Category: Sports & ActiveSee venue photos

Sports & Active

John Pounds Centre

Portsmouth, Hampshire· PO1 3HN

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 10 public reviews (Oct 2024 – Apr 2026)

70/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on the 10 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityOK

Kind and helpful staffPredictable weekly routineAccessible buildingBook ahead recommendedCan get confusing layoutParking challenging

Parent summary

The John Pounds Centre is generally well-regarded by families, with kind and helpful staff creating a nice atmosphere in an accessible building. The venue runs on a predictable weekly schedule which many families find reassuring. A few visitors have mentioned that wayfinding and parking can take a bit of forward planning, and it may help to ask staff for guidance when you arrive.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently report that the John Pounds Centre offers a welcoming atmosphere with kind staff, a predictable routine and good accessibility – qualities that many families find supportive. Some have noted that clearer information about processes and wayfinding on arrival could help, and parking can be tight during busier periods.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

SEND community eventsdisability fitness provisionaccessible venue spacehealth and social care support

Venue hosts Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live events bringing together health and social care support for children with SEND aged 0-25
Disability Fitness programme at centre offers supervised inclusive exercise for disabled people and those with additional needs
Modern and spacious facility noted as suitable for large SEND community events and exhibitions
Centre caters specifically for needs of disabled and able-bodied users in gym and fitness provision

Sourced from local offer portal, social media, community organisations, disability services within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

When to visit

Typical busyness patterns based on Google Maps visitor data. Term-time and school holidays will vary.

Weekdays (Mon to Fri)

Typically quietest around 8am

8am2pm8pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 12pm

8am10am12pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

Potential challenges

Parking can be challenging – consider arriving early or checking availability in advance
Some visitors have found wayfinding could be clearer, so asking staff for help upon arrival may be useful

What works

Kind and supportive staff who are generally responsive
Predictable weekly routine and schedule
Accessible building layout
Nice atmosphere overall
Good venue for structured activities like exams
Easy to locate once you know where you're going

Photos

Facilities

Party rooms Wheelchair accessible Blue badge parking

Tips for your visit

John Pounds Centre offers gym memberships, disability fitness classes, and a Healthy Living Scheme. The centre hosts summer multi-skills camps for children. Contact directly on 023 9289 2010 for specific SEND provision and accessibility details.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletYes
Accessible seatingYes

Visitors report: Nearby car parks with free parking for Blue Badge holders are available.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

♿ Blue badge spaces

Opening Hours

Monday08:00-21:00

Tuesday08:00-21:00

Wednesday08:00-21:00

Thursday08:00-21:00

Friday08:00-21:00

Saturday08:30-13:00

Carer & disability info

Free carer entry

One carer accompanying a disabled member receives free admission to the centre.

This information is gathered from publicly available sources and may not be fully accurate or up to date. Please always check directly with the venue before visiting.

What are these cards?

Frequently asked questions about John Pounds Centre

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is John Pounds Centre autism friendly?

John Pounds Centre scores moderately well for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 70/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. The John Pounds Centre is generally well-regarded by families, with kind and helpful staff creating a nice atmosphere in an accessible building. The venue runs on a predictable weekly schedule which many families find reassuring. A few visitors have mentioned that wayfinding and parking can take a bit of forward planning, and it may help to ask staff for guidance when you arrive.

Does John Pounds Centre have step-free entry?

Yes. John Pounds Centre has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at John Pounds Centre?

Yes. John Pounds Centre has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at John Pounds Centre?

Yes. John Pounds Centre has an accessible toilet.

Does John Pounds Centre offer free entry for carers?

Yes. John Pounds Centre offers free entry for a carer or essential companion accompanying a disabled visitor. One carer accompanying a disabled member receives free admission to the centre.

When is John Pounds Centre least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, John Pounds Centre is typically quietest on Monday around 8am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is John Pounds Centre indoors?

Yes. John Pounds Centre is an indoor sports & active in Portsmouth, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

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