As Kettering by the Sea is gets ready to open this summer, there is a special, quieter space being carefully prepared – SEND-by-the-Sea – specifically designed for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The annual Kettering by the Sea event brings a pop-up beach to the Market Place from Tuesday, July 21 with daily free activities for residents wanting a town centre getaway.

Away from the main sand pit area, but within sight of the event, this SEND space provides a gazebo with a surrounding fenced area to ensure children remain safe. With soft foam tiles as flooring and play trays filled with sand, children can still enjoy the ’by the seaside’ feel.

Fun, sun, sand – and water fountains – as Kettering by the Sea returns this summ...

Kettering by the Sea includes SEND by the Sea/IMG

SEND-by-the-Sea is funded by Kettering Town Council’s Councillor Ward Initiative Fund, where each member has £500 to spend on projects to benefit their area.

Cllr Kate Bucky said: “The SEND space proved so popular last year, that I have used my Ward Initiative Fund again to help Sea of Support expand, improve and continue this offer at Kettering-by-the-Sea. We’ve bought new sensory items and colourful fencing to make the area bigger and more attractive.

"For a fun way to mark its popularity, everyone that comes to our SEND space will be asked to tie a ribbon onto the fencing, and, after the event, the ribbons will be made into a unique piece of artwork to celebrate all those who attended.

“Support for those with an additional need is very important to us at Kettering Town Council and so we continue to make our events as inclusive and accessible as possible”

There are a range of toys and activities, including colouring, large balls, mini tents, bubbles, fidget toys and ear defenders to borrow for the day.

Whilst the busyness of a big sandpit and different activities is fun for most children, the experience can be a challenge for anyone with neurodiversity, an autism spectrum condition or sensory processing disorder.

Without a dedicated SEND area, families might need to leave after just a few minutes or choose not to come along at all, so, Kettering Town Council has been working with Sea of Support (SOS) and recruiting some volunteers to provide this much-needed space.

SOS is run by a group of parents who have lived experience of SEND and who offer advice and invaluable support to families.

Mary Docherty from SOS said: "Busy events can be overwhelming for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At SEND-by-the-Sea they will find a calm space where they can take time to regulate, recharge, and enjoy the day at their own pace, allowing families to stay and take part in the event for longer.

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel included. By creating a safe, non-judgemental space, we hope parents and carers will feel confident to bring their children and young people along, knowing they can enjoy a fun day out together with support and acceptance.”

SEND-by-the-Sea runs alongside Kettering by the Sea from Tuesday, July 21 to Tuesday, August 11, and is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

For more information and a full timetable, go to www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk/kettering-by-the-sea.