Woman inspired by sister to start SEND sessions

Josie Wheel started the sessions after finding there was not much provision for similar activities in Coventry

A woman in Coventry has organised half term activities for children with special needs after finding there was a lack of provision locally.

Josie Wheel, a former teacher, whose sister has a brain condition, said there had been an overwhelming interest in the sessions from other families in the area.

She said she wanted to provide a non-judgemental setting and support for parents.

Extra care has been taken to ensure the activities being offered are suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), she said.

Ms Wheel said she had been inspired to organise the events by her sister.

She said her family enjoyed doing activities together but found it difficult because many venues were not accessible enough or did not have the sort of equipment her sister liked to play with.

Interest in the Ladybug Lodge sessions has been "massive", she said.

“We straightaway hit demand with 80 families wanting that uptake,” she explained.

“We had to set a button on the website for families to register interest.”

One of those who has attended, Rav Sangha, said: “I think it’s amazing. In Coventry we’ve got no such provision.

“We used to attend a summer club years ago, before Covid. Unfortunately that provision stopped and we’ve had nothing since.”

Another of those joining in the sessions, Sam Neal, said: “I think it’s wonderful.”

Ms Neal added: “I was happy to see it was on at half term and in an accessible place in town so it’s easy for people to get to.”

Ms Wheel said she was now hoping to find a dedicated venue.

In a statement, Coventry City Council said that while special educational needs schools in the city do not have specific half term activities, it was in talks about whether it could offer more access to these sites in the future.