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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

School trips and student support

Which SEN friendly school trips in the UK cater to diverse needs?

SEN trips provide accessible venues, sensory adaptations, and tailored support to ensure all students enjoy educational benefits safely.

SEN & ASN Outdoor Education. The Department for Education, the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) increased to 1.49 million pupils in 2022, representing 16.5% of all pupils. They split SEN needs into: social, mental and emotional health, communication and interaction, cognition and learning, and sensory or physical. The Department for Work and Pensions identified 9% of children in the UK as having a disability in 2022.

Tailored Programmes for mainstream and specialist schools


Particular school trip destinations have tailor-made programmes, which have been specially devised to meet the learning needs of children with SEN or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). SEN, Additional Support Needs (ASN), or groups with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) covers such a wide ranging spectrum of disabilities - everyone is different and therefore struggle in different areas. Consequently, these tailored programmes aim to be valuable to each individual child's personal development. Learning outside the classroom is an excellent way for children with SEN to enhance their social skills, learn visually, gain confidence, concentrate easier, and improve intellectually. Not only can they improve in their lessons, but they can also learn some essential life skills.

Each school trip or workshop provider is able to indicate which types of SEND they can tailor their experience for, helping schools decide which experiences are likely to be suitable for their individual group of children. Visit our article about planning a SEND school trip to get some more advice and tips.

Choosing a venue is a crucial decision for children with SEN, as the children's surroundings and environment is paramount to their personal development. Moreover, the children's safety is a principal concern, so therefore the venue needs to accommodate to the children's specific needs. For instance, some SEN school trip destinations offer complete privacy in order for the children to fully relax.

Want to book SEN trips and workshops?

Let us find the perfect SEN experience experience for your school trip.




Popular school trip August 2026 !

Essex Outdoors Mersea

location icon East of England
apple iconBushcraft, Outdoor Learning, Revision Breaks, Team Building, Watersports, SEN


Our largest centre sits on 60 acres of Mersea Island, near Colchester. Kayaking, obstacle courses and paddleboarding are among 20+ adventurous activities, led by qualified instructors. Build teamwork, confidence and resilience with outcomes mapped to your curr

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Essex Outdoors Mersea click hand icon
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actor dressed in US flag
USA Workshop & Wow Day
map pin in-school workshop

We work with children with a range of needs and always try our best to adapt to suit these needs! - SEMH children in PRUs - SEND specialist schools - SEN children in mainstream schools -...
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Image for a creative writing school workshop KS2 KS3
Creative Writing Superheroes
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This Drama Hut Workshop takes children on a journey of discovery into the world of storytelling. We meet our enthusiastic writer, 'Sally', as she shares her love of stories and graphic novels. How do they work? What's involved? Can anyone create on
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The Victorians
The Victorians
map pin in-school workshop

We try to tailor all of our workshops to the needs of the audience that we are presenting too. For any schools that have any profound learning needs, we do request a phone call so that we can assess...
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KS1 school children building a structure during a STEM workshop
STEM Workshops for Any Location
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We are experienced teachers who are familiar with teaching a range of individual needs and who undergo the Silver SEND/ASN Inclusion Training from the Friendly SEND Advisor. We have a SEND specialist on our team and a consultant who both work to adapt our workshops for schools.
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man reading a book about the big bad wolf
Fairytales
map pin in-school workshop

Absolutely! Our method of working, using the performing arts as a vehicle for learning, is naturally inclusive so please do reach out if you'd like to have One Day in your specialist setting. We...
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Image of an English workshop for KS2 KS3 schools
Introducing Shakespeare- Engage and Inspire
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During this Drama Hut Workshop, we will lead the children on a fun exploration of 'all things Shakespeare', helping them to appreciate how exciting and accessible his work can be, through voice exercises, storytelling, text work and improvisation
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school hall set for a workshop about maya incas and aztecs
Maya, Incas and Aztecs
map pin in-school workshop

We work with children with a range of needs and always try our best to adapt to suit these needs! - SEMH children in PRUs - SEND specialist schools - SEN children in mainstream schools -...
> read

Image for a school workshop for Mobile Planetarium school workshops KS2
Mobile Planetariums
map pin in-school workshop

UK's leading developer in friendly SEN/PMLD/Wheelchair, Hearing/Visually impaired shows and domes/experiences. ♿ SEND-Inclusive by Design — Not as an afterthought We are widely recognised for...
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magnifying glass looking for lichens on a tree trunk
NatureLab Habitat Explorers
map pin in-school workshop

Hands on nature exploration without a coach trip! Discover the habitats and wildlife found in your school grounds, and find out what you can do to help nature thrive.
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educators with an inflatable dome
SEN & Special shows
map pin in-school workshop

We love the work we do with SEN schools as the Dome is a wonderfully immersive and relaxing environment and a perfect place to learn for children with special educational needs. Merging the very best...
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children pond dipping
School Wild Science Workshops!
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Absolutely! We can adapt our sessions to suit SEN/AN children and can provide additional resources. Accessibility is a core part of WildSpace, we have an endless supply of different resources to...
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Celtic shield, tools and weapons on a red table
Conquering Concepts - Iron Age and the Celts
map pin in-school workshop

We can adapt any workshop and its delivery to suit the needs of any of your pupils. We have a vast range of alternative or substitute resources at our disposal which can be used as an adaption for any...
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Image for a school workshop for a Virtual Reality school workshop KS2
Virtual Reality VR Experience
map pin in-school workshop

UK's leading developer in friendly SEN/PMLD/Wheelchair, Hearing/Visually impaired shows and domes/experiences. ♿ SEND-Inclusive by Design — Not as an afterthought We are widely recognised for...
> read

