Access Compass guide
Non-term-time activities & holiday clubs (Northants)
This guide helps families find inclusive holiday clubs, sports sessions, play centres and support hubs during school breaks and how to access funding.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people
✓ Verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Decide what kind of break your child would enjoy
Think about your child's interests and support needs. Some programmes are structured residential holidays like Oundle Mencap's week-long camps. Others are day clubs offering arts, crafts and sports sessions, such as Action for Children holiday clubs or Cube Kids inclusive camps. Multi-sport clubs like YIP or DISC provide short sessions for young people to socialise and try different sports. Soft-play centres (360 Play and Riverside Hub) run monthly SEND evenings; family support hubs offer relaxed craft sessions.
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Check eligibility and funding
Many clubs welcome any child with special educational needs or disabilities; some are targeted at specific needs (visual impairment, autism). Action for Children holiday clubs and YIP clubs have age limits and fees (often around £10 or £3.50 per session). Rushden Splash, 360 Play and Riverside Hub charge admission but offer concessions. Oundle Mencap's week-long holiday costs around £295 due to staffing. If you receive Free School Meals, you may qualify for a free place at a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) club; West Northamptonshire can use up to 15% of its HAF funding for other children who would benefit. Some activities, like DISC multi-sport club, are free but welcome donations.
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Explore and book local activities
Contact providers early as places fill quickly. Use the contact details in the resources below: email northants.disability@actionforchildren.org.uk for Action for Children groups; book Cube Kids camps via their website; call Rushden Splash (01933 410505) to book inclusive swimming; sign up for DISC sessions via the referral form. For YIP club, just turn up on Tuesdays or ring the centre to ask about holiday sessions. Always disclose any access requirements so staff can plan appropriate support.
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Consider transport and support
Think about how your child will get to and from the club. Some venues may be within walking or bus distance; others may require a car. Short Breaks budgets can sometimes fund transport or one-to-one support–ask your social worker or the Action for Children team.
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Give feedback and stay informed
After attending a club or session, share your experiences with the provider. Many schemes (like Oundle Mencap and Happy Days) ask for feedback to secure funding for future years. Keep checking the Local Offer and Northamptonshire Sport's HAF directory for new providers and seasonal activities.