What a sensory-friendly author visit looks like
An author visit can be one of the best days of the school year. There’s a story, a song and maybe a book to take home. But for some children, a big event in a busy hall can feel like too much.
Loud clapping, a change to the timetable and sitting still for a long time can turn an exciting day into a hard one. We know, because Bold Kids started at home, with a child who needed stories and clothes that fitted him.
So we plan every Bold Kids visit so that everyone can join in. This is what that looks like.
Before the day
We send you a visual timetable, so children know exactly what will happen and when. You can share it in class the week before, just like a social story.
For SEND schools and units, we can plan smaller groups and shorter sessions, and we’ll talk with your SENCo before we come. We hold an enhanced DBS certificate and are happy to share it before your visit.
All we need from you is a hall or classroom, a screen with sound for our songs, a table for books and a glass of water.
On the day
Every visit is shaped around your pupils. A full day can mix story sessions, workshops and a coffee morning for parents.
A story visit
We read the Bold Kids books in an assembly or in classes, with our songs on the big screen and time for questions. It works for Early Years to Year 6, as a half day or a full day.
A Bold Missions workshop
A hands-on session, one class at a time. We read a Bold Mission together, then each child makes their own calm plan to take home.
A virtual visit
A live story, song and Q&A over video, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. It’s great for schools outside Kent and London, or as a quick boost for a themed week.
A parent coffee morning
A relaxed chat for parents and carers about sensory needs, tricky routines and everyday wins, from a parent who lives it.
Our sensory-friendly promise
However your day looks, every visit comes with the same promise:
A visual timetable before the day, so children know what to expect
Music kept at a comfortable volume, with a heads-up before any song
Fidgets, movement and ear defenders always welcome
A quiet option for any child who needs a break
Smaller groups and shorter sessions for SEND classes, planned with your SENCo
Calm, predictable sessions that include children who find busy events hard, without singling anyone out.
Why it matters
Chika, Ruby, Baffor and Yao face everyday challenges like noise, change and waiting. When children meet a hero who finds the same things hard, it can open up a conversation. Children who find busy days tricky feel seen, and their classmates learn a little more about each other.
Try Bold Kids in your classroom first
Not ready to book yet? Our free teacher pack has Yao’s routine chart, Point to it cards, a class Bold Passport and a Bold Hero certificate, all ready to print. You’ll find it on our Schools page, along with Yao’s fire drill story and our classroom songs.
Book a visit
We visit schools across Kent and London, and run virtual visits anywhere in the UK. Popular weeks like World Book Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week book up fast, so half a term ahead is ideal.
Tell us a little about your school, and we’ll reply within 3 working days with ideas and a quote.
Love, Bold Kids
