Sports day should be a celebration, but for so many neurodivergent or disabled learners, it ends up being a sensory nightmare or an overwhelming, exclusionary experience. Whether you're in a specialist provision or supporting SEND learners in mainstream. The key is choice, flexibility and emotional safety first.
Here’s how to rethink sports day in a way that works with your learners, not against them.
Principles for an Inclusive Sports Day
- Not everyone has to join every activity
- Focus on engagement over competition
- Offer sensory regulation breaks
- Celebrate in ways that feel safe (no forced assemblies or loud applause)
- Prep with visuals and predictable structure
Ideas for Specialist Settings
These activities work brilliantly in sensory classrooms, PMLD/SLD provision, or where learners need structured access and lots of regulation support.
1. Bubble Pop Race
Learners race or move toward bubble machines or adults with bubble wands and pop as many as they can. Use standing, crawling, wheelchairs or mats — movement is movement!
2. Water Relay
Use plastic cups to transfer water from one bucket to another. Brilliant for fine motor skill practice and sensory input. Suitable seated or standing pupils.
3. Parachute Calm-Down Circle
End or start the session with a calm, inclusive parachute activity. Great for co-regulation and calming. Access my Parachute album here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLucZFR7DfEpwsmMG8GqZlhui7MdP_LNFA&si=6xVQVTksYzilfdvS
or search "Sensory Classroom Parachute Songs" on your favourite streaming service.
4. Sensory Circuit Stations
Use my printable Sensory Circuit Pack to set up three stages:
- Alerting (jumping, bouncing)
- Organising (climbing, crawling)
- Calming (weighted beanbags, pressure massage)
It allows everyone to regulate before moving between activities.
5. Tactile Trail or Obstacle Path
Use textures (mats, ball pits, squishy cushions) and visual signs to guide learners through. You could even make it themed (e.g. jungle, farm, sea).
Ideas for SEND Mainstream Learners
You don’t need to reinvent your whole sports day — just make space within it.
1. Choice-Based Activity Cards
Let learners choose from three low-arousal alternatives at each station:
- E.g. kicking a ball instead of running a race
- Cheering with pom-poms instead of taking part
2. Visual Stations and Lanyard Symbols
Use a choice board to offer choices to allow autonomy.
3. Pacing Regulation Zones
Create colour-coded areas for different needs:
- Green Zone: Movement activities
- Blue Zone: Sensory chill-out area (tents, headphones, calming music)
- Yellow Zone: Fidgets and fine motor "Organising" activities
🔗 Useful Links to Support Setup
- Sensory Circuit Pack – set up sensory stations for better regulation
- MATP advice and ideas - https://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/sports-and-competition/matp
- TEACCH Resources – visuals for classroom routines
- Editable Countdown Symbols – perfect for transitions
- Amazon Storefront – find fidget toys, pop-up tents, and movement-friendly gear I love
Want More on Movement and Regulation?
Watch this: https://youtu.be/FtTp3WxDxJ8
or Listen here: https://sensoryclassroom.org/pages/podcast
You can make it magical — without the megaphones, meltdowns, or missed moments. Think sensory-first, choice-filled, and meaningful. That’s where the real magic lives.