SEND Multi-Activity Camp at Loughton

APF SPECIFIC EDUCATION NEEDS CAMP

These camps cater for children with special needs or disabilities who need a particular kind of care. For people with emotional and learning needs, as well as those with physical and mental limitations, we offer an engaging experience. This covers social and emotional mental health issues (SEMH), communication and interpersonal challenges, cognitive learning challenges, and physical and/or sensory needs, such as ADHD and autism.

TYPES OF SUPPORT

The ratio of staff to campers is usually higher at these camps due to the personal care and attention that the campers will require. Children get to form amazing bonds with other campers, which provides a unique and rewarding experience. Parents can book 121 provisions or small group provisions. This support will depend on the details outlined in your child's support plan and in consultation with our SEND team. On occasion, children who normally have 121 support in school can manage with small group support at camp as there are no academic pressures. If you are unsure about the support required for your child, please email us to discuss this before making your booking.

CHILDREN WE NOT PROVIDE FOR

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, it is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate children who regularly demonstrate aggressive behaviours, who are not toilet trained, or who are likely to run away from their instructor during camp. If your child does display any of the above, please email us so that we can discuss your child's needs further (support@apfactivitycamps.com).

WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL MY CHILD BE DOING?

Generally speaking, as we are an inclusive camp, we try to not isolate children with SEND needs from the rest of the campers. Therefore, their instructor will encourage them to join in on the sports, extreme activities, and arts and crafts activities on offer. These activities include our giant bouncy castle, scooters, sumo suits, football, basketball, painting, clay modelling, and much more.

However, we also take into consideration your child's wishes and feelings and will attempt to provide activities that they like to ensure they are engaged and having fun. In addition to this, we also have calm rooms, which are important social-emotional learning (SEL) environments where your child can use visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli to cool down, relax, and learn how to self-regulate their body or emotions.

SUPPORT PLANS

In order to be able to best cater for your child's needs, we ask that you email us your child's support plan to support@apfactivitycamps.com. We will then read through the plan and make the necessary adjustments and provisions to support your child at camp

ACTIVITIES

The Multi-Activity Programme is designed to be inclusive and engaging for all learners, including those with SEND, and is organised into three key areas. Each day’s timetable ensures children experience at least one activity from each area, supporting both skill development and sensory regulation in a calm, structured environment:

EXTREME – Activities such as Archery, Sumo Suits, Go-Karts, and Inflatables help children safely explore risk-taking and build confidence. Sessions are adapted with clear routines, visual cues, and opportunities for sensory feedback, helping learners understand body awareness and how to keep themselves safe.

⚽ SPORTS – Games like Football, Dodgeball, Basketball, Badminton, Tennis, Rugby, and Rounders focus on teamwork, coordination, and resilience. Each activity can be modified to suit individual needs — for example, using softer balls, smaller groups, or quieter spaces — ensuring that every child can participate comfortably and successfully.

ARTS, CRAFT & SENSORY CREATION – Creative sessions such as clay modelling, paper mâché, painting, and textured art provide sensory exploration through touch, sound, and colour. Activities are carefully planned to be age- and ability-appropriate, encouraging self-expression, fine-motor development, and emotional wellbeing.