SEND activities across Hereford & Worcester
It can be really difficult to find suitable activities and events for those with SEND. The information that is out there tends to be pretty difficult to find, and widely spread out. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together this useful list of SEND providers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We’ve also added some details about our favourite days out and their SEND provision. We hope this helps make life a little easier, and a whole lot more fun!
Have we missed a provider that belongs on this list? Please just let us know! Email herefordandworcester@raring2go.co.uk and we can extend the list. Sometimes bigger is better!
Little Pandas Play Cafe in Ross on Wye (HR9 5NB) is never over-crowded, their limited booking system ensures its never too busy. They also run SEN sessions which are even more limited in numbers, to ensure nobody feels overwhelmed! These one and a half hour sessions are held fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons at 4pm. There is so much there for the little ones to enjoy, including their well equipped sensory room with padded floor, image projector, bubble tube, infinity mirrors and fibre optic lights. And of course, the wonderful cafe, where you can sit and enjoy a cuppa and cake while watching your little ones have fun! You can read all about it Little Pandas Play Cafe in our review here. You will need to book your session in advance, on their website here.
The Courtyard in Hereford (HR4 9JR) is an award winner for SEND provision. For those who are Hard of Hearing and d/Deaf there are subtitled screenings, while some of the performances have BSL signers. There is a hearing loop for those with hearing aids. There are tactile maps and large print & braille menus for the vision impaired. Where possible, there is also audio description of films and some live performances. Toilet facilities are excellent (there is even a Changing Places facility), and there is excellent wheelchair access throughout. Wheelchair spaces are available for shows, with free carers ticket, but these do need booking in advance. Relaxed performances of many shows and films are perfect for those with sensory issues, and younger children who may find it difficult to sit still and remain silent! Classes and workshops are inclusive, with lots of events and workshops specifically for those with SEN. Find out more on their website here.
Flip Out inflatable arena Hereford (HR4 9SP) is the perfect place for you and your family to let off steam! The great news is they run SEND sessions, where the lights are dimmed and the volume is turned down. Carers go free for these hour long sessions held every other Sunday at 9.30am – 10.30am, and the first Thursday of each month from 6pm – 7pm. There is wheelchair access and lift. Full details of all the attractions, SEND sessions and more can be found on their website here.
Little Play World offers themed pop-up play sessions at venues across Herefordshire, where children can play at being anything from vets to rockstars, and everything in between. Play worlds include cafe, construction site, emergency services, gym, hairdressers, rock band, tipi/festival and veterinary practice. They often run SEN sessions. Details can be found on their website here.
KC Ride & Rescue Centre (HR1 3LG) offer calm, supportive stable days designed especially for children with Special Educational Needs who benefit from outdoor, hands-on learning. Our stable days focus on horse and pony care, not riding, providing a gentle and structured environment where children can feel safe, successful, and valued. To find out more, email becskcrideandrescue@gmail.com
Worcester Theatres run Swan Youth Theatre (SYT) relaxed Saturday drama classes for children age 5 – 14 years, at Swan Theatre, Worcester WR1 3ED. Classes are designed for children who might enjoy more support to learn theatre skills and build confidence. Children work in smaller groups than our weekday drama classes, and in a more relaxed environment. There is no pressure on children and our experienced practitioners will gently encourage your child to join in fun drama games. Classes suit any child, including those with anxiety and SEND. They also offer a FREE TASTER SESSION – just email outreach@worcestertheatres.co.uk to book your free taster session.
Caspian Wood (WR15 8NW) Equine Therapy and Equine Facilitated Learning at Caspian Wood – a safe place for children and adults to learn, relax and heal using the natural healing of ponies. Details can be found on their website here.
EM-MAZING PARTIES now offer silent disco parties – perfect for all, and fully inclusive. Headphone volume can be individually controlled, and there are several sound tracks to choose from, ensuring everyone at your party can enjoy themselves. Find out more here.
Little Olive’s Play Cafe in Malvern (WR14 4PZ) is a gorgeous cafe with great play spaces for your little ones to enjoy. Little Olive’s play spaces include a bespoke and premium woodland themed soft play hand crafted from beautiful wood and soft furnishings in natural shades, a fun and friendly role-play village encouraging many areas of development through play. Finally, we have a sensory nest that will gently stimulate your little ones into a state of awe and wonder! SEN sessions are held every Thursday at 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Visit their website here.
Worcester libraries offer ear defenders and have designated quiet areas for those who need a little extra space and peace. Ask staff about their Booktrust Baby Packs for VIP children and those with additional needs. Find out more about the libraries here.
The Buzz in Worcester (WR15 1DS) is a fantastic inflatable arena offering bounce sessions for all ages. For those with sensory issues you can book a slot for the Sensory Hour. Take advantage of these dedicated time slots, providing a relaxed mellow atmosphere in our Buzz Inflatable Park! During your visit you’ll have full access to all of the bouncing areas that The Buzz has to offer. These sessions are designed to offer a relaxed atmosphere, with low lighting, and mellow music. Visit their website here.
Cheeky Monkeys in Worcester (WR5 3DW) offers SEN Alternative Provision to provide a safe, calming, inclusive, and engaging environment for SEN children and their families. They have soft play areas, sensory rooms and more. Their long term goal is to develop Cheeky Monkeys as the leading SEN community hub in Worcestershire and West Midlands. Visit their website here.
Welland Disability FC Recreational and league Pan-disability football for youths in Malvern and surrounding areas. A community where SEND parents are truly supported by all as well as the experienced and knowledgeable qualified coaches. Proud to now be part of Welland Football Club! Find out more on their Facebook page here.
Worcestershire Disability Football Club has pan disability sessions for children aged 5-16 (as well as adult sessions 16+). They also have open age powerchair football sessions. All for children with SEND/children who find mainstream football tricky, no EHCP/diagnosis needed. Volunteers have a good understanding of SEND, either from working in specialist settings, or parents of SEND children. We have recreational and competitive football as well as many events for children and families to attend. Visit their website here.
Evesham United Disability Team offer pan-disability football sessions and provides a platform for all with disabilities to play competitive football in Evesham. Visit their Facebook page here.
Worcestershire Cricket Foundation runs Super 1’s Hubs which give young people with a disability the chance to play regular, competitive cricket. They have created a disability performance offer with both a Softball Disability Development Centre and The Disability Squad. They also deliver cricket programmes to SEND schools and specialist units within mainstream schools throughout the academic year. Visit their website here.
Other Midlands SEND information
For SEND activities across Stourbridge, Dudley and Kidderminster, along with more SEND days out info, click here.
Days Out
West Midlands Safari Park
Occasionally offers Quiet Mornings designed to provide a calmer and more accessible experience for visitors with sensory needs. During these sessions, the park opens earlier for guests to explore the Safari Walk area with reduced noise and minimal stimulation, with music and immersive sound effects paused for a period of the morning. A quiet space is also made available, offering sensory crafts and opportunities to engage with the Education Team, as well as a calm area to take a break if needed. Guests attending a Quiet Morning are also given flexible access to the Safari Drive, helping families plan their visit at a pace that feels comfortable. Dates and details vary, so visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for upcoming sessions. There is a Changing Places facility near the park entrance.
Morning Explorers at ThinkTank:
If you’re an adult or child on the autistic spectrum or with other special needs and would prefer a quieter visit to Birmingham’s museums, join one of the Morning Explorers sessions at ThinkTank. It will open early for you and your family to explore in a quiet and welcoming environment. Held on selected dates, places must be pre-booked by calling 0121 348 8263 or through the event page on our website when we have a session listed.
The Wildlife Trust:
Limited mobility needn’t mean missing out on nature. With many of our reserves equipped with accessible paths, lifts, sensory gardens, disabled facilities and buggy hire, nothing needs to hold you back from enjoying the great outdoors. All their paths that are wheelchair/buggy friendly are listed online, link above. Queenswood in Herefordshire often run a WildPlay Nature Club during the holidays exclusively for neurodivergent children. Email Julia j.morton@herefordshirewt.co.uk for details of upcoming clubs.
Other useful information:
CEA card:
The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. To apply visit https://www.ceacard.co.uk/apply. Applicants must be aged 8+.
National Trust: Essential Companion Card:
The Essential Companion card makes it simple to bring one or two carers or companions with you, free of charge. Just show the card when you arrive, and your carer(s) or companion(s) won’t need to pay an entry fee. To apply call 0344 800 1895.
A photo ID card and app with discounts, free carers tickets and wellbeing support. The ID card displays up to two emergency contact phone numbers and your emergency plan accessed by scanning the card’s QR code.
Useful Links:
Herefordshire Council SEND Support
Herefordshire Council Family Support
Worcestershire Council SEND Support
Worcestershire Council Family Support
