As the school gates close for the final time in July, many families feel a familiar mix of relief and apprehension. The summer holidays bring a welcome pause to early starts, packed lunches and school admin. But for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), they can also bring a very different kind of pressure.
Without the structure of the school day, many children struggle to regulate their emotions. Routines are more challenging to keep, and families are left without the professional support they rely on throughout the term. For parents, this often means taking on every role at once — not only teacher, caregiver, playmate and advocate, but also cleaner, cook, scheduler and, for many, employee too.
It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed. You are not just parenting, you are firefighting, often without a break or backup plan. When every outing requires extra planning, every transition needs explanation and every meltdown demands patience, the idea of a ‘restful summer’ can seem far out of reach.
Less Pressure, More Presence
Summer does not have to be perfect. It does not need to be filled with colour-coded calendars or expensive days out. Some of the most valuable moments come from simply slowing down and taking a moment to appreciate the present. It’s about noticing what works for your child and for you. That might mean repeating the same walk each day, allowing time to decompress after noisy activities or adjusting your routines to help manage expectations more effectively.
Creating a loose rhythm for the day can help everyone feel more secure. A visual timetable, even with just a few familiar activities, gives your child a sense of what to expect. It also relieves you from having to narrate or negotiate every step of the day.
Finding Spaces That Work
More venues than ever are beginning to offer accessible, inclusive experiences — although they can still be a bit challenging to find. Museums, cinemas and theatres across the UK now offer relaxed sessions. These include adjusted lighting and volume, extra signage and chill-out zones. Many venues also provide step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets and wheelchair spaces. It’s always worth checking in advance to be sure.
Some trampoline parks and play centres offer SEND-specific sessions, typically with smaller groups and more flexible rules. Certain swimming pools and playgrounds now feature hoists, changing benches and sensory-friendly design. Even some supermarkets and shopping centres offer quieter hours to support neurodiverse families and those with physical access needs. Before setting out, check the venue’s website for accessibility details or call ahead to ask how they accommodate additional needs, including mobility challenges.
Support You Can Access
In some areas, local authorities provide short-break schemes or inclusive summer sessions. These are not always widely publicised, so it is worth checking your council’s website or contacting your local Parent Carer Forum. Some community centres, libraries and faith groups also run quieter, more accessible sessions for families of children with additional needs.
Connecting with other parents, even informally, can be one of the greatest sources of reassurance. Whether it is a WhatsApp group, a coffee morning or simply exchanging a knowing look at a park, there is strength in shared experiences.
Redefining What Counts
It is easy to feel like everyone else is doing it better — more trips, more crafts, more smiles. However, comparison rarely reflects the reality of family life, especially when a child’s needs differ.
Progress in the summer may not appear as it does in school. It might be your child managing to wear a new T-shirt, trying a different snack or coping with a five-minute change in their routine. It might be you, getting through the day without needing to explain your parenting to a stranger.
These small steps matter. They are not modest. They are meaningful.
This Summer, You Matter Too
As challenging as it may be, try to make space for yourself. Even ten minutes can make a difference. It might be a quiet cup of tea, a quick walk around the block or asking someone to sit with your child so you can do the food shop alone. It all helps. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and your well-being is not a luxury. It is essential.
You are not failing if you feel tired. You are not doing it wrong if you need a moment. You are showing up every day, in ways most people never see. And that matters more than any picture-perfect summer plan.
Whether you are planning days out or staying closer to home, a little preparation can go a long way. This month at SEND EDventures, we have everything you need to help you get ready for the summer holidays. From articles on SEND-friendly places to visit across London to simple travel preparation ideas, we’re here to support your planning.
Look out for this month’s Ask SEND EDventures, which also answers common summer concerns, with advice shaped by real questions from families like yours.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.
