Sense Virtual Sensory Sport Programme & Staff Training

We are pleased to confirm that the Sense Virtual Sensory Sport programme is returning for the academic year 2025-2026. We will be commencing with our Sensory Football block of sessions following the October half term break.
What is the Sense Virtual Sensory Sport Programme?
The programme is designed to enable learners with PMLD and complex needs to participate in meaningful and appropriate sport and physical activity in the comfort of their own school. At Sense, we have developed five Sensory Sports in partnership with each National Governing Body: Sensory Football; Sensory Snooker; Sensory Badminton; Sensory Rounders; and Sensory Tennis. Working with our delivery partner, Just Do Sport, we will deliver 5-6 week blocks of activities relating to each of these five sports, across the academic year (see full list of dates below). Schools/colleges are welcome to drop in and out of the sessions as you wish, although we do encourage you to attend as many sessions as possible to support the outcomes and skill development of participants.
How are the sessions structured?
Each session will be delivered on screen by Jake from Just Do Sport who will demonstrate and explain each activity before providing time for learners to participate.
We encourage staff to provide active support, however, it is important to encourage participants to actively engage with the equipment and activities in a way that is meaningful and suitable for them (i.e. allow participants to experience the activities rather than have activities done to/for them). For some participants this may be a very small movement or engagement whilst for others it may be more noticeable.
What equipment will we require?
The sessions will require a range of basic equipment such as balls, beanbags, cones and hoops. A full equipment list will be shared prior to each block of sessions, and we also encourage you to utilise adapted and sensory equipment where appropriate. You will also require access to a compatible device to access the Zoom sessions, and where possible this should be displayed on a large screen. We also love to see learners (and staff) participating so encourage use of cameras where possible and consents allow.
When do the sessions take place?
Sessions take place via Zoom on Tuesdays
School sessions will run from 9.45am - 10.25am
College sessions will run from 10.30am – 11.15am
........................................................................................................................................
What are the dates of the sessions?
Sensory Football: 11th November - 16th December (6 weeks)
Sensory Snooker: 6th January - 10th February (6 weeks)
Sensory Badminton: 24th February - 24th March (5 weeks)
Sensory Rounders: 14th April - 19th May (6 weeks)
Sensory Tennis: 2nd June - 7th July (6 weeks)
...........................................................................................................................................
How do we express our interest in accessing this year's programme?
To participate in the Schools programme please click here
To participate in the College programme please click here
............................................................................................................................................
Sensory Sport training for staff
To support teaching and classroom based staff, we are hosting a special Introduction to Sensory Sport training workshop for the education sector, which will take place via Zoom on Thursday 13th November, 6.00pm - 8.30pm. This training is endorsed by CIMSPA and upon completion, delegates can obtain proof of 2.5 CPD points by requesting a certificate. The workshop will cover the following:
- An introduction to complex needs
- Why we have developed the Sensory Sport model
- Adapting activities to suit the needs of disabled people with complex needs
- Planning and evaluating your activities
BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE
Contact Alice Turner Alice.Miller@sense.org.uk for more information.