School holiday provision for young people with SEND.
Information about school holiday provision and activities in Leeds.
This catalogue lists in detail fun activities and short breaks currently available to children and young people aged 0-18 in Leeds.
click here to download the short breaks and fun activities catalogue 2025/26
If you would like your child to access a targeted short breaks / fun activity please complete the expression of interest form.
The aim of the Programme is to tackle the food insecurity and hunger, isolation and inactivity experienced by many children and young people during the school holidays.
The Healthy Holidays programme is principally for primary and secondary aged children and young people who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals, including those identifying as having a SEND. 85% of participants should be in receipt of benefits related school meals but there is flexibility to provide places for children and young people who are deemed otherwise vulnerable. The Programme runs during the end of term holidays but not during half term breaks.
The HAF Programme aims to enable eligible children and young people to take part in engaging and enriching activities which support the development of resilience, character and wellbeing along with their wider educational attainment.
Key elements of the programme include: 60 mins of physical activity; a nutritious, hot meal each session; nutritional education for children and families and signposting and referral opportunities for households involved.
Leeds Healthy Holidays aims to provide a wide range of enriching activities for children and young people, including, but not restricted to, arts & crafts, sports & games, gardening & harvesting, outdoor crafts, cooking activities and digital creativity.
We work with Leeds Community Foundation to administer third sector provision and centrally to commission schools and Leeds City Council provision. We are lucky to have multiple providers and varied provision in Leeds through schools, third sector organisations, Community Hubs and Breeze.
click here to visit the Leeds Healthy Holidays website
For questions or further information, please email healthyholidays@leeds.gov.uk
Short breaks are activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that enable them to have fun, spend time with friends and build their confidence and skills in a safe environment. Activities can last from one hour up to full weekend (residential) opportunities.
Residential provisions
Herd Farm
Rural full board weekend outdoor activity residential experiences for 14 young people per weekend as part of a social living, outdoor activities experience in a high-quality Grade II converted and adaptable barn.
Date: 8th to 10th August 2025
Contact: herdfarm@leeds.gov.uk
Activity information
Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme (ASAS)
Play scheme offered to children and young people in the Aireborough area of Leeds only (LS5, 16, 18, 19, 20 & 21).
Leeds Mencap
Holiday activity schemes for children and young people aged 4 -18 with learning disabilities/additional needs across three specific age groups. The playscheme is run from The Vinery Centre, Leeds, LS9 9LU.
The children and young people will do a range of different activities throughout the week such as baking, arts and crafts, messy & sensory play. Themed days such as People who help us, Outer Space, or Superheroes, seasonal activities for Easter/Summer. Previous workshops have included visits from the animals, music sessions, circus skills and sensory discos.
4 to 8 year olds
9 to 12 year olds
13 to 18 year olds
Contact: activities@leedsmencap.org.uk
Leeds Weekend Care Association
Saturday playscheme for children and young people with learning disabilities offering a range of fun activities including bouncy castle, a ball pool, adapted bikes and sensory equipment.
Leeds Weekend Care Association
Saturday play scheme for children and young people with learning disabilities/additional needs. We operate from The Vinery Centre, Leeds 9.
The young people who attend Teen Scene can access the club once every four weeks for 3 hours.
We offer a range of fun activities including a bouncy castle, a ball pool, adapted bikes and sensory equipment. We also provide activities such as baking, arts and crafts and sports activities.
Leeds Weekend Care Association
Teenage outings in small groups in the local community; activities such as: bowling, eating out, theatre, theme parks, trampolining, snooker nights & youth club nights.
In school holidays we offer some full day activities and some evening activities.
Sunshine and Smiles (Leeds Downs Syndrome Network)
Sunshine and Smiles is a specific support network for children and young people who have Down syndrome.
Contact: hello@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk
West Leeds Activity Centre
Summer holiday club at West Leeds Activity centre.
You can find out more about short breaks and fun activities including contact details in the Short Breaks and Fun Activities Catalogue