Psychological Support for Students in Inclusive Classes Inclusive education, the philosophy that emphasizes including all students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in mainstream classrooms, has become an integral component of modern educational systems. At its heart is providing equal opportunities for all children, regardless of physical, cognitive, or emotional differences, to learn in an inclusive … Read more
Inclusive Education: Benefits and Challenges for Students with Special Educational Needs Inclusive education is an educational approach which seeks to integrate all students, irrespective of physical, cognitive, or emotional differences, into mainstream classrooms. This creates an inclusive classroom where children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) learn alongside typically developing peers. Inclusive education‘s goal is to … Read more
A-Z of Disney Characters Learning Activities Using Disney characters to motivate learning in preschool children can transform ordinary activities into magical adventures. These beloved characters can serve as both role models and companions, encouraging children to engage in educational tasks with enthusiasm. By integrating characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, or Woody into daily routines, children … Read more
Understanding Learning Difficulties and Learning Disabilities: Definitions, Differences, and Support Strategies “Is it a learning difficulty or a learning disability? As a SENCO for 7 years, I’ve seen this question cause countless misunderstandings between teachers, parents, and support staff. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering clear distinctions and practