BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, has been working closely with Cliffdale Primary Academy to better understand how children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across the city can access sports and leisure facilities in a more inclusive, supportive and meaningful way.
Over the past 12 months, BH Live has worked with the Academy to listen to families, teachers, and experts to understand how barriers to physical activity participation can be removed to encourage families of young people with additional needs to be more active.
Key outcomes included expanding BH Live’s SEN-friendly activity provision, improving coach confidence and understanding, and creating more welcoming environments where young people with additional needs can be active, build confidence and enjoy positive real-world experiences.
A collaborative approach
The partnership began following a meeting at a Portsmouth City Council SEND Local Offer Live event in Cosham, where both organisations identified a shared goal to improve opportunities for SEN children.
The project brought together:
- BH Live operational and community teams
- Cliffdale Primary Academy leadership and teaching staff
- Pupils with additional needs
- Parents and families
The partnership between BH Live and Cliffdale Primary Academy was established to look at the provision of accessible and inclusive leisure opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.
Families and teachers at the school admitted that young people with additional needs often faced a range of challenges when accessing everyday activities such as swimming, soft play, or visiting local attractions. These barriers can include limited understanding of SEN within leisure environments, sensory overload in busy spaces, a lack of tailored sessions, and reduced confidence in trying new experiences.
The effects extend beyond physical activity, contributing to social isolation, reduced independence, and fewer opportunities for young people to develop communication skills and confidence in real-world situations.
Across Portsmouth, families have consistently highlighted the need for more inclusive provision, seeking not only access to activity, but opportunities to take part in everyday experiences many take for granted.
Implementing more inclusive measures
A range of improvements have since been introduced across BH Live sites as a direct result of the collaboration. These include:
- Expanding SEN-specific sessions at Mountbatten Leisure Centre across its attractions, including its indoor Clip N’ Climb facility, and inflatables MountAirXL and AquaDash
- Introducing SEN taster sessions to support gradual engagement with new activities
- Embedding inclusive tools such as communication cards, visual prompts and “what to expect” guides in leisure centres
- Creating clearer and more supportive customer journeys
Cliffdale Primary Academy also supported BH Live staff through specialised SEN training, covering areas such as autism awareness, communication approaches, understanding sensory needs, and positive behaviour support. This has helped build confidence across teams and ensure a more consistent, inclusive experience for visitors.
The partnership has already delivered meaningful impact across the local community, including a wider range of SEND-friendly activity provisions across BH Live Active leisure centres; improved staff awareness, confidence, and understanding of SEN needs; and more inclusive and welcoming environments.
Young people were central to shaping these improvements, with their feedback, alongside that of families and staff, directly informing changes. Families involved have already shared positive feedback about these new inclusive practices:
One family member who attended an accessible SEN MountAirXL session at Mountbatten Leisure Centre shared;
“BH Live’s staff were incredibly accommodating, and the team member leading the session was especially friendly, welcoming and understanding of all the children’s needs.
“I was particularly impressed to see staff using visual signs to support non-verbal communication, and the availability of sensory toys, which my daughter really enjoyed and kept returning to throughout the session.
“We’ve attended several SEN sessions at different venues over the Easter holidays, and I can honestly say this was the most inclusive and well-considered experience. It’s clear that these sessions genuinely matter to the team.”
The success of the project has been underpinned by a strong commitment from both organisations to listen, collaborate, and deliver real change within a relatively short timeframe.
BH Live operates BH Live Active sport and leisure facilities across Portsmouth on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.
Carla Earle, BH Live’s Community Sports Manager, who has led the partnership with Cliffdale Primary Academy, said:
“This partnership has helped us better understand how we can remove barriers to physical activity for families of children with additional needs and create more inclusive opportunities for those who are often disadvantaged. Working alongside Cliffdale Primary Academy has been invaluable in shaping meaningful, practical change and ensuring our leisure facilities are welcoming for everyone.”
On behalf of Cliffdale Primary Academy, Roxanne Daish, Cliffdale’s Family Support Worker, said;
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside the team at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, who are genuinely committed to making their facilities accessible for families with children who have additional needs. Many families had previously felt isolated and lacked trust in community services, but the team is actively breaking down these barriers.
“By listening to parents and responding to their concerns, the team in centre have introduced meaningful changes, including visual aids, sensory resources, and dedicated SEN sessions. Children are now enjoying weekly access to swimming during school time, gaining valuable experiences while having fun. This proactive approach is making a real difference, ensuring families feel heard and supported.”
On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We want everyone in Portsmouth to feel welcome and able to take part in sport and leisure, whatever their needs. This partnership shows how listening to families and working together can remove barriers and make a real difference. It’s great to see more inclusive opportunities being created across our leisure centres, helping young people build confidence, stay active and feel part of their community.”
More information about BH Live Active, including its SEN timetable and health and wellbeing programmes, can be found online at bhliveactive.org.uk.
More information about BH Live can be found online at bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large and well-equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness.
Dedicated training areas offer cardio machines, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, TechnogymTM Group Cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is also home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings.
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and MountAirXL, a giant inflatable complete with slides, jumps, and adventure zones.
Multi-sport activities and events are held in the centre’s eight-court sports hall throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non-members, a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
ANPR is in operation at Mountbatten Leisure Centre. There is free customer parking for up to four hours, seven days a week. Accessible spaces are available for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten.
Get social with us:
Facebook – @mountbattenlc
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address: BH Live Active Mountbatten, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA, HAMPSHIRE
About BH Live Active, Pyramids
Pyramids is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
The centre is situated in Southsea overlooking the beach and Solent. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. The centre has state-of-the-art Technogym fitness equipment in an airy spacious gym with functional fitness, strength and cardio activities. There is a dedicated assessment area for those who are new to exercise complete with fitness tracking technology to help set activity goals.
