Join us and other families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) for a FREE relaxed screening of “The Polar Express“!

Siblings and other family members without SEND are also welcome to join.

Each guest will receive free popcorn.

What makes it SEND-Friendly?

Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) is committed to making the event as welcoming and comfortable as possible. You can expect:

• This event is exclusive to families and groups with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) that are accompanying children and young people aged 0 – 25 years.
• Peace of Mind – All MPCF staff and volunteers have lived experience of SEND so you can rest assured that there will be a level of empathy and understanding with any needs or quirks that may arise on the day. Please speak to a member of the team if you have a request to make for a better experience.
• A Quieter Experience – The cinema will reduce the volume if needed and we can request for some lights to be kept on, ensuring that your visit will not be too overwhelming.
• Alternative Access – Wheelchair and buggy users can enter the cinema via the level access door for those that wish to make use of it.
• Wider Arrival Window – No need to rush and bustle. Whether you are coming late or have to leave early, it’s okay with us.

Important Notes:

• You will remain responsible for your family’s safety and well-being during the cinema session. Please ensure that your children are supervised by a responsible adult at all times during the screening.
• This session is part of Manchester’s SEND Community Offer. The cinema screening is exclusively for families of children and young people with SEND living in a ward/area covered by Manchester City Council.
• Let us know if you wish to make table reservations for a post-movie bite-to-eat. This weekend, GRUB will have stallholders at their Food Fair downstairs from the cinema: enjoy amazing food from the likes of Knock Out Pizza Co., Korean Grub Club, Mary’s Cakery Makery, and Nina’s Taco Truck. Please note that your ticket only covers table reservations; food and drink purchases will be at your own cost.
• Use of the cinema is subject to GRUB/Cultplex’s terms and conditions. Please ensure that you’ve read the T&Cs before booking.

Acknowledgements:

Much thanks to the SEND Local Offer for making this possible.

We’d also like to thank GRUB for providing us with a wonderful cinema package that families can enjoy.

Looking for other SEND-friendly activities?

This family event is part of Manchester’s SEND Community Offer.

To find out more about the SEND Community Offer and stay up-to-date with everything SEND in Manchester, please subscribe to the Local Offer newsletter and/or follow us on social media.

Below are some photos of the movie room and the post-cinema hangout areas at GRUB, in case images can help your child/ young person get mentally prepared for the day.