Funding available to increase opportunities and activities for SEND children

People are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10k to help increase the number of opportunities and activities across Wiltshire for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND).

Wiltshire Council has invited groups, organisations, and individuals to apply for the funding which can be used to fund necessary resources required for clubs and/or activities for children and young people with SEND.

Deadline for submissions is midnight on Monday 6 January 2025.

Applications will be assessed in January 2025.

The small grants scheme was established in response to feedback from parents and is designed to increase opportunities for children and young people with SEND within the local community. The initiative aims to increase access to clubs, activities, and other supportive groups. This approach is in line with the council's business plan, which prioritises ensuring that children and young people receive the best possible start in life and are included in their community.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND said: The primary goal is to increase opportunities and activities for children and young people with SEND in the Wiltshire area. The small grants scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, voluntary or community-based parent-led organisations, charities, cooperatives, and schools seeking to offer new or expanded activities. We encourage all to apply.

Parents and carers' feedback and insights lead us to the creation of this funding initiative, and we continue to welcome your ideas on how this funding can be used to support children and young people with SEND in your community. "Last year, eleven individuals and organisations were awarded funding to buy additional play equipment, enhancing their support for children and young people with SEND.

Grants were awarded to Achievio, Baloos, Dorothy House, Elements Café, Kay-oss events, Seeds4success, Shearwater farm, Silverwood, St Marys, The Rhythm Practice and Wilts Wildlife Trust

• Dorothy House Children and Young People's Service provides therapeutic support to children whose parents are receiving palliative or end-of-life care. These services include individual counselling, family therapy, as well as group activities and family-oriented events.Funding has enabled them to offer enhanced 1:1 support for children with SEND, including up to eight therapeutic sessions, with the option for additional sessions if more intensive support is required.
• Kay-OSS is a specialised events planning service with a focus on supporting children with SEND. Kay-OSS organises a variety of activities, including messy play, creative workshops, sensory experiences, and even edible play sessions. Kay-OSS offers themed events featuring characters, animals, and soft play, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy during school holidays and occasional weekends. Regular sessions are currently held in Westwood, Trowbridge, and Bowerhill, with soft play events also available at Funways in Warminster.
•  Wiltshire Wildlife Trust who run the willows care farm said: The items we were able to purchase with the Small Grants Scheme included: a weighted blanket, fidget Toys, water play and sand play equipment, as well as a shelter to cover the new sensory play equipment. This equipment has enabled us to extend the opportunities we offer to a wider audience of young people who need more sensory input in from their experience with us. More opportunities to play allows our students to freely create without fear of making mistakes, contributes to their sense of self and helps them to build confidence.The more areas we can create like that which the Small Grants Scheme is enabling us to do, the more we can extend our provision to additional students and a those with a greater level of need.

For more information about the scheme including how to apply please visit Local offer (opens new window), or contact: CandF.Commissioning@wiltshire.gov.uk