What we'll doJoin Kidwise for 12 days of exciting science, engineering and sensory-friendly STEM activities designed specifically for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Our SEND holiday camp provides a calm, supportive environment where children can explore science and engineering through hands-on activities whilst receiving the support they need to thrive. Places are intentionally limited to allow for lower child-to-adult ratios, personalised support and meaningful engagement.
Each day children will take part in practical STEM activities such as launching rockets, creating slime, building bridges, designing boats, making erupting volcanoes, exploring electricity and completing engineering challenges. Activities will be adapted to suit different abilities, interests and learning styles.
Alongside STEM learning, children will have opportunities to develop confidence, communication, social skills and independence through structured play and group activities.
We understand that every child is unique. Prior to attending, families will receive a detailed information form so we can learn about their child's strengths, interests, communication preferences, sensory needs, triggers, medical requirements and any support strategies that help them succeed.
What Makes Our SEND Camp Different?
• Small group sizes
• Low child-to-adult ratios
• Dedicated emotional regulation areas
• Calm breakout spaces
• Visual timetables and structured routines
• Flexible activity participation
• Sensory-aware approach
• Experienced SEND-friendly staff
• Parent partnership and communication
Typical Day
10:00am – 10:30am
Arrival & Tinker Time
Children settle in through Lego, sensory activities, puzzles, construction challenges and STEM exploration.
10:30am – 11:00am
Welcome Circle & Social Activities
Visual timetable review, team games and supported social interaction.
11:00am – 12:00pm
Science & Engineering Session
A hands-on STEM activity adapted to children's individual needs.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Hot Lunch & Social Time
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Outdoor Activities & Movement
Outdoor games, sensory activities, movement breaks and physical play.
Daily STEM Themes
Day 1 – Rocket Engineers
Build and launch air-powered rockets.
Day 2 – Crazy Chemistry Lab
Safe reactions and colourful experiments.
Day 3 – Bridge Builders
Design and test engineering structures.
Day 4 – Amazing Machines
Explore levers, pulleys and moving mechanisms.
Day 5 – Volcano Explorers
Create erupting volcanoes.
Day 6 – Egg Drop Engineers
Design protective systems for fragile objects.
Day 7 – Marble Run Challenge
Investigate gravity and motion.
Day 8 – Super Slime Scientists
Create and explore different slime recipes.
Day 9 – Space Academy
Discover rockets, astronauts and planets.
Day 10 – Build a Boat Challenge
Design, build and test floating boats.
Day 11 – Electricity Detectives
Create simple circuits and investigate electricity.
Day 12 – Inventors' Showcase
Design and present a STEM creation.
SEND Adaptations & SupportAt Kidwise, we understand that every child is unique. Our SEND Holiday Camp is designed to provide a supportive, flexible and nurturing environment where children can participate at their own pace and in a way that works for them.
To support children successfully, we offer:
• Small group sizes and low child-to-adult ratios
• Visual timetables and clear daily routines
• First-Then boards and visual supports where required
• Calm emotional regulation area for children who need a break from activities
• Access to sensory resources, fidget toys and headphones
• Flexible participation in activities
• Movement breaks throughout the day
• Quiet spaces available when needed
• Staff experienced in supporting children with a range of additional needs
• Close partnership working with parents and carers
Before attending, families will receive a Child Profile Form to help us understand:
• Likes and interests
• Communication preferences
• Sensory needs
• Triggers and anxieties
• Dietary requirements and allergies
• Medical needs
• Strategies that work well at home and school
Where appropriate, we can also create social stories and provide photographs of staff and the venue before the programme starts to help children prepare for attending.
Our aim is for every child to feel safe, valued, included and able to enjoy a successful holiday experience.
