BEING Outdoors CIC: Woodland exploration for SEND children & young people

In Summer 2023, BEING Outdoors CIC provided a holiday club for 30 young people aged 5-12 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Hosted in a woodland environment, the programme offers a multi-sensory and inclusive approach to learning, self-discovery and fun.

The natural surroundings of the woodland allowed participants to explore, create and connect with nature. A cornerstone of the programme was choice-driven activities, enabling children to lead their own journeys and engage at their own pace.

Participants engaged in activities tailored to support both individual needs and group interaction:

• Bushcraft Skills: Learning to safely light campfires, cook nutritious meals and build shelters encouraged practical skill development and independence.
• Regulation and Relaxation: Hammocks, swings and other calming options supported emotional regulation.
• Energetic Play: The zipline and dynamic outdoor games energised participants and supported motor skills development.
• Creative Exploration: Den building with loose parts and discovering small woodland creatures encouraged imagination and curiosity.
• Group Collaboration: Children worked together on projects like shelter building, which developed teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

Staff provided support to help children regulate emotions and feel safe, enabling positive engagement in group settings. By leading their learning and succeeding in self-motivated projects, participants also displayed a significant boost in confidence.

The BEING Outdoors CIC Holiday Club exemplified how thoughtful programming in a natural setting can create meaningful experiences for children with SEND and physical disabilities. By blending skill development, creative exploration and social connection, the club not only enriched the lives of its young participants but also supported their families, offering respite and peace of mind.

Support for families and Early Help

There are a number of reasons why extra help is sometimes needed. Getting the right information, advice and support at the right time can help. For further support and guidance go to Support for families and early help – Derbyshire County Council