have been planned carefully, and are fully accessible to ensure that your time with us is as enjoyable as possible.
Click here to check out their session days and times.
Popcat's Music Time Ltd
“😺Popcat’s Music Time Ltd is a music and movement session for 0-5 year olds.
Popcat’s is nationwide, my classes are based in Knutsford, WA16. Everyone is welcome to any class. There are specialist classes at Popcat’s for children with additional needs. No diagnosis needed.
😺I do a session on Wednesday which is in a large space and a quieter session. I am a former Special Needs Teacher too, and can add in any additional communication support too. The structure of the session supports all children transitioning into each element of the class.
😺In the session you get explore objects of references to songs, musical instruments, parachute, bubbles and other sensory elements. 🪩🌈🫧
The songs are around action songs, nursery rhymes, number songs and pop songs too.
😺All children get to develop all 7 areas of learning through music and movement. What could be more fun!?
Come find a class that suits you!
📍Where to find Popcat:
📍Wednesday’s at Charlton Lodge, WA16 6JD Knutsford ⏰10-11am
📍Thursday’s at Great Sutton Village Hall, CH66 3NZ ⏰9.30-10.30am
📍Friday’s St Cross Church, WA16 8EL ⏰ 10-11am
Treetop Golf Manchester
Two different inside 18 hole adventure golf courses, a bar and restaurant, Treetop offers a great family activity.
Quiet Sessions take place once a month on the last Sunday of the month (9am - 10am)
We know some of our guests prefer calm and quiet, so once a month, there's a hush in our rainforest. No strobe lightning. No background buzz. Even the Sacred Mask takes it down to a whisper
Freedome Trampoline Park+ Cheshire Oaks
Everyone should be able to experience the joy of bouncing in an environment they feel comfortable in.
We pride ourselves on being as inclusive as possible and appreciate that our park can often be too noisy, busy and fast-paced for some people. Freespirits is designed specifically for those on the autism spectrum and with additional needs and disabilities in mind.
All jumpers will have full access to the park as usual but in a much calmer environment.
Jump into happy – with quieter music, less noise and fewer people.
Min age 4years
Mondays 6-7pm
Price £12 pp including one adult/carer
Brio Leisure at Northwich & Winsford
Autism Friendly Gym Sessions at Northwich
Splash Disability Swim Sessions at Northwich Sundays 2-3pm
Disability Multi- Sport at Ellesmere Port - every Wednesday 1.30-2.30pm
Winsford Turtles Swim Sessions - every Monday 7pm
Disability Sports Session (Boccia) at Winsford. A paralympic ball game - every Tuesday 11.15 Click here for The Brio Website
SEA LIFE Manchester
Quiet at the Aquarium
Every Wednesday & Selected Sundays
Times Vary
Tickets from £18.50 per adult and £15.50 per child (Included with SEA LIFE admission)
For sensory sensitivities
Every Wednesday and selected Sundays, we're hosting quiet sessions to provide an experience that aims to create a more comfortable visit for those with autism and other sensory requirements.
Dino Falls Adventure Golf Manchester
Autism friendly sessions
Our Autism-Friendly sessions happen the first Tuesday of each month from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Our Autism Friendly sessions ensure a more comfortable and quieter experience for customers.
Heath Farm Pub in Congleton
First Thursday of the month
Child SEN Heath Farm Play and Eat
Come play and eat in the comfort of a quiet soft play
This event is for parents/guardians of children with special needs to come to an exclusive SEN session to chat and allow the kids to have a play and something to eat.
The Lowry in Manchester
Join us for the Galleries Relaxed Hour from 9-10am on the first Sunday of every month!
During this hour you will find:
· Exhibition spaces to look at art.
· A Relaxed Crafty Families Workshop in the Galleries.
· Friendly staff to welcome you.
· A Quiet Space to relax in with sensory seating and fidget toys.
· The Carole Nash Lookout, a space to play and create or enjoy food or a snack.
· Reduced sound across the building so the Galleries are as quiet as possible.
· Ear defenders available from the Galleries Welcome Desk.
· Gallery Explorer Backpacks that contain items like magnifying glasses, perception cubes and character profiles for children and families to explore the Galleries.
This is ideal for families who would prefer a quieter, more relaxed session and specifically for those with additional needs, autism, neurodiversity or anxiety.8
It is free to attend, just book your place here: https://bit.ly/3MkPmCn
Bounce House Liverpool
Step into an inclusive and relaxed space for everyone to unwind and enjoy during our Chill Out Session ✨
These are tailored sessions for children and adults with additional needs and disabilities.
What to expect:
Lowered capacity
General house lights and low music
Relaxed atmosphere with understanding staff on hand
FREE spots for carers because support matters 💙
🗓️ Last Thursday of the Month 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
🗓️ Every Sunday 10 -11am
📍 Location: Bounce House, L3 4BH
🎟 Tickets: £10 Entry // FREE Carers Places
💻 Booking: www.bouncehouse.uk // walk in's welcome too!
Zip World Manchester
Accessibility Hour on Treetop Nets
Every Monday during term-time, Treetop Nets open for an hour from 4pm for those with accessibility needs who may not otherwise get the chance to adventure there.
We love to make our adventures as accessible and inclusive as possible, so offering this quieter session especially is very important to us, and our staff will be on-hand to aid in any way they can. These sessions have been very well received in the past, so we're hoping even more of you can now benefit from them!
