Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) enjoy a party just as much as their non-SEN classmates. There may be a little more organising involved as invitees may have particular needs to accommodate. As a result, at times, it may feel a bit overwhelming.
And that’s why, in this blog, we’ve outlined a few SEN party tips to help you get started:
Choosing a theme
What is your child most interested in at this moment in time – space, dinosaurs, animals, princesses? If you know their favourite, then arrange the party around this. If not, spend some time discussing their likes and dislikes, and ask them about their interests and what they enjoy seeing or learning about.
Sending invites
Ask your child’s teacher if you’re not sure who to invite. They’ll be able to tell you who they spend the most time with during the day. You might ask a parent to stay as a chaperone with their child and find out in advance if there are any special dietary requirements for any attendees.
Get an entertainer
A home entertainer takes the pressure off if you’re organising the party. It means you can concentrate on the food and other aspects while someone else has the kids’ undivided – and fascinated – attention. Magic shows can be great, as can games organisers and craft teachers. Always let the entertainer know about the birthday boy or girl and the rest of the children who will be there – in case there are any phobias etc.
@wheelchairtravel: “If you can’t get a recommendation, try to find an entertainer who has done work at children’s hospitals or worked with children with a disability. It is vitally important for the entertainer to be able to relate and be comfortable with children with varying disabilities if entertaining at your party.”
Go bowling
A local bowling alley can be a great venue for a party. Just ensure there’s plenty of space (so wheelchairs can be accommodated) and ramps. Make sure there’s a disabled bathroom, and inform the staff beforehand of additional needs and requirements. Consider booking a couple of lanes, rather than just one, to ‘speed things up’.
Invite a farmyard
If the kids are animal lovers, then perhaps there’s a local petting farm that can bring along a few animals with which the kids can get up close. Rabbits, donkeys, piglets, and even an alpaca may turn up if your garden is large enough. Alternatively, you could go to them. The lovely part for the kids is they can stroke the animals, brush them, feed them and meet them up close.
If the party is to celebrate a birthday and there are presents involved, then it’s always a good idea to limit the number of gifts to be opened. Also, ensure they’re opened slowly – that way, the excitement can be contained.
Keep numbers for the party reasonably low and ensure it doesn’t run on too long either – up to two hours maximum for a party with SEN guests is good. Nobody gets overwrought or over-tired if the fun is kept to a reasonable time limit. That way, everybody goes home happy.
And remember, try not to put too much pressure on the event, every child is an individual, and not everyone enjoys being the centre of attention. @DrSeuss sums it up: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”. We hope you enjoy organising your party!