School Holiday Programmes

At Motivated Minds, we bring a unique therapeutic perspective to school holiday programmes, specifically tailored to support children who are neurodiverse or experiencing mental health challenges. We understand that every child learns and thrives differently, and our approach reflects this understanding.

Our carefully designed programmes seamlessly combine physical activity with therapeutic wellness, creating a holistic environment where children can:

Build confidence through movement and achievement
Develop emotional regulation skills in a supportive setting
Enhance social connections with peers who understand their experiences
Strengthen mental resilience through structured, therapeutic activities
Experience success in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment

ActivATE is an Essex County Council-funded programme, giving us the opportunity to engage with children who are recipients of free school meals / low-income families.

To book a free place, you may need a WONDE code, which you will receive from your child's school, or you can request one from haf@activeessex.org.

We recognise that neurodiverse children, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences - require specialised approaches.

The Power of
Movement and Wellness

Research consistently shows that physical activity is one of the most effective interventions for supporting mental health and neurological development. Our programmes harness this power by:

Using movement as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression
Creating opportunities for success and achievement
Building physical confidence that translates to emotional resilience
Providing structured outlets for energy and emotions
Fostering a sense of belonging and community

Our Programme Features:

Sensory-friendly activities that accommodate different sensory needs
Structured routines that provide predictability and security
Flexible participation options that respect individual comfort levels
Trained facilitators who understand neurodiversity and mental health
Individualised support that celebrates each child's unique strengths

Mental Health Focus

For children struggling with mental health challenges, our programmes offer:

Therapeutic movement that helps process emotions and reduce anxiety
Mindfulness integration woven naturally into physical activities
Peer support opportunities in a safe, supervised environment
Stress reduction techniques through purposeful play and exercise
Positive coping strategies that children can use beyond the programme

Our Commitment

Motivated Minds is committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of their neurological makeup or mental health status—has access to high-quality, therapeutic holiday experiences that support their overall development and wellbeing.

We believe that by combining the joy of physical activity with the healing power of therapeutic support, we can help every child discover their potential and build the resilience they need to thrive.