This session is £10, with carers going free
To book, click the link, choose 'book now' and then select the Accessibility Hour ticket https://zipwo.uk/3QeNzQY
If you'd like to speak to us, please give us a call on 01248 601444 or email info@zipworld.co.uk
Inflata Nation Manchester
Fun for everyone
These sessions are designed specifically for those people on the autistic spectrum & their families to enjoy!
It has long been recognised that physical activity is beneficial to those on the autistic spectrum with the National Autistic Society stating the following on their website;
"It is useful to encourage physical activities that are enjoyable without the need for imagination and understanding or use of language. Physical exercise is reported to diminish inappropriate behaviour and such activities are also helpful for improving problems of motor co-ordination..."
We wanted to offer something different for, not only for those with autism generally but specifically for those with autism to take part in an activity that their whole family can enjoy alongside them. These sessions also provide an opportunity for families to meet other families facing similar paths in a fun and safe environment.
What makes the session different?
The number of participants is halved
The music is turned down
A parent/career can enter the arena FREE of charge with every participant
There is complimentary juice and biscuits for all participants following the session
To book for your next SEN Friendly session simply click the 'Class' tab in our availability checker and select the date you would like to attend.
Make sure to grab a loyalty card for free sessions and other rewards too!
If you are a parent/carer and would like to participate free of charge, please call 0161 710 2360 to make your booking.
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Stoke
A fun, energetic, SEND-friendly session.
Date: 9th March 2024 - 8th March 2025 Recurs weekly on Saturday.
Location: Ninja Warrior UK Sun St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4NB
Cost: £8.75/child, carers free
Time: 18:30 - 19:30
Do you have what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior? Tackle our fun-packed supervised activity and fitness course and obstacles inspired by the hit ITV show to find out. There are obstacles the whole family can enjoy whether you start as a Ninja in training, or you’re a bit more of a master. Can you beat the Warped Wall?
SEN-friendly features of this activity:
These SEN-friendly sessions will be limited to only 30 spaces, the music will be reduced or even off. Any flashing lights can be turned off if requested and we will have ear defenders for anyone who would like to block out the sound of the inflatable blowers.
We also have a chill out room, where any child can go to have a rest or a time out if they require to do so.
Museum of Science and Industry Manchester
Operation Ouch Exhibit
RELAXED SESSIONS
Sunday 12 May 2024, 10.00–12.00 – SOLD OUT - Check their website for the next date
These sensory friendly sessions are specially designed for those who prefer an adjusted environment.
At these times, Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You will have a smaller capacity, with adjusted sound levels throughout the exhibition. There will also be additional sensory activities to enjoy with our Explainers.
Ladybugs & Slugs Forest School
SEN Stay & Play
Saturday, May 18, 2024
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Saturday, June 29, 2024
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Our SEN Stay & Plays sessions are for 2 to 10 year olds. You can come along with your child and their siblings and play in the mud kitchen or on the tree swing, rest in the hammock or around the campfire and safely explore our forest school garden. Drinks and snacks are provided for children and adults.
Wheels for All at Marbury Park Northwich
Wednesday 10am - 3pm £5 per person (careers go free)
Wheels for All is an Inclusive Cycling programme that embraces all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs to engage with quality cycling activity, using adapted cycles such as handcycles, trikes and wheelchair transporter to assist in building confidence and independence in cycling.
Here at Wheels for All Marbury Park we aim to encourage health improvement, social inclusion and to provide adapted cycling for anyone with a disability or differing needs. Wheels for All Marbury Country Park has a variety of adapted bikes, which you can try out in a fun and safe environment, situated close to the village of Comberbach several miles north of Northwich.
This is a beautiful country park with good support from the rangers and the “Friends of the Park”. It has a very relaxing atmosphere creating a perfect setting for the cycle activity to suite all abilities.
Ruby's Fund in Congleton
The mission of Ruby’s is to provide life changing support by means of specialist facilities and opportunities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families, who live in Cheshire East.
In 2014 we proudly opened the doors to our centre. The facilities at the centre include community cafe which is open to everybody, a sensory room with hoist, soft play frame, sensory garden and changing room with hoist. Year on year we have invested, improved the facilities and provided a safe, fun environment to thousands of people across Cheshire East and the surrounding areas.
To provide a safe, stimulating environment giving individuals and groups the chance to explore and develop in inclusive settings with the aim of friendship, fun and a sense of belonging through respite opportunities, peer support and siblings group.
To provide wellbeing opportunities for children and their families to access therapies including parent carer counselling, relaxation and wellbeing treatments & sessions, educational sessions by means of workshops and training courses.
To support the whole family unit by providing bespoke person-centred early help interventions with the aim of reducing family crisis and helping families thrive using methods including telephone appointments, emails, online or face to face meetings.
To provide outreach SEND support across Cheshire East by means of a mobile sensory bus and in partner settings, for children and families who are unable to access the centre facilities due to social, emotional and health difficulties.
To provide an inclusive sensory centre with specialist facilities including a sensory room, sensory garden, soft play area and community cafe that is accessible to all and for the benefit of children and families of Cheshire East. home - Rubys (rubysfund.co.uk)
SPACE in Chester is a great option, designed specifically for children with additional needs it has soft play, sensory room and arts & crafts. www.spacecheshire.org