As part of a neurodiverse family and working in the field of SEN (Special Educational Needs) this article – Why the Neurodiversity Movement Has Become Harmful by Moheb Costandi, a molecular and developmental neurobiologist, the author of Body Am I (2024) didn’t chime with what we believe or are trying to achieve at school. The article presents … Read more
In today’s classrooms, verbal communication is often emphasised while non-verbal communication takes a backseat. However, as more children with special educational needs (SEN) are integrated into mainstream settings, there is a need to utilise both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication. Combining these methods can improve the delivery of messages and facilitate understanding while promoting … Read more
Fun and Cheap Weekend activities for autistic children Weekends offer a refreshing change of pace from the school routine. For families with autistic children, weekends are an opportunity to prioritise quality time while nurturing skills and interests and getting children/teenagers off their screens. Weekend outings and activities can be fun for the whole family. We … Read more
Introduction to Pica and its Impact in School The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines pica as eating nonnutritive, nonfood substances over at least one month. The term is derived from “pica-pica,” the Latin word for the magpie bird, because of the bird’s indiscriminate gathering and eating … Read more
Why and How to Use Praise with Children with SEN Specific praise is an effective and powerful tool for supporting children with special educational needs (SEN). It can help reinforce behaviour for learning, build self-esteem, and encourage the child to develop a growth mindset. : Importance of Specific Praise for Children with SEN: For children … Read more
Symptoms and Strategies for Inattentive ADHD Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological condition that manifests in various forms, each with its own set of unique challenges. Among these forms, the predominantly inattentive subtype, formerly known as ADHD-PI, is often overlooked or misunderstood, particularly in its presentation in both children and adults. This article aims … Read more
An Inclusive Summer Holiday Bucket List for Neurodiverse Families The Summer holidays are here (or approaching), which means fun in the sun and plenty of opportunities for memory-making! As a parent raising neurodivergent children, you know that keeping kids engaged and having a good time isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate … Read more
As a dedicated teacher in the U.K., my passion lies in nurturing young minds and helping every child reach their full potential. However, the reality of catering to the diverse needs of students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), within the constraints of the current education system, is a daunting challenge. I will tell … Read more
Collaborating for Success: Strategies and Best Practices for Efficient Partnership Working to Improve SEND Outcomes Collaboration is key to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, it can be challenging to establish effective partnerships across education, health, and care services. In this article, we will explore some … Read more
Developing Effective Hybrid Learning Models for Special Needs Pupils Hybrid schooling, combining online and in-person learning, has sparked several theories and discussions regarding its implementation for special needs pupils. The hybrid education model, involving alternating students between online and in-person classes started during the pandemic. Remote or Hybrid education is starting to become an option … Read more
England’s Largest Councils Face SEND Transport Financial Crisis Another potential source of anxiety for families with SEN children, including ourselves. A recent report by the Isos Partnership for the County Councils Network (CCN), England’s largest councils express deep concern over the escalating budgets for school transport catering to children with special education needs and disabilities … Read more
You Might Be a Reindeer: Dressing Up EYFS and PMLD Sensory Story A quick and simple dressing-up sensory story. You Might Be a Reindeer! This is really easy to create for an EYFS, SLD or PMLD classroom activity for the winter term. You may also like our You Might Be Santa and You Might Be … Read more
How to Hire the Best Teachers Possible for SEND Students It’s high time for the UK to revitalise SEND education. In 2023, England’s local government ombudsman received over 60% more complaints over special needs education compared to the previous year, many of which highlighted the huge deficits of councils’ SEND budgets amid lengthy delays in issuing Education, … Read more
Tips for Designing Educational Activities To Reduce Processing/Cognitive Load As an experienced special needs teacher in the United Kingdom, I have learned that it is crucial to design activities that meet the specific cognitive load and processing requirements of my students. There have been discussions about autistic energy and Spoon Theory. This seems to relate … Read more
Inclusive drama activities are those that involve and engage students with special educational needs (SEN) in creative and collaborative ways. Some we have included 8 examples of inclusive drama activities for SEN pupils (UK) and a link to a free sample of 101 Drama Games Book which will give you 20 more. Adapting a Drama … Read more
As I step outside into the cold air and crunch through the fresh, fluffy snow, the bright white flakes glisten in the morning sun. I gather up a glove full of snow and squash it into a tight ball. This will be our Snowman… Our dressing up style winter Sensory Story uses simple language to … Read more
What Research Says About High Expectations and SEN Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a term that encompasses a wide range of learning difficulties, disabilities, and conditions that make it harder for children to learn than most children of the same age. These needs can be broad, ranging from physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, emotional and behavioural … Read more
How Sand Timers Can Help Autistic Children One tool that can help autistic children to deal with time-related issues is a sand timer. A sand timer is a simple device that consists of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow tube, filled with sand that flows from one bulb to the other. Sand timers can … Read more
10 Special Education Teaching Styles & Approaches Special education is a broad term that encompasses the provision of education for pupils with special educational needs (SEN). SEN can include learning difficulties, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders. According to the 2001 SEN Code of Practice, there are … Read more
The Best Home Made Sensory Toys for Autistic Children For autistic children, finding easy DIY ways to engage their senses and promote self-regulation can be incredibly beneficial. Home made Sensory toys are a great tool for providing stimulating and calming experiences, and homemade sensory toys can be even more valuable because of their personal touch and … Read more
You must be logged in to post a comment.