EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 23
SEND providers
SCIENCE DISCOVERY
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium is
open for SEND groups any day, but for those who
prefer a quieter session, the Centre sets aside a
day a month especially for SEND school visits.
“On those days, we have fewer groups on site, so
it’s quieter and less crowded,” says Andy Keenan,
Head of Community Engagement. “We can allow
more time for the group to look around each
section, and we have a relaxed itinerary, so it can
adapt to what they want to do.”
Ear defenders and sensory support backpacks
are on offer, and there is a ‘Recombobulation
Room’ for when children need some quiet time.
The Centreʼs experience with SEND groups
means the visit team can anticipate and adapt
to any issues. “For example, some students are
anxious about being in the Planetarium, so we
take them to see it when they arrive, so they
know what to expect,” says Andy. Activities
can be tailored to suit each group’s needs and
abilities, and the Centre also offers help with
visit risk assessments, teacher preview visits and
a range of subsidies for eligible schools.
Don’t be afraid to ask!
While not all venues have a dedicated SEND programme,
many are able to provide help and adaptations on
request, such as:
Preview visits to meet staff, assess the itinerary and discuss potential issues
Social stories to read before the visit
Ear defenders for noisy environments
Audio guides with headphones to help concentration
Sessions booked to coincide with the quietest times (often early or late in the day)
Private rooms where the group can eat lunch or take a break away from the crowds
Tailored and flexible itineraries to suit the group’s needs
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2026
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