Why We’re Delivering a Holiday Programme Specifically for Young People with SEND
At Plumb Learning CIC, we’ve had a few people ask:
“Why is your summer HAF programme only for children and young people with SEND?”
We want to answer that openly and clearly — because we understand the question, and we also believe strongly in what we’re doing.
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### The Gap in Provision for Families with SEND
The truth is, **school holidays can be incredibly difficult for families with children who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)**. According to the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP), 43% of families with disabled children say they don’t have access to suitable holiday activities. Many parents report feeling **isolated, overwhelmed**, and **excluded from mainstream childcare and enrichment programmes** due to lack of support or understanding of their children’s needs.
While mainstream holiday clubs and activities are often well-intentioned, they may not offer:
* Proper staff training in SEND or SEMH needs
* Predictable, sensory-safe environments
* Low student-to-staff ratios
* Adapted, hands-on activities that support confidence and engagement
That’s where we come in.
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A Tailored, Safe and Positive Summer
Our Coventry-based HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, running through the summer holidays, has been designed from the ground up for children and young people with SEND.
Participants attend one day a week (10am to 2pm) and enjoy a blend of:
* Hands-on plumbing and tiling activities
* Fun and accessible STEM-based learning
* Healthy eating and nutrition workshops
* A fresh, nutritious lunch they help prepare themselves
We create a calm, welcoming space that nurtures curiosity, builds independence, and promotes positive relationships — supported by staff who understand the challenges and strengths of neurodiverse learners.
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Encouraging Inclusion in STEM and Trades
Many young people with SEND are steered away from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and trades due to outdated assumptions about what they can or can’t do.
We believe that needs to change.
By engaging SEND learners in plumbing, tiling, and STEM in a way that suits them, we help:
* Build confidence and capability
* Open up career paths they might never have considered
* Promote diversity in traditionally underrepresented sectors
* Increase visibility of difference in work environments
* Close the UK’s growing trade skills gap in a meaningful, sustainable way
Creating a more inclusive workforce starts with showing young people that they belong there.
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Yes — We’re Operating a Waiting List for Non-SEND Participants
We know there are lots of children in Coventry who would benefit from what we’re doing. So while our priority is for those who meet the HAF and SEND criteria, we are running a waiting list for others who’d like to join.
If there’s space, we will offer those places — because we want as many young people as possible to access this kind of learning.
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Final Thoughts
This programme isn’t about excluding anyone. It’s about levelling the field for those who are often left out — and giving them a chance to shine.
We’re proud to be doing that this summer.
If you’re a parent, school, carer, or professional who wants to know more or refer a child, please get in touch. And if your child doesn’t have SEND but would love to join us, join the waiting list — we’ll contact you if a space becomes available.
Because every child deserves a chance to feel capable, connected, and excited about learning — especially in the summer.
