SEND
Our programme recognises the broad spectrum and complex, differing needs of children with SEND and support needed to attend HAF activities. Support is available to our providers through our SEND Inclusion and Outreach officer who offers appropriate support and guidance to develop an inclusive culture across the programme.
Our community providers offer a diverse mix of community activities which are SEND inclusive and are responsive to the needs of local children and families. During the 2025-2026 period the provision for SEND specific activities grew substantially from the previous year. By the end of the period there were 18 providers delivering specific activities for families and 2981 opportunities were provided. This was done in partnership with parent carers to ensure we were listening to what families wanted. Some of the activities funded were SEND specific ice skating, adapted fitness sessions, inclusive steam train riding, and quiet cinema shows.
In addition, North Tyneside have also developed a targeted SEND playscheme, offering 1:1 support for children with extremely complex needs. Children and young people who attend this have benefited by engaging in a wide range of fun and stimulating activities. These sessions supported the development of new friendships, social interaction, and skill-building in a safe and inclusive environment. As these experiences are typically associated with high costs, providing free access removed financial barriers and was well received by families, even where activities were located outside of North Tyneside. The in-house playscheme and outreach service has been developed in partnership with the Children’s Disability Team.
The feedback from children and families attending the in-house playscheme has been extremely positive with families reporting that the programme has been a lifeline for them, particularly in the long, summer holiday periods.
Parent – The offer of short breaks over the summer was not just a lifeline, but a chance for me to relax, recharge and have some me time., something that before this summer has not been possible.
Parent – My son loves going and I know he has really enjoyed himself, as when we go to pick him up, he doesn’t want to leave. Staff are great with him and take time to talk with me before and after to offer reassurance.
Our SEND attendance over 2056-2026 was 1206 with 2981 individual attendances across the delivery period.