Making Days Out Easier: The Story Behind the SEND Directory
As a parent of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), I know first-hand how much effort it takes to plan even the simplest family day out. What should be a fun adventure can quickly become stressful if a venue isn’t prepared to meet our children’s needs.
I found myself spending hours searching websites, calling or emailing venues, and still arriving unsure whether a place would be truly inclusive. Sometimes it worked out, but other times it ended in overwhelm, meltdowns, or leaving early. That’s when I realised: if I was struggling, so were countless other families.
I wanted to create something that would save parents time, reduce stress, and make days out feel possible again. That’s why I created the SEND Directory. It is a trusted space where parents can find real, practical information about accessible clubs, activities, and days out, all in one place.
I started this with a short hand-written list of recommendations from other parents. There are now more than 50 listings.
The Challenge SEND Families Face
For many families, a spontaneous trip to a playground or activity centre is easy. For SEND families, it’s rarely that simple.
Accessibility details are often missing or vague.
Sensory-friendly options can vary widely, even at venues that claim to be inclusive.
Parents are left relying on word of mouth or trial-and-error. This can cost time, energy, and too often, leads to disappointment.
The result? Many families stay home rather than risk a negative experience.
How the SEND Directory Helps
The SEND Directory was built to take away that uncertainty. It’s more than a list of venues, it’s a growing resource shaped by parent insight and lived experience.
🗂️ Searchable and filterable listings so you can quickly find what works for your family.
👨👩👧 Parent-recommended activities with honest, real-world insights.
♿ Focus on what matters most: sensory-friendly sessions, staff training, accessible facilities, calm environments.
🌱 Community-driven growth: as more parents share, the directory becomes even more valuable.
The Vision for the Directory
This is just the beginning. My vision is for the SEND Directory to grow into a trusted, go-to resource for families across the East of England and, in time, across the UK.
It’s more than a directory. It’s about community and confidence. I want every family to feel confident that a day out can be fun, inclusive, and stress-free.
I’d love to include more listings and reviews across the region and further afield.
Explore the SEND Directory Today
If you’ve ever worried about whether a day out will really work for your child, the SEND Directory is here to help. It’s free, parent-friendly, and growing every week.
👉 Explore the SEND Directory and the SEND Reviews here.
And if you’ve discovered a great SEND-friendly venue, why not recommend it? By sharing your experience, you could help another family enjoy a stress-free day out.
