SEN

Homeschooling vs. Mainstream School: A Comparative Guide for Special Needs Families in England

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Homeschooling vs. Mainstream School: A Comparative Guide for Special Needs Families in England 1

Homeschooling vs. Mainstream School Deciding the best educational path for a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is one of the most significant choices a parent can make. In England, families typically weigh the structured environment of mainstream schools against the tailored approach of homeschooling. This guide provides an in-depth comparison, highlighting the advantages and … Read more

The Importance of Solitary Play

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Why is Solitary Play Important for Neurodiverse Children? For many neurodivergent individuals solitary play isn’t merely a preference; it can be a vital, affirming, and deeply enriching experience. Solitary play, also known as independent play, refers to any form of play or activity an individual engages in alone, without direct interaction or collaboration with others. … Read more

Understanding The Sensory Class: A Guide for Teachers

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Demystifying the “Sensory Class”: Unlocking Potential, One Sense at a Time Imagine, for a moment, trying to complete a complex jigsaw puzzle while a fire alarm blares intermittently, your jumper feels like it’s woven from nettles, and the overhead lights flicker like a dodgy disco ball. Sounds utterly draining, doesn’t it? For far too many … Read more

The Lion King: A Multi-Sensory Learning Experience

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Lion King Sensory Story

Lion King Sensory Story Multi-sensory approaches to storytelling have proven invaluable for engaging learners of all abilities. This sensory adaptation of Disney’s beloved The Lion King transforms the classic tale into an immersive experience that appeals to all learners. Download as a PDF at the bottom of the page. We also have a sensory version … Read more

The Circle of Life: Sensory Story (Lion King)

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The Circle of Life: Sensory Story and Learning Activities The themes of growth, change, and the interconnectedness of life offer profound learning opportunities for children of all skill levels. Through sensory storytelling, we can help learners with PMLD, SEN, and early years children explore these universal concepts in meaningful, accessible ways. This sensory story experience … Read more

Bible Sensory Story & Soundboard: Moses and the Burning Bush

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Bible Sensory Story & Soundboard: Moses and the Burning Bush 4

Unlock the wonder of the Bible for every child with “5 Sensory Bible Stories.” Traditional storytelling can sometimes miss the mark for children who experience the world in unique ways. But imagine a world where the Bible’s amazing stories come alive through every touch, sound, sight, and even smell! That’s the magic of sensory Bible … Read more

Early Insights, Bright Futures: Free Dyslexia Screener Tool

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Early Insights, Bright Futures: Free Dyslexia Screener Tool 5

Free Dyslexia Screening Tool Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how the brain processes language, often impacting reading, writing, and spelling. Recognizing these challenges early is crucial for providing timely support and intervention, which can make a significant difference in a person’s educational journey and overall confidence. That’s why we’re excited to introduce … Read more

Dyscalculia Screener Tool

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Navigating the Numbers: Introducing Our Dyscalculia Screener Tool For many, mathematics can be a challenging subject. But for some, difficulties with numbers extend beyond typical struggles, impacting their fundamental understanding of mathematical concepts and operations. This specific learning difference is known as dyscalculia, and recognizing it early is vital for providing targeted strategies and fostering … Read more

EHCP Application and Information Tool

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EHCP Application and Information Tool The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) system in the UK represents a significant legislative reform, aiming to provide integrated and holistic support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 25. Introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014 and … Read more

Sparking Imagination With Our Free Storytelling Dice Tool!

