Special needs don’t stop when term ends. But where are the holiday havens? Elizabeth Marett leads the way...
The looming school holidays can seem like a vast expanse of time to fill with entertainment that doesn’t break the bank. As a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the challenges are even greater.
The good news is that Surrey is packed with destinations that your child will love. As a mum to two lively boys – one of whom is autistic and both of whom insisted I mention them here – I have spent the past twelve years trying and testing the various summer offerings across the county for Joseph, aged 12 and Leo, aged 9.
Here’s my pick of accessible day trips, holiday clubs and activities across Surrey, some specifically aimed at SEND, some simply places where we’ve felt included and at ease. Obviously every child’s needs are as different as their interests, but hopefully you’ll find your family’s new happy place.
Top Venues London
For petrol heads
Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge is a spacious car showroom-cum-museum. The wheelchair-accessible centre has loads to see, including vintage motors, Formula One racers and a fantastic short film. If you can, splash out on the Little Learners driving experience for 3-5 year olds – drivers get their very own licence to keep. FastTrax slot car racing and simulators are available for older children and staff are there to help. Recharge Café is great for snacks, or you can bring a sandwich to eat outside whilst watching drivers whizz round the test track.
Open daily 10 am – 6 pm during school holidays; free entry; mercedes-benzworld.co.uk.
PMA Active
For the active ones
Offering a range of activities in Redhill and Reigate, PMActive caters for children with SEND aged 4-17 and their siblings. Sessions include all-day sports clubs, crafts, gaming and general recreation. Set up by Martin and Rachel King, the friendly team all have specialist SEND experience. Discovering football with PMActive was life-changing for my son, so do snap up anything they have to offer.
Summer holiday bookings open early June. Prices from £5, with some free places available for HAF (holiday activities and food) eligible SEND children; pmactivesurrey.co.uk.
RHS/ Oliver Dixon
Family Gardening Festival - RHS Garden Wisley, 30th May 2018
Two girls amongst the spring flowers.
For the nature nuts
With 240 acres of lush space, RHS Wisley Gardens has wheelchair accessible paths and bookable, free mobility scooters. The Welcome Building houses a changing facility with a hoist and bench, as does RHS Hilltop, where there’s a range of hands-on activities.
The Glasshouse with its dazzling display of tropical plants is fun for kids, but there’s also a great playground and themed trails to follow.
Children £5, adults from £14.50; free for under 5s and for up to two carers with a paid disabled visitor; £1 for those on universal credit or certain benefits; rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
SEND holiday ideas
- Companion Cycling at Bushy Park: Adapted cycle hire for people of all ages with SEND. Every morning (except Thursdays). £2 hire; companioncycling.org.uk.
- Wheels for All: Inclusive cycling programme for people of all ages with disabilities and differing needs, using adapted cycles.Epsom & Ewell. Thurs & Sat sessions throughout summer. Tickets from £6; wheelsforall.org.uk.
- Go Jump In Airhop Esher: SEND calm session Mondays 6-7 pm. “We were very impressed on our visit, which gave us freedom to bounce around in a much quieter environment than usual.” Age 4+. SEN ticket £12. Carers go free. gojumpin.com/adventure-trampoline-park-esher
- Silvermere Gymnastics Cobham: SEND Move, Play & Connect sessions, Saturdays (4-11 years). Tickets from £8.50. SEND Gymnastic sessions, Sundays (4-10 years). Tickets from £12. silvermere-gymnastics.co.uk.
- All Dance Ability Reigate: SEND dance lessons, bi-weekly sessions, Sat pms, 3+. adaalldanceabilities.org.uk.
Michelle Lacey (Michelle the Holiday Fixer)
If you haven’t yet booked time away and the task of finding somewhere suitable seems insurmountable, ask Surrey’s very own SEND travel specialist, Michelle Lacey, aka The Holiday Fixer.
“Many families with SEND avoid holidays not because they don’t want them, but because they worry about whether the environment will be overwhelming or inaccessible,” explains Michelle.
Dorking-based Michelle uses her experiences as a SEND parent and extensive personal travel to arrange both UK and overseas holidays, from long weekends to around-the-world trips. Her services are completely free of charge – The Holiday Fixer agents earn commission from holiday suppliers they book with.
As a Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP), Michelle asks detailed questions, flags up sensory and accessibility requirements and works with hotels and tour operators to build in flexibility and understanding. Her aim is simple.
“I want to help families feel confident enough to say ‘yes’ to a holiday again.”
Learn more my.theholidayfixer.com/michelle-lacey.
