Moving with Purpose: Introducing Our Dyspraxia Screener Tool Everyday movements that most people take for granted—like tying shoelaces, catching a ball, or navigating a crowded room—can be surprisingly difficult for some. These challenges often point to Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a condition affecting motor coordination and planning. Early identification is incredibly … Read more
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
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
Digging In Deep: Unearthing the Wonders of Construction Site Sensory Play Bins The rumbling of diggers, the clatter of bricks, the satisfying squish of mud, for many children, the sights, sounds, and textures of a construction site are utterly captivating. This natural fascination provides a perfect springboard for construction site sensory play, a rich and … Read more
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
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
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
Why Creative Activities Matter: Inclusion Is Built Through Play Let’s face it, sitting still, silently listening, and copying from the board isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Not for neurodivergent learners, not for neurotypical ones, and definitely not for that kid who’s just discovered the magic of clicking their pen non-stop. In 2025, classrooms … Read more
Beyond the EHCP: Unlocking Potential for ‘Lower Level’ SEN Support in 2025 The Silent Crisis in Our Classrooms: You know them. The child who takes just a bit longer to unpack their bag. The student whose handwriting never quite catches up. The pupil who understands the concept but freezes during written tasks. They’re the “lower-level” … Read more
The creation of inclusive learning environments requires concrete, effective actions rather than just positive intentions. All students must have the opportunity to succeed in every classroom environment which needs to support people of all physical abilities and learning requirements. But here’s the reality most educators face: The conventional furniture found in classrooms generates unnecessary obstacles … Read more
Sound Sensitivities and Autistic Wellbeing: What Schools Must Understand About Auditory Environments Many Autistic people live with heightened sound sensitivity. But it’s not just about disliking loud noise. It’s about complex sensory processing, cognitive load, and navigating environments that were never designed with neurodivergent people in mind. A recent study by Poulsen et al. (2025) … Read more
The goal should be to give every learner an individualised personal learning experience, especially when it comes to such topics as math. Not every learner does not benefits equally well from conventional educational forms. That’s why Individualised Education Plans (IEPS) are so important – they are designed precisely for the children who struggle with learning, … Read more
Effective Communication Strategies for Noisy Classrooms: A Guide for Teachers and Students with Sensory Processing Needs Schools are naturally noisy places. From bustling hallways to chattering cafeterias, classroom noise can make learning challenging for everyone, but especially for students with sensory processing disorder (SPD) and other sensory sensitivities. This comprehensive guide provides practical communication strategies … Read more
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
Data Collection and Analysis for SENCOs: Making Numbers Work for Your Students You became a SENCO to change lives, not stare at spreadsheets. Yet every term, data demands grow while your time shrinks. When you collect and analyse the right data in the right ways, those numbers transform from an administrative burden to powerful advocacy … Read more
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
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
Advocating for Your Child with ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide Parents of children with ADHD often walk a delicate line when advocating for their child’s needs at school. You know your child deserves appropriate accommodations, but approaching teachers effectively requires strategy and tact. This comprehensive guide provides actionable steps to establish productive partnerships with educators and … Read more
The Real Illusion in SEND Reform? That Evidence Replaces Rights It’s become fashionable in education circles to claim that the SEND system is broken because too many families have been misled into chasing labels and interventions that don’t work. The proposed fix? Strip away individual legal entitlements and put trust in professionals and formula-based funding. … Read more
6 Signs a Child Needs a New Communication Strategy Help teachers spot when PECS, AAC, or other methods need an update. You know your pupils. You know when something’s off. Maybe a child’s progress stalls, they stop using their communication book or device, or meltdowns return out of nowhere. These aren’t just bad days. They’re … Read more
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