Bushey United Synagogue are running a ‘Calm Service’ for children with additional needs this Rosh Hashanah.
For children with additional needs, the thought of going to regular children’s services at the shul, which can be large, noisy gatherings and can involve having to act in a certain manner such as sitting down for long periods or not having their own space, can cause high levels of anxiety.
This new initiative was created in response to this, and was designed by Beverley Blake, a highly experienced primary school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who also has extensive experience running shul children’s services.
The low-arousal Calm Service will offer a range of sensory devices, along with a comfortable and welcoming room, designed to put children at ease. The Calm Service is aimed primarily at children in years 1-6. Numbers will be strictly limited in order to maintain a calmer environment and anyone wishing to attend will have to sign up in advance.
Dan Roback, Bushey Families Chairman at Bushey United Synagogue, said: “We are pleased to be able to announce Bushey’s first ever Calm Service for Children with Additional Needs, which will be held on first day Rosh Hashanah. There are a number of children who can’t attend services due to their individual needs – the existing services are simply not a suitable environment for them. This new Calm Service will strive to meet the needs and requirements of each child attending. I’m also grateful that the service is supported by the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence, which has enabled the purchase of some of the many high-quality resources required.”