Center Parcs has unveiled a groundbreaking Sensory Library at its Elveden Forest village, allowing families with neurodivergent children and additional needs to borrow specialist equipment free of charge during their stays.

The launch comes directly in response to growing demand and new research highlighting the steep challenges families face when trying to take a break.

A recent survey of 500 UK parents and legal guardians of children with additional needs revealed that 44% feel current holiday provisions fail to meet their child's needs, while 70% called for greater industry support.

Developed in partnership with SENNIES, the UK's leading specialist SEN childcare and consultancy organisation, the Sensory Library is designed to relieve the stress placed on families during trips away from home.

As families struggle with prolonged wait times for formal diagnoses, holiday planning brings its own set of hurdles:

* **80%** of parents consider a destination's ability to cater to their child's needs before booking.

* **80%** report that crowded or busy environments pose major challenges.

* **75%** admit to avoiding facilities or activities entirely to prevent sensory overload.

* **72%** feel forced to pack sensory or comfort items from home on almost every trip.

Over two-thirds (68%) of parents surveyed stated that having free access to sensory and accessibility aids at their destination would dramatically improve their holiday experience.

What the Sensory Library Offers

Located at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, the library provides practical tools, communication aids, and sensory items that guests can check out for the duration of their visit with no formal diagnosis required.

Noise and Light Management

Noise-reducing ear defenders, calming mood lights

Regulation and Comfort

Fidget toys, pop tubes, visual timers

Communication Tools

Wipe-clean boards, feelings wheels

Speaking on the new launch, Richie Williams, Village Director at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, emphasised the company’s commitment to adapting to family needs:

“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."

Georgia Sargeant, CEO and Founder of SENNIES, highlighted the vital importance of flexible support:

"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.”

The Sensory Library is located in Guest Services, and is a pilot scheme forming part of Center Parcs' broader accessibility framework, which already includes quiet swimming sessions and dedicated accessible lodges. Center Parcs plans to gather feedback from families using the Elveden Forest library to inform a potential rollout across its other UK villages. 

It states on their website:

‘As we continue to learn what guests find most helpful, we will keep developing and expanding the Sensory Library collection.’