A Darlington mother has been widely praised after organising a tailored prom for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who missed out on mainstream end-of-year celebrations.
A night designed for everyone
Heidi Donkin, 39, who works for Durham Children’s Services, put the event together after her daughter Charlie, 16, became upset watching classmates prepare for their school proms while her specialist school did not stage a formal event. The prom, held on 21 July at Walworth Castle, was titled “Prom 2026 – Where Everyone Is Included”.
The castle offered its historic rooms and a buffet adapted to cater for special dietary requirements. Organisers limited numbers to around 35 guests to keep the atmosphere calm and manageable for those with sensory needs. Facilities included dancing, a DJ, giant chess and designated quiet spaces for young people who needed them.
Parents, young people and the venue
The idea grew from a social media appeal Ms Donkin placed in January, asking whether other parents of home-educated children or pupils outside mainstream settings were facing the same disappointment. The response encouraged her to press ahead with an inclusive prom.
"When you hope something is going to be incredible and it exceeds expectations, you know you have got it right,"
Ms Donkin described the night as “incredibly overwhelming” and said it was emotional to see guests enjoying themselves without judgement. She said Charlie, who had been kept unaware of specific details so it would be a surprise, enjoyed the evening, made new friends and even gave a speech to those present.
Practical features of the evening
- Venue: Walworth Castle, near Darlington
- Date: 21 July
- Guest limit: about 35, to avoid sensory overload
- Accessibility: quiet spaces and provisions for special dietary needs
- Activities: DJ, dancing and low-key entertainment including giant chess
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Heidi Donkin |
| Beneficiary | Young people with SEND, including pupils from Clervaux Garden School |
| Capacity | Approximately 35 guests |
The event highlights a gap some families feel between mainstream rituals and specialist provisions. By working with a local venue and tailoring the evening to sensory and dietary needs, Ms Donkin created an occasion that allowed attendees to take part in a rite of passage on their own terms.
For families in and around Darlington, the prom offers a model of how community effort and sensitive planning can produce inclusive social opportunities for young people who might otherwise be excluded from mainstream events.
