At BOUNCE, every child should have the opportunity to move, play, build confidence and experience the joy of flight.
Children experience the world in different ways. For some neurodiverse children and children with sensory sensitivities, bright lights, loud music, busy spaces and unfamiliar surroundings can feel overwhelming. A family outing that should be exciting can quickly become difficult to navigate.
BOUNCE introduced dedicated SEN Sessions to offer families a calmer and more supportive way to enjoy the venue. These sessions give children more space, fewer sensory distractions and the freedom to explore at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
The aim is not to change how children engage with the world. It is to adapt the environment so that more children can take part.
A Calmer BOUNCE Experience
During SEN Sessions, practical adjustments are made throughout the venue. Music and general venue noise are reduced, flashing lights are limited and attendance numbers are managed to create more space.
Quiet areas are also available for children who need time away from the action before returning when they feel ready.
One parent, guardian or carer may accompany each child at no additional cost. This allows children to enjoy the experience with the reassurance of having someone familiar nearby.
SEN Sessions currently take place at BOUNCE Menlyn Maine and BOUNCE Fourways Mall every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm to 5pm.
Each three hour session costs R199 per BOUNCEr and includes admission for one accompanying parent, guardian or carer. Families can view availability and book through the BOUNCE website.
BOUNCE hopes to make these sessions available to more families in the future. As awareness, participation and interest grow, demand will help guide the rollout of SEN Sessions to more communities across South Africa.
A Team Trained to Offer Better Support
Creating a more inclusive experience involves more than lowering the music or adjusting the lighting. The way a child is welcomed, spoken to and supported can have a significant impact on how comfortable they feel.
BOUNCE team members have received specialist training to strengthen their understanding of neurodiversity, sensory needs and different communication styles.
This training helps Refhosts recognise that children may respond to an environment in different ways. A child may need more time to process an instruction, prefer to observe before joining an activity or understand a visual demonstration more easily than a verbal explanation.
Some children may communicate using words, while others may use gestures, facial expressions, movement or assistive communication.
Refhosts are encouraged to approach every child with patience, flexibility and respect. Rather than making assumptions, the team takes guidance from the child and their accompanying adult wherever possible.
Parents, guardians and carers know their children best. Information about communication preferences, favourite activities, situations that may be challenging or strategies that help a child feel settled can make a meaningful difference to the visit.
Movement Through Play
BOUNCE is an active play environment where children can explore movement in a fun and engaging way.
Jumping, climbing, balancing, landing and moving through different activity areas encourage the use of coordination, strength, timing, motor planning and body awareness.
These experiences happen naturally through play, with no pressure for every child to participate in the same way.
One child may enjoy the steady rhythm of jumping on the same trampoline. Another may prefer to move slowly through an obstacle, observe from the side or take regular breaks.
Some children may seek plenty of movement, while others may choose calmer or more predictable activities.
SEN Sessions create space for these differences. Children can explore what feels enjoyable, pause when they need to and return to the activity when they are ready.
Movement may also provide an enjoyable outlet for energy and create moments of concentration. A child may focus on where to place their feet, how to keep their balance or how to land safely.
Completing a personal challenge, however small it may appear to someone else, can create a real sense of achievement.
Building Confidence and Participation
At BOUNCE, progress looks different for every child.
Success does not always mean jumping the highest, completing every activity or staying active for the entire session.
It may mean entering the venue and feeling comfortable enough to stay. It may mean trying one trampoline, approaching a Refhost, sharing an activity space or communicating that it is time for a break.
These moments matter.
When children are given time, choice and space without unnecessary pressure, they can explore their surroundings, communicate their preferences and grow in confidence.
The social side of a BOUNCE visit can also create useful everyday experiences. A child may greet a Refhost, listen to a safety explanation, wait for a turn, ask for help or participate alongside another child.
These interactions take place in a supportive setting, with no expectation for a child to engage beyond what feels comfortable.
Returning to the same venue may also help build familiarity. Over time, children can become more comfortable with the entrance, check in process, activity areas, equipment and team members.
A child who chooses to observe during a first visit may decide to participate during a future session. Someone who begins with one familiar activity may gradually feel ready to explore something new.
A Place Where Families Feel Welcome
BOUNCE offers a recreational environment where children can enjoy movement, practise everyday participation and explore activities that may sit alongside goals identified by families and professional support teams.
Most importantly, SEN Sessions give families the opportunity to enjoy BOUNCE in an environment where individual needs are recognised and respected.
Through trained team members, calmer sessions, reduced attendance, quiet spaces and a flexible approach to play, BOUNCE is working to make the experience more accessible and help more children move, explore, connect and experience the freedom of flight in their own way.
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