Bushey United Synagogue is running a “Calm Service” for children with additional needs this Rosh Hashanah.

For children who are sensitive to certain types of sensory input, the thought of going to regular children’s services at the shul, which can be large, noisy and crowded and mean sitting down for long periods of time, can cause high levels of anxiety.

This new initiative was created in response to this and was designed by Beverley Blake, a highly experienced primary school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who also has extensive experience running shul children’s services.

She said that the low-arousal calm service would offer a range of sensory devices, along with a comfortable and welcoming room, designed to put children at ease.

It is aimed primarily at children in Years 1 to 6. Numbers will be strictly limited in order to maintain a calmer environment and anyone wishing to attend will have to sign up in advance.

Dan Roback, Bushey families chairman of the synagogue, said: “We are pleased to be able to announce Bushey’s first ever calm service for children with additional needs, which will be held on first day Rosh Hashanah. There are a number of children who can’t attend services due to their individual needs; the existing services are simply not a suitable environment for them. This new calm service will strive to meet the needs and requirements of each child attending.”

He said that he was grateful for the support the service had received from the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence, which had enabled the synagogue to purchase many of the required resources.