Six Weeks of Summer: Practical Advice for Families of Children with SEND

For many families, the countdown to the summer holidays brings excitement. But for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the six-week break can bring a mixture of relief, anxiety and uncertainty.

Without the familiar structure of school, many children with SEND can find the holidays overwhelming. Changes to routine, unfamiliar environments and sensory overload can all affect behaviour and emotional wellbeing. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way in helping children enjoy a calmer and happier summer.

Why can the holidays be difficult?

School provides predictability. Children know what to expect, who they will see and how their day will unfold. During the holidays, routines change overnight and favourite adults, friends and support staff are no longer part of everyday life.

Some children may become anxious, others may see, frustrated or withdrawn, while some may simply struggle to regulate their emotions. This is not 'bad behaviour' - it is often a response to uncertainty and change.

Five ideas to support

1. Keep some routine

You don't need to recreate the school day, but keeping regular wake-up times, mealtimes and bedtimes can help some children feel secure.

2. Use a visual calendar

Mark special days, family visits, holidays and quiet days at home. Knowing what is happening - and when - can reduce anxiety.

3. Talk about changes in advance

Whether it's a day trip or visiting relatives, explain what will happen beforehand Social stories, photographs and simple countdowns can be particularly helpful.

4. Create a 'calm kit'

Include favourite sensory toys, headphones, snacks, books, comfort items and anything that helps your child to regulate when out and about.

5. Plan quieter days too

Children don't need to be busy every day. Many benefit from balancing exciting activities with time to relax and recharge at home.

Holiday Survival Kit

Before leaving the house, it can help to pack:

• Visual timetable or schedule

• Favourite sensory or fidget toys

• Noise-cancelling headphones

• Drinks and familiar snacks

• Comfort toy or blanket

• Medication if required

• Sun cream and hat

• Spare clothes

• Wet wipes

• Emergency contact information

Activities don't have to cost a fortune

Many children enjoy simple predictable activities more than expensive days out.

Ideas include:

• Nature walks with a scavenger hunt

• Baking together

• Water play in the garden

• Building dens indoors

• Library visits

• Gardening

• Early morning trips to parks before they become busy

• Family board games

• Sensory play using household items

• Watching favourite films with homemade snacks.

Remember that 'success' doesn't have to mean a full day out. Sometimes a 30 minute trip that ends positively is much more rewarding than pushing a child beyond their limits.

A message for parents

Many parents tell me they feel pressure to make every day special. Please don't compare you family to carefully edited social media posts.

Some days will go brilliantly. Others won't.

Your child doesn't need a perfect summer - they need to feel safe, understood and accepted..

If plans change because your child becomes overwhelmed. that's OK. Flexibility is often one of the greatest strengths families develop.