Summer Sorted: Summer Success Strategies

A supportive space where we can share knowledge and resources for children with Special Educational Needs, promoting understanding, empowerment, and unlocking every child's incredible potential.

Author

Genevieve McNamara
July 01, 2025

Summer holidays bring excitement but can also present unique challenges for families with SEN children. When familiar school routines disappear, maintaining structure while embracing the freedom of summer requires thoughtful planning. This month, we're sharing practical strategies to help your child thrive during the holiday break.

Table of Contents

Maintaining Structure Without School

The absence of school routines can be both liberating and overwhelming for children with SEN. Many thrive on predictability, yet summer offers valuable opportunities for growth outside traditional academic settings. Our approach focuses on creating flexible structures that maintain stability whilst allowing for summer adventures.

Supportive Strategies We Recommend:

  • Design visual summer schedules that balance routine with flexibility

  • Incorporate learning through play and real-world experiences

  • Create "choice boards" for activities to maintain autonomy within structure

  • Establish regular check-in times to discuss the day's activities and feelings

  • Use social stories to prepare for new summer experiences like days out or holidays

  • Build in sensory breaks throughout busy days to prevent overwhelm

Managing Sensory Challenges:

  • Pack sensory kits for days out (ear defenders, fidget toys, comfort items)

  • Research venues beforehand using resources like autism-friendly cinema screenings

  • Plan quiet recovery time after stimulating activities

  • Create calm-down spaces at home with soft lighting and familiar textures

  • Use visuals to help your child communicate their sensory needs

Don't let summer learning loss become a concern - our tailored tutoring sessions continue throughout the holidays, adapting to summer themes and maintaining educational momentum in a relaxed environment.

BOOK A SUMMER TUTORING SESSION TODAY

Summer Activity Resources

Helpful organisations and resources for summer support:

  • Local leisure centres with SEN-friendly swimming sessions

  • Libraries offering sensory story times and quiet spaces

  • National Trust properties with accessible trails and sensory gardens

  • Local councils' holiday activity programmes (check your council’s local offer)

  • Mencap's community support groups and holiday schemes

Quick Tips Corner

  • Develop a flexible visual timetable showing the week ahead with space for spontaneous activities

  • Use "Now/Next" boards: "First sunscreen, then swimming" to support understanding

  • Create a summer bucket list with your child, including both active and calm activities

  • Establish "summer rules" that differ from school term expectations whilst maintaining important boundaries

  • Plan regular one-to-one time with your child doing their preferred activities

  • Use timers for activities to help with transitions and time awareness

  • Create memory books or photo diaries of summer activities to build communication opportunities

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We invite you to comment, share, and help shape our future editions.

  • What SEN topics would you like us to cover?

  • What resources do you need most?

  • What questions are keeping you up at night?

Drop your suggestions in the comments or email us directly. Together, we can create a newsletter that truly makes a difference for families navigating special educational needs.

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