CENTER Parcs has become the first holiday operator to begin the roll out of new sensory libraries at all of its villages to cater for families with neurodivergent children.
Collaborating with specialist SEN consultancy SENNIES, it has officially opened its sensory library at its Elveden Forest village, where families will be allowed to borrow items for free during their stay.
Products such as noise-reducing ear defenders, wipe-clean boards, calming lights, fidget toys, feelings wheels, visual timers and pop tubes will be available for families to choose from.
The short break provider plans to roll out libraries at all of its villages by 2028.
It follows research of 500 parents and legal guardians of neurodivergent children and those with additional needs, which revealed 80 per cent take a destination’s ability to meet their child’s individual needs into account when deciding where to go.
A further 80 per cent said busy or crowded environments can be challenging for their child, with 75 per cent sometimes avoiding activities or facilities entirely because they prove overwhelming.
Georgia Sargeant, CEO and founder at SENNIES, speaking in partnership with Center Parcs, said: “No two neurodivergent children are the same, so there is no single adjustment that works for every family.
“What matters is choice, a considered range of options from sensory resources and communication aids through to support for self-regulation and co-regulation, so a family can pick what works for their child that day.
“This library turns families’ feedback into practical support and shows how holiday providers can respond meaningfully to changing needs.”
The decision to launch the library comes as 44 per cent of parents polled said many holiday providers don’t offer adequate provisions for their children.
With 70 per cent agreeing further support is needed for neurodivergent children and kids with additional needs.
It emerged 72 per cent of mums and dads bring sensory equipment or comfort items from home on every or most trips.
And 68 per cent said access to sensory and accessibility aids at their destination would improve the holiday experience for their child.
While a further 68 per cent also said if they could obtain a variety of sensory items to loan for the duration of their getaway, it would help their family feel more supported.
Department for Education figures show more than 1.8 million pupils in England now have special educational needs – this is an increase of 5.2 per cent in a year.
And it has seen NHS assessment waitlists reach more than 240,000.
While the Children’s Commissioner’s latest annual briefing found children’s referrals, involving suspected autism, rose 47 per cent in a single year.
And neurodevelopmental referrals increased by 24 per cent.
Richie Williams, village director at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, said: “The number of families looking for more thoughtful, practical support is growing.
“This pilot is the beginning of a journey, and we will listen closely to families using it and learn from their feedback as we consider what comes next and a future rollout to other villages.”