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A Charity Dedicated to Being the Safe Haven Your SEND Family Deserves

Welcome to Kane’s World Foundation

Vision

To create a dedicated, inclusive space where neurodiverse children and their families feel safe, understood, and empowered. We envision a vibrant community hub that champions individuality, fosters connection, and breaks down barriers to participation. By nurturing confidence, celebrating differences, and promoting acceptance, we strive to build a more inclusive future for SEND families in Darlington and across the region.

Mission

To provide a welcoming, judgement-free play and learning environment tailored to SEND needs. As a charity, we will support the local community, schools, and council by offering accessible facilities, specialised sessions, and collaborative programmes. Through structured play, education, and engagement, we aim to create lasting positive change for SEND families in Darlington and beyond.

why we need kane's world

High Demand, Limited Local Provision

Families in Darlington and nearby areas have few inclusive play spaces, with most facilities offering only occasional SEND-friendly sessions.

Rising SEND Population

Around 18.4% of pupils have SEND, with similar figures in the North East. Many children need sensory-friendly play areas, but local options are lacking.

Travel Barriers for Families

Families often travel long distances to places like Pendragon in Northallerton, making regular access difficult due to cost and time constraints.

Community & Council Demand

Schools, healthcare providers, and the council need dedicated spaces for therapy, school trips, and support sessions—gaps Kane’s World will help fill.

the play centre

Tailored Play Areas for All Needs

A space for sensory seekers with safe climbing, and open areas for movement.
Calming zones for sensory avoiders with soft lighting, quiet corners, and weighted tools.
Thoughtfully designed equipment to encourage exploration and social interaction.

A Supportive, Welcoming Environment

A no-judgment policy where families feel accepted.
Trained staff who understand SEND needs and provide support.
Flexible activities suited to different abilities with freedom of choice.

Additional SEND-Friendly Features

A café with sensory-friendly food options and quiet seating.
Daily play, SEND-friendly events, and private group bookings.
A space designed by parents to meet real SEND family needs.

the alternative provision

WHAT WE’LL OFFER

✅ High Level Specialist Support
For children on reduced timetables or unable to attend mainstream school

✅ Therapeutic & Sensory Support
Occupational therapy, sensory integration, emotional regulation spaces

✅ Specialist Education Approach
Tailored programs focused on strengths, not compliance, helping children learn at their own pace

✅ OFSTED-Registered Provision
Ensuring high standards, compliance, and access to funded places where eligible

WHY IT MATTERS

💙 Many families withdraw children from mainstream schools and resort to home education due to lack of specialist options.

💙 Neurodivergent children are often left without suitable education, leading to stress, isolation, and stalled development.

💙 Kane’s World will provide a safe, consistent, and supportive environment with trained professionals who understand complex needs, so children can learn and grow without pressure to conform.

INCLUSION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

THE HEART BEHIND KANE’S WORLD

At Kane’s World Foundation, we believe every child deserves a space where they are safe, seen, and celebrated. Inspired by my son Kane, who lives with complex SEND needs, this project was born from personal experience and a deep desire to change the narrative for families like ours.

Our goal is to build more than just a play centre—we’re creating a haven. A space where children with SEND can thrive, where families feel understood, and where the community comes together to support inclusion, dignity, and joy. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

"Neurodiverse children cannot thrive under neurotypical expectations. Adapt the programme."

Kelly Knight

FOUNDER

what parents have to say

This is an organisation really close to my heart with having a young autistic child, we desperately need a place like Kane's World so that we can go out and play just like any other "normal" families do with their kids. Eliza struggles to regulate her emotions, along with also currently being non-verbal and not able to communicate her thoughts or feelings, so she will frequently collapse and cry on the floor, therefore resulting in even more judgment and harsh comments; Just another "spoilt kid temper tantrum" or a "failed parent with no control" etc... You name it, we've heard and endured it all unfortunately. We as a family, along with a considerable amount of others, are in dire need of a SEND friendly centre like Kane's World.

Sophie

Mother

FINALLY! After 10 years of struggling to take my stepdaughter for days out, being refused access to rides as they were not accessible, getting stared at, always struggling to make sure places were wheelchair friendly/had private rooms to be able to tube feed her THIS WAS BRILLIANT! I completed the survey and shared my views and a few weeks later entered Kane's World. To be able to allow our children to play and explore safely (something typical parents take for granted) is all we could ever ask for, and someone was actually doing it! I have never felt so accepted or welcomed into a community. Kel has created more than a foundation, its a new family.

Olivia