Kings & Queens
Kings & Queens
map pin in-school workshop

We try to tailor all of our workshops to the needs of the audience that we are presenting too. For any schools that have any profound learning needs, we do request a phone call so that we can assess...
> read

anglo saxon helmet, shield and sword
Anglo Saxon Workshop & Wow Day
map pin in-school workshop

We work with children with a range of needs and always try our best to adapt to suit these needs! - SEMH children in PRUs - SEND specialist schools - SEN children in mainstream schools -...
> read

Roman helmet and shield
To be or not to be a Roman - You decide
map pin in-school workshop

We can adapt any workshop and its delivery to suit the needs of any of your pupils. We have a vast range of alternative or substitute resources at our disposal which can be used as an adaption for any...
> read

table with roman helmets and actor dressed in toga
Ancient Rome Workshop & Wow Day
map pin in-school workshop

We work in SEN schools all time ? We work with SEN, SEND, SEMH & visit many PRUs across the UK We are always able to cater for disabilities such as sessions based around mobility We can...
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Titanic
Titanic
map pin in-school workshop

We try to tailor all of our workshops to the needs of the audience that we are presenting too. For any schools that have any profound learning needs, we do request a phone call so that we can assess...
> read

actor dressed as a circus master for a school workshop
Circus Workshop & Wow Day
map pin in-school workshop

We work with children with a range of needs and always try our best to adapt to suit these needs! - SEMH children in PRUs - SEND specialist schools - SEN children in mainstream schools -...
> read

actress during a roald dahl school workshop
Roald Dahl- 12 days of Christmas
map pin online/in-school workshop

This Drama Hut Workshop is aimed at inspiring young writers over the festive season. Let our professional actor, take the children on an adventure to explore the stories and characters created by one of the world's favourite children's authors!
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Finland Adventure - SEN

Finland Adventure - SEN

7-night fully inclusive Arctic adventure for SEN students at Kuusamo. Igloo building, adapted skiing, Finnish school exchange, Northern Lights. ATOL/ABTA/LOtC protected, £10m insurance, FOC staff places, 24/7 SEN-trained guides.

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Paris School Tour

Paris School Tour

Rondo Travel will help plan your Paris visit to enable you get the most out of your time. In depth knowledge avoid wasted time travelling back and forwards. So much to do...

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Environmental Science and Sustainability in Florida

Environmental Science and Sustainability in Florida

Inspire your students with immersive Environmental Science and Sustainability programs in Central Florida. FFSA offers hands-on learning at top venues developing future-ready skills through unforgettable experiences

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Special Educational Needs School Trips - FAQ

10 March 2026

Why do SEND trips matter?
SEND trips are so important because they help children build independence and bring them joy. The activities are adapted so every child can participate, and the trips really boost their confidence.

Should you take your SEND group or a day trip or an in-workshop?
Workshops are great for building skills and usually cost between £150 and £400. Arguably, they are also easier to organise for SEND groups. Trips, on the other hand, are more about giving children access to new experiences and rewards, and they can be inclusive and accessible.

Are there free options for SEND activities?
Absolutely! Many museums for example have free access days, and parks are perfect for sensory walks and outdoor fun with no cost involved.

What are the top 10 SEND school trips?
Based on feedback from SEND coordinators in 2026, some favorites include sensory visits, adapted trips, and relaxed shows. Others are trips to farms, art galleries with touch tours, and outdoor adventures like local parks and adventure centres. Here is our list:

1. Science Museum (sensory)
2. Eden Project (adapted)
3. In-school inclusive workshops
4. London Zoo (quiet hours)
5. RSPB reserves (nature)
6. National Theatre (relaxed shows)
7. Farms (animal therapy)
8. Art galleries (touch tours)
9. Local parks (play)
10. Adventure centres (adapted climbs)

How do you plan SEND trips?
Planning is key! Venues like zoos often have plans for inclusive visits, and involving parents helps a lot. We have found success by keeping ratios manageable and bringing familiar items to make children feel comfortable.

What is the budget for a SEND trip?
It can vary, but generally, you might spend between £3 and £10 per child for free parks and bus travel. Centre visits cost around £5 to £15, workshops that you bring into school are £150 to £400, and residential trips are roughly £120 to £250 per child.

Are there grants available for inclusive trips?
Yes, there are grants and funding options out there to help make these trips more affordable and inclusive for everyone. Take a look at our funding page for places that offer funding for SEND groups in the UK!

Are there SEN qualified and experienced staff?
School trip destinations often have SEN qualified and experienced staff so that the children are properly supervised, cared for and included in activities. Consequently, you can be confident that each individual child's necessary demands are being met. When you make known any additional needs of your group, staff can explain how they can encourage, support, and motivate each and every child.

How do we know which trips are suitable for our SEND group?
School groups [1] planning inclusive experiences suitable for children with disabilities, can find details of provision within each venue's details. Plenty of school trip locations have wheelchair accessibility, or provide fully accessible toilet and shower facilities. Most can cater for children with visual impairments, hearing impairments or multi-sensory impairments or moderate, severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Children with physical disabilities should be actively supported and get the same experience as any other child on a school trip.


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Inclusive School Trips - Supporting pupils with SEND

Planning a school trip is an exciting opportunity for pupils to learn beyond the classroom, but for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities it requires extra consideration to ensure everyone can...

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Outdoor Education: Empowering Children with SEND

Peak's Development Programme offers children with SEND a barrier-free, outdoor learning experience that builds confidence and engagement.

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