Center Parcs has opened a Sensory Library at Elveden Forest, giving families free access to sensory tools, communication aids and practical equipment throughout their stay.
The service launched on 18 September 2026 and was developed with guidance from SENNIES, a specialist SEN childcare, training and consultancy organisation. It is available to all guests staying at Elveden Forest, with no diagnosis required.
Items available to borrow include noise-reducing ear defenders, wipe-clean boards, calming lights, fidget toys, feelings wheels, visual timers and pop tubes. Center Parcs says the pilot has been shaped by research and consultation with families.
Advertisement
Research Highlights Demand for More Holiday Support
The launch follows research commissioned by Center Parcs among 500 UK parents and legal guardians of neurodivergent children and children with additional needs.
According to the research, 44% of respondents said current holiday provision did not adequately meet their child’s needs, while 70% said further support was needed. Eight in ten said they consider a destination’s ability to meet their child’s individual needs when deciding where to go, and the same proportion said busy or crowded environments can be challenging for their child.
Three quarters said they sometimes avoid activities or facilities because they may be overwhelming. A further 72% said they bring sensory equipment or comfort items from home on every or most trips, while 68% said access to sensory and accessibility aids at their destination would improve their child’s holiday experience. The same proportion said being able to borrow a range of sensory items would help their family feel more supported.
Wider Pressure on Neurodevelopmental Support
The findings come against a backdrop of rising demand for neurodevelopmental support in England. The Children’s Commissioner reported that referrals involving suspected autism rose from 65,530 to 96,393 in 2024-25, an increase of almost 50%, while referrals for other neurodevelopmental conditions increased by 24%.
Department for Education figures show that more than 1.8 million pupils in England had special educational needs in 2025-26, up by 91,400, or 5.2%, on the previous year.
Latest NHS England figures recorded 294,792 patients with an open referral for suspected autism in June 2026, including 256,017 whose referral had been open for at least 13 weeks. NHS England notes that the statistics remain in development and that data-quality issues can affect the national totals.
Part of Elveden Forest’s Accessibility Offer
The Sensory Library adds to existing accessibility provision at Elveden Forest, including quiet swim sessions, Access for All guidance and an Enhanced Accessible Lodge with a dedicated sensory room.
“The number of families looking for more thoughtful, practical support is growing, and our research makes clear that this plays a major role in where they choose to spend their holidays. Whilst we already offer an array of additional and personalised support at our villages, such as quiet swim sessions, Access for All guidance, and a dedicated Sensory Lodge at Elveden Forest, it’s an area we’ve long wanted to grow further to support all of our guests.
“Parents told us they often travel with additional sensory equipment or comfort items simply to help their child feel comfortable away from home – and that better provision could make families more likely to take regular breaks. Our Sensory Library is a direct response. By working with families and SENNIES, we can provide useful equipment at no extra cost and remove one source of pressure from the experience. This pilot is the beginning of a journey, and we will listen closely to families using it and learn from their feedback as we consider what comes next and a future rollout to other villages.”
Richie Williams Village Director at Center Parcs Elveden Forest
“No two neurodivergent children are the same, so there is no single adjustment that works for every family. What matters is choice, a considered range of options from sensory resources and communication aids through to support for self regulation and co-regulation, so a family can pick what works for their child that day. “This library turns families’ feedback into practical support and shows how holiday providers can respond meaningfully to changing needs. We are proud to have worked with Center Parcs on the first step of this.”
Georgia Sargeant CEO and Founder at SENNIES
The Sensory Library is located at Elveden Forest and is available free of charge to staying guests. Families can use the service without a formal diagnosis, including while waiting for an assessment or where they identify that the resources would be helpful.