Pyramids has four activity studios too; the Glasshouse and Solent each with sea views. There is also the region’s only dedicated HIIT studio running circuits style HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes, and a TechnogymTM Group Cycle studio. Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Yoga, Pilates and classes as part of the Les MillsTM programme including BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core.
A South Terrace outdoor café and container bar is open throughout the spring and summer season, offering snack, light bites and refreshments overlooking the Solent.
Next to Pyramids is a public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces for blue badge holders. Up to two hours of free parking is available for customers attending the gym or a class – ask or register in centre. There is also free roadside parking along Clarance Esplanade after 6pm.
This car park adjacent to Pyramids is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/pyramids.
Get social with us:
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Facebook – @Pyramids.Centre
Address: BH Live Active Pyramids, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST, HAMPSHIRE
About Exploria
Exploria at Pyramids in Southsea opened in 2021. It is Portsmouth’s largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction. With a range of exciting experiences, Exploria stimulates play for children aged 6 months and upwards. A tantalising sense of wonder and extreme fun across three connected worlds gives children plenty of action to amaze and delight. Everything, from floor to ceiling, evokes a sense of mystery with lots of jumps, leaps and thrills. All safely rightsized to inspire juniors, toddlers and babies alike.
The bounce zone is great for burning off tons of energy. The diving tower with air bag is perfect for the bravest of explorers. There are interactive games, themed slides. agility parkour, battle beams and foam pits too. Our play zone features ball pits, spider’s web and cargo climbing, a rope bridge skywalk, bash bags, tunnels, rollers, beams plus a dodge ball shoot out. And the baby and toddler zone has all things Exploria, but downsized for little ones of preschool age.
There are quieter SEN play and bounce sessions, plus two dedicated sensory rooms with stimulating lights, sound and touch.
Four themed party rooms based on Volcanos, an underwater world, Mayan Ruins and Egyptian tomb – great for celebrating special occasions and birthdays, A dedicated Exploria café serves delicious snacks, light bites and drinks. And there’s toilets, accessible facilities, baby change, lockers, and a buggy park too. Exploria can accommodate school group bookings too – a great way to reward a class or year group.
For more information and to book online visit exploria.org.uk
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @exploriauk
Exploria is located at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST. There is a pay and display public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces for blue badge holders. This car park is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Address: Exploria at Pyramids, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST, HAMPSHIRE
About Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Located in Hilsea, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre and next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is one of the leading gymnastics facilities in the country.
This purpose-built, state‑of‑the‑art gymnastics training facility is designed to support children, young people, and adults at every stage of their gymnastics journey. The centre offers a fantastic artistic and acrobatic gymnastics club programme, giving participants the opportunity to develop skills right through to competition level in a supportive and inspiring environment.
The centre is home to a wide range of sessions, including pre‑school, recreational, teen, and SEN gymnastics, as well as dedicated artistic and acrobatic pathways delivered by an expert coaching team. Whether taking first steps into the sport or progressing through advanced routines, gymnasts benefit from high‑quality equipment, foam pits, sprung flooring, and specialist training zones designed for safe skill development.
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre also hosts exciting events such as school holiday activities, gymnastics camps, and other opportunities to celebrate achievements and milestones throughout the year, making it a vibrant community hub for gymnastics enthusiasts across the region.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre
Get social with us:
Facebook – @PortsmouthGymnasticsCentre
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address; Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9AD, HAMPSHIRE
About Portsmouth Tennis Centre
Portsmouth Tennis Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Situated in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea) next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Tennis Centre is a welcoming and accessible hub for players of all ages and abilities. The centre features an impressive range of facilities, including four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts, enabling year‑round play whatever the weather.
Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive coaching programme designed to support progression at every level, including first‑time tots picking up a racket, juniors developing their skills, and adults returning to or advancing within the sport. Sessions also include popular variations such as cardio tennis and touch tennis, offering fun and dynamic alternatives for fitness and skill development.
As part of BH Live’s commitment to creating accessible, community‑focused facilities, Portsmouth Tennis Centre also provides inclusive opportunities for under‑represented groups and disability tennis, further strengthening its role as a key sporting destination in the region.
Supported by HAF (Holiday Activities and Food Programme) funding, Portsmouth Tennis Centre provides free sports camp spaces including hot meals and activities during school holidays for children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The centre additionally runs accessible sessions in partnership with local community groups such as Headway and DS Active and is home to ACE Academy, a tennis programme for children aged 5-16 taught alongside the LTA’s youth learning framework.
For more information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/tennis-centre.
Get social with us:
Facebook – @PortsmouthTC
Instagram – @PortsmouthTennisCentre
Address; Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9AD, HAMPSHIRE
About Wimbledon Park Sports Centre
Wimbledon Park Sports Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Located a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre has a large sports hall with access to activities such as badminton and indoor sports.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/wimbledon-park
Get social with us:
Facebook – @WimbledonParkSportsCentre
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address: Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, Taswell Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2RG, HAMPSHIRE
About Charter Community Sports Centre
Charter Community Sports Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Located in Portsmouth’s busy university district, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Charter Community Sports Centre offers access to swimming, gym, group exercise classes and sports hall activities. There is also an outdoor multi-use games area.
Charter Community Sports Centre is also home to Shuttle Stars, Badminton England’s official junior pathway created especially for children aged 7–11. The programme introduces young players to badminton through fast‑paced, games-based learning that builds skills, confidence, coordination, and a genuine love for the sport in a friendly, supportive setting.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/charter
Get social with us:
Facebook – @CharterCommunitySC
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address: Charter Community Sports Centre, Greetham Street, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 4LF, HAMPSHIRE