Imagination Gaming Short Breaks Activities

Imagination Gaming provides welcoming and engaging gaming sessions for children & young people aged 7–17 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our sessions use tabletop games, imaginative play, storytelling, teamwork and problem-solving to create opportunities for young people to have fun, make friends, build confidence and develop social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Our activities include sensory play, tabletop games, giant games, floor games strategy and problem-solving challenges, role-play and storytelling, social communication games, and confidence-building group activities. Games and activities are carefully selected and adapted to suit the interests, abilities and individual needs of each individual and the group, allowing participants to take part at their own pace.
Sessions take place at Joseph Locke Primary School, a centrally located, fully accessible venue approximately 10 minutes from Barnsley town centre. The venue has accessible parking, wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities.
Our experienced Imagination Gaming team are trained in inclusive practice, safeguarding, behaviour support and engagement techniques. We understand that every young person is different, so we create calm, structured sessions where participants can feel comfortable, supported and included. Groups are organised with age, developmental stage and individual needs in mind, with activities tailored accordingly.

For younger participants, sessions focus on imaginative play, cooperation, communication, emotional regulation and supported social interaction. Older young people can explore more strategic games and challenges that encourage teamwork, independence, decision-making, peer relationships and social confidence.
Most importantly, our sessions are about having fun, connecting with others and enjoying time away from the usual routines of school and home. We aim to reduce social isolation, build confidence and friendships, support emotional well-being and give young people positive opportunities to participate in their community.
Our short break sessions also provide parents and carers with valuable respite, knowing that their child is spending time in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. Lets "Learn to Play and Play to Learn" together!

Sessions run for 5 hours, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Please bring a packed lunch and a water bottle with you. We’ll have a dedicated lunch break during the session, and water bottles can be refilled throughout the day, after all, playing can be thirsty work!