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Sparking Imagination With Our Free Storytelling Dice Tool! 8

Roll a Story: Sparking Imagination and Inclusive Learning with Our New Storytelling Dice Tool! Ever felt that creative spark dwindle, or found yourself searching for fresh ways to ignite imagination in the classroom or at home? We get it! Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge, a fun prompt, to send minds soaring into … Read more

Essential Guide to Being a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant in Mainstream Schools

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Essential Guide to Being a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant in Mainstream Schools 9

The Unique Impact of a 1:1 SEN TA in Mainstream Schools The role of a 1:1 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant (TA) in a mainstream school is a profoundly impactful calling. It’s about far more than just assisting; it’s about becoming a vital bridge that enables students with diverse learning needs to access education, … Read more

1:1 Teaching Assistant – Enhancing Communication with Makaton and PECS

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1:1 Teaching Assistant - Enhancing Communication with Makaton and PECS 10

1:1 TA Non-Verbal SEN Pupils: A Guide to Makaton and PECS For teaching assistants working 1:1 with Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils in mainstream UK schools, few things are as impactful as mastering communication support. Many children with SEN, especially those who are autistic, are designated as having severe learning difficulties, or specific speech and … Read more

10 Ways to Support our SEN Child to Say Goodbye to Their Class at the End of the Year

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10 Ways to Support our SEN Child to Say Goodbye to Their Class at the End of the Year 11

Transition: Supporting Your SEN Child to Say Goodbye to Their Class For many children, the end of the school year is a time of excitement. New teachers, a fresh classroom, a chance to grow. But for some children with special educational needs, particularly those who thrive on routine, familiarity and emotional connection, the final weeks … Read more

From Compliance to Flexibility: Redefining Education for Neurodiversity

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From Compliance to Flexibility: Redefining Education for Neurodiversity 12

Beyond Compliance: Why Flexible, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches Are Revolutionising SEN Support in UK Schools How polyvagal theory is reshaping our understanding of what truly helps autistic and neurodivergent pupils in the classroom. A quiet revolution is taking place in UK classrooms. Teaching assistants are offering fidget tools instead of demanding stillness. Teachers are accepting written responses … Read more

Should We Tell the Class? Autism Disclosure & Classroom Rapport

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Should We Tell the Class? Autism Disclosure & Classroom Rapport 13

Autism Disclosure: What Changes When You Know? Imagine this. You’re eleven years old. You’ve just worked up the courage to answer a question in class. You get it right. But someone sniggers. You don’t know why. Maybe it’s the way you said it. Maybe it’s your tone. Maybe it’s the fact that you always seem … Read more

Education: Rethinking Assumptions About Autistic Communication

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Do Teacher Assumptions Undermine Autistic Communication in Class? You’ve likely heard that autistic children struggle with communication. It’s baked into training materials, diagnosis criteria, and staffroom chat. But what if that assumption is wrong? New research challenges the idea that autistic communication is broken. It shows that the real issue isn’t ability, it’s misalignment. When … Read more

Free Primary Need Strategy Generator Tool for SENDCOs

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Free Primary Need Strategy Generator Tool for SENDCOs 15

Free Online SEND Intervention Strategy Generator for UK Schools Looking for quick, effective strategies to support children with SEND? Our SEND Intervention Suggestion Tool is a free online resource designed to help teachers and SENCOs instantly access targeted, evidence-informed strategies based on a child’s primary area of need. This tool has been created to support … Read more

Creating an Effective SEND Register for SENCOs: Free Template

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Creating an Effective SEND Register for SENCOs: Free Template 16

Creating an Effective SEND Register (UK Schools) A well-maintained SEND register helps you track support, identify patterns, and ensure every child receives appropriate accommodations. But many SENCOs struggle with outdated systems that create more work than value. This guide will help you build a register that works for you, your school, and most importantly, your … Read more

Mastering SENCO Planning: Month-by-Month Insights

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The SENCO Annual Cycle: Month-by-Month Planning Guide The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) role demands exceptional organisational skills and strategic planning. With responsibilities spanning the entire academic year, SENCOs often juggle immediate needs while trying to maintain a proactive approach to SEND provision. This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you stay ahead of key tasks, … Read more

Effective Learning: Working Memory and Neurodiversity

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Effective Learning: Working Memory and Neurodiversity 18

Working Memory: The Gateway to Learning for All Minds Working memory is the key link between immediate experience and lasting knowledge. This cognitive mechanism of holding and manipulating information in our conscious awareness represents a crucial breakthrough in learning science. Understanding the relationship between working memory (WM) and long-term memory (LTM) establishes effective learning approaches … Read more