Bexleyheath children celebrate diversity and acceptance during pilot SEN Therapeutic play sessions

This Easter school holidays, Crook Log Leisure Centre celebrated inclusivity, running therapeutic play sessions using LEGO® bricks for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). T

he expansion of inclusive activities marks the local leisure centre recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to support individuals with non-visible disabilities and is part of a longer-term commitment to ensure inclusivity for the whole community. Children from the community experienced fun-filled play sessions, designed to help build confidence, raise self-esteem, and encourage purposeful conversation.

The pilot is a unique programme designed for the leisure centre space by a specialist in therapeutic play, enabling wider access to this beneficial and fun activity for children with SEN. Leisure centres are at the heart of the community and offer access to an incredible range of activities that are not expensive and ensure inclusive access for those who need it.

Activities such as therapeutic play are not widely available in the public space, and these new sessions have given children the opportunity to access play sessions designed to support their needs.

Speaking about its commitment to the community,Crook Log’s Centre Manager Charmaine Wells said: “This pilot programme in partnership with a Thera-Build® practitioner shows the diversity of activities that we can offer and is a reminder of the impact that local leisure centres such as ours can have. We’ve been working hard with the central team at Lex Leisure and Parkwood Leisure to test and trial programmes such as this, alongside inclusive access for all our community including those with disabilities, visual impairment, long-term illness and older adults.”

The programme facilitator Vicki Henderson, a Thera-Build® Licensed Practitioner and qualified teacher says: "It was a wonderful experience to bring these therapeutic play sessions to Crook Log to compliment the fantastic inclusive programme Charmaine and the Parkwood Leisure Sunflower trained team are already providing. The families responded so positively to the calm and welcoming environment, working together to build their unique and creative ideas"

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower CEO Paul White comments: “It’s wonderful to see Crook Log Leisure Centre embracing inclusivity in such a meaningful and joyful way. By recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, they are not only providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals with non-visible disabilities, but also setting an example of what community-focused support truly looks like.”

Stacey Watts, parent of two siblings who attended the session reflects on the experience: “We had a great time at the Crook Log Leisure SEN LEGO sessions during the Easter Holidays. I took my seven-year-old son Hudson and it was wonderful to see him working together with one of the staff members to build the aeroplane, encouraging interaction with other adults. The session helped Hudon engage socially in a positive environment where he was relaxed and comfortable in. Clubs such as these are so valuable for children with SEND, who often have limited access to such activities. It was a brilliant day.”

Crook Log Leisure Centre is at the forefront of piloting inclusive activities for the whole community, as part of a long-term commitment by Lex Leisure CIC, in partnership with Parkwood Leisure. Parkwood Leisure operates local leisure centres across the country, some sub-contracted to Lex Leisure, and puts community at the heart of its work, with a commitment to supporting its local communities to be healthier and happier.

The local leisure centre in Bexleyheath already runs a comprehensive SEN children’s programme with dedicated swim, gymnastics and inflatable sessions and will continue to support this important provision.