LOPC - Summer HAF Club - SEND

EVERYONE - Enjoy, Learn and Be Sustainable

Your mentors

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits CentreLeicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Hayley Smitham HopewellHayley Smitham Hopewell

Ellie EaglesEllie Eagles

Collection links

LOPC, Leicester

Ages: 5 - 16 years

SEND Specific HAF child Free

Next date: Monday 13th Jul, 09:00 – 11:00

Funded by Leicester City Council

Specialist SEND provision

LOPC - Summer HAF Club - SEND block mentored by Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

A summary

***FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIALIST SEND ONLY*** This provision is designed for children and young people with specialist SEND who benefit from dedicated 1:1 support to access activities safely, confidently and successfully. If your child does not require specialist 1:1 provision, please book via the appropriate LOPC listings (age dependent). Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) offers engaging holiday activity days for children who are able to take part in outdoor and adventurous activities, with the support of a 1:1 adult where needed. We aim to provide an inclusive, supportive environment where every participant is encouraged to build confidence, develop skills and enjoy the outdoors. Activities may include climbing, canoeing, bushcraft, high ropes, archery, air rifles, axe throwing, and nature-based learning, alongside a nutritious lunch. We recognise that children and young people with SEND have a wide range of needs and abilities. This provision is most suitable for those who are able and willing to engage in structured outdoor activities, with support. If your child is not currently able to participate in these types of activities, there may be more appropriate specialist or alternative provisions available to better meet their needs. Important Information LOPC is not a fully secure site; there is open access to water and nearby roads. Staff are activity-qualified (rather than SEND specialists), but have experience delivering SEND-inclusive provision over the past three years. Participants should be willing, at their own pace, to engage with the activities on offer. For safety, all required personal protective equipment (e.g. harnesses, buoyancy aids, helmets) must be worn during relevant activities. Our team will work with each child to provide encouragement and appropriate support, helping them to take part in a way that is right for them. Adventure starts here at LOPC — where every child is supported to take part and achieve.

send accessibility checklist

1:1 care

2:1 care

Qualified to administer medication

Epilepsy trained

Secure environment

Accessible toilet

Assist with personal care and toileting

Hoist and changing bench

Wheelchair accessible site

Autism awareness trained

Sensory or quiet spaces

Makaton trained

PECS trained

More information available on request

Contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this list item.

Please note:

It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the the measures provided above. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.

About your mentors

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

LOPC is for EVERYONE

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) is a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering adventurous activity experiences that stimulate, educate, and motivate young people and others in a safe, inclusive, and challenging environment. Located on a 15-acre site in the heart of Leicester, LOPC offers a wide range of over 37 outdoor activities as part of its exciting HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme. These activities are designed to inspire confidence, build skills, and create memorable experiences for all participants. With a management team bringing over 20 years of experience—including extensive work with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)—LOPC ensures that every individual is supported and encouraged to thrive in a welcoming and accessible setting.

Hayley Smitham Hopewell

Education and Development Manager

I’ve been connected to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) since I was 14, when I first discovered my love for paddling. That early passion for the outdoors inspired me to pursue a qualification in Outdoor Pursuits and Management. In 2000, after a back injury brought me home to Leicester, I used the time to recover and reconnect with paddling. I also stepped into the role of Out of School Care Coordinator at LOPC, which marked the beginning of my journey into education. From there, I transitioned into teaching, specialising in Child Care and Teaching Assistant training. Over the next 14 years, I gained extensive experience in mainstream education, followed by six years working in a SEND school. During this time, I trained to support children and young people affected by trauma—an area that continues to shape my approach to education and care. Today, I serve as the Education and Development Manager at LOPC. I’m also currently studying Wilderness Psychotherapy, with the aim of deepening and expanding the therapeutic and developmental work we offer through outdoor experiences.

Ellie Eagles

Outdoor Activity Instructor

I’ve worked at LOPC for four seasons, starting as an apprentice and progressing to my current role where I help coordinate the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) initiative and Holiday Scheme. My passion for the outdoors and connecting with nature has been a driving force throughout my journey. This love for the natural world began in my early years through Scouts, where I’ve been actively involved since the age of six.

Useful Information

*** FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIALIST SEND ONLY *** Please ensure to check the session times when booking. Adventure Awaits at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) – HAF Club - Specialist SEND. Set across 15 acres in the heart of Leicester, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) offers an exciting HAF provision filled with over 37 outdoor activities designed to inspire, challenge and entertain. From climbing and archery to paddle sports and team games, our wide range of activities ensures every child finds something that they love. While many activities are weather-dependent, our experienced team is flexible and adaptable, always ready with alternative plans to keep the fun going—rain or shine. Our management team brings over 20 years of experience in delivering high-quality outdoor programmes, ensuring a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for all participants. The HAF provision includes 2 hours of activities per day across 3 days, with a flexible and enjoyable schedule tailored to the group and conditions. Nutritious meals are provided daily as part of the HAF initiative. We’re easy to reach - LOPC has on-site parking and is conveniently located on a bus route (Bus 127 via Loughborough Road). Whether you're seeking adventure, new skills, or just a great time outdoors, LOPC is the perfect place to explore and grow this holiday season.

Learning aims

Aim 1

Attendees gain confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor skills, learning to explore safely, communicate, and tackle challenges independently.

Aim 3

LOPC is for Enjoyment.

Aim 2

LOPC is for Learning.

Aim 4

LOPC is for a Sustainable Future.

What to Bring

We are excited to welcome your child for 2 hours each day across 3 days for fun, learning and adventure. We are an outdoor pursuits centre. To ensure that you child has the best time and to help them get the most out of their experience at LOPC, please ensure you read the kit list and they come prepared with: • Spare clothes – in case of getting wet or muddy during activities. • Weather-appropriate clothing – suitable for active outdoor play. • A hat – sun hat for warm days / woolly hat for colder days. • Appropriate footwear – sturdy shoes for outdoor activities, plus a spare pair for wet sessions. We recommend labelling items where possible and packing everything in a named bag. We’ll do our best to keep everyone dry and comfortable, but outdoor adventure can get messy—in the best way! Please note that activities may be adjusted depending on the weather and the needs of the group. We cannot wait to see your child for an exciting and memorable day!

Pricing information

Ticket namePriceInformation

Ticket nameSEND Specific HAF child

Price£0

InformationThis ticket is for a child that requires 1-2-1 support.

LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections

Where we'll be

LOPC, Loughborough Road, Leicester, Leicester, LE4 5PN

WHAT’S PROVIDED

Drinks

Snacks

Meals

Equipment

Safety

Enhanced DBS

Risk Assessment

Public Liability Insurance

Safeguarding Training

First Aid Training

First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy

Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.No cash value, refund refers to credit for places.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.