Half term is nearly here. For lots of families that means a week of lie-ins and days out. If your child has SEND, it can also mean a week without the routine that holds everything together, and a lot of places that feel too loud, too busy or too unpredictable.
This guide is for parents and carers in Halifax and across Calderdale who want a calmer half term. It isn't about filling every hour. It's about a few gentle ideas, a bit of planning, and somewhere to go where your child doesn't have to "cope" to be welcome.
When is October half term in Calderdale?
For community, voluntary controlled and special schools, Calderdale Council's recommended dates have schools closing on Friday 23 October and reopening on Monday 2 November, so half term runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October (Calderdale Council school term dates). Academies and some other schools set their own dates, so it's worth checking with your child's school.
Why holidays can feel harder for SEND families
Many children with SEND find comfort in knowing what comes next. School days, even hard ones, have a shape. Holidays often don't. Add busy shops, crowded play centres and new places, and it's not surprising if your child is more unsettled than usual.
The NHS says autistic people may react very strongly to lights, sounds, smells, tastes or textures, may not like brightly lit or noisy rooms, and can be worried or upset by changes in routine or new situations (NHS: signs of autism). Not every child with SEND is autistic, and every child is different. But if your child finds the world loud, you're not imagining it, and you're not doing anything wrong.
Build a simple shape for the week
You don't need a timetable for every hour. A rough shape for each day can be enough.
- Pick one "anchor" per day. One thing that happens at the same time each day, like a walk after breakfast or a film after lunch.
- Show the week. A picture calendar on the fridge, or a few drawings, can help your child see what's coming. Cross each day off together.
- Mix busy and quiet. If Tuesday has an outing, make Wednesday a home day.
- Warn about changes early. If plans have to shift, say so as soon as you can and keep it short.
Calm things to do at home
Home can be the calmest place of all, especially on the first and last days of half term.
- Make a den. A blanket over two chairs, some cushions and a torch can become a quiet hideaway. Let your child decide what goes in it.
- Messy play on their terms. Dried pasta, rice or water play in a washing-up bowl, with a towel underneath. Let them touch, pour or just watch.
- Bake something simple. Measuring, stirring and waiting can feel settling for some children, and you get something to eat at the end.
- Slow film afternoons. Pick a familiar favourite, close the curtains and lower the volume. Familiar is good in a week of change.
- Movement breaks. Jumping, dancing to one song, or pushing against a wall can help some children feel more settled in their bodies.
If your child gets overwhelmed, our free Sensory Overload tool helps you both notice what's too much and what helps. You can use it together on a calm day so it's ready when you need it.
Calm things to do out and about
Getting out of the house can help, as long as it's on your child's terms.
- Go early. Parks, woods and canal paths are usually quieter first thing in the morning.
- Choose open spaces. Outdoor places give children room to move and somewhere to step away to.
- Keep it short. Plan for an hour, not a whole day. Leaving while it's still going well counts as a win.
- Pack a calm kit. Ear defenders, a favourite snack, a fidget and a drink can make new places feel safer.
- Have an exit plan. Know where the quiet spot or the car is, so you can leave without a scramble.
Free holiday sensory sessions in Halifax
We aim to run extra free SEND sensory sessions in school holidays, and this half term there are four:
- Tuesday 27 October, 10:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- Friday 30 October, 10:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 2:30pm
They're at Halifax Elim Church, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY, for children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs. They're free, and no diagnosis is needed. Siblings, carers and grandparents are all welcome.
The space is split into gentle zones. There's a calm corner with soft lighting, sensory tents and bean bags. There's a move and play area with trampolines, climbing and a ball pool. And there's a focus and create space with sensory trays and busy boards. There's no pressure to join in, sit still or stay for the whole session. We keep numbers small so it stays calm.
Booking is required for holiday sessions, so please book your place before you come.
After half term: our regular Friday sessions
If your child enjoys the holiday sessions, our free Friday SEND sensory sessions run on the 1st to 4th Friday of every month, 10:30am to 12:00pm, for children aged 0 to 11. Reserving a place is recommended.
At the same time, our SEND family drop-in is a relaxed space in a neighbouring room for parents, carers and grandparents, with free tea, coffee and snacks. No booking is needed, but letting us know you're coming helps.
Be kind to yourself too
Holidays can be tiring for parents as well. If a day goes wrong, that's not failure. It's a hard day. Lower the bar, pick one small good thing, and start again tomorrow.
If you're worried about your child's health or wellbeing, speak to your GP or health visitor, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to come to the holiday sensory sessions?
No. The sessions are for children aged 0 to 11 with additional needs, and no diagnosis is needed.
Do I need to book the half-term sessions?
Yes. Booking is required for holiday sessions. Use the Book your place button on our holiday sensory sessions page.
Can siblings come too?
Yes. Siblings, carers and grandparents are all welcome.
Book your place at a half-term sensory session
Free SEND sensory sessions in Halifax on Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 October, for children aged 0 to 11. No diagnosis needed. Booking is required.