Center Parcs rolls out sensory libraries for neurodivergent families (Image: Cameron Fillery)
Center Parcs has become the first holiday operator to begin the roll out of new sensory libraries at all of its villages to cater for families with neurodivergent children. Collaborating with specialist SEN consultancy SENNIES, the family resort has officially opened its sensory library at its Elveden Forest village, where families will be allowed to borrow items for free during their stay.
The short break provider plans to roll out libraries at all of its villages by 2028. Products such as noise-reducing ear defenders, wipe-clean boards, calming lights, fidget toys, feelings wheels, visual timers and pop tubes will be available for families to choose from.
Children can borrow items from the library during their stay (Image: Cameron Fillery)
Georgia Sargeant, CEO and founder at SENNIES, speaking in partnership with Center Parcs, said: “No two neurodivergent children are the same, so there is no single adjustment that works for every family.
“What matters is choice, a considered range of options from sensory resources and communication aids through to support for self-regulation and co-regulation, so a family can pick what works for their child that day.
“This library turns families’ feedback into practical support and shows how holiday providers can respond meaningfully to changing needs.”
Families say having sensory aids available will improve their stay (Image: Cameron Fillery)
The decision to launch the library comes as 44% of 500 parents and legal guardians of neurodivergent children and those with additional needs parents polled said many holiday providers do not offer adequate provisions for their children.
For 80%, busy or crowded environments can be challenging for their child, and 75% sometimes avoid activities or facilities entirely because they are overwhelming.
68% said access to sensory and accessibility aids at their chosen destination would improve the holiday experience for their child.
Similarly, 68% also said if they could loan sensory items for the duration of their getaway, it would help their family feel more supported. Currently, 72% of mums and dads bring sensory equipment or comfort items from home on every or most trips.
Department for Education figures show more than 1.8 million pupils in England now have special educational needs – this is an increase of 5.2% in a year. And it has seen NHS assessment waitlists reach more than 240,000.
While the Children’s Commissioner’s latest annual briefing found children’s referrals, involving suspected autism, rose 47% in a single year. And neurodevelopmental referrals increased by 24%.
Richie Williams, village director at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, said: “The number of families looking for more thoughtful, practical support is growing.
“This pilot is the beginning of a journey, and we will listen closely to families using it and learn from their feedback as we consider what comes next and a future rollout to other villages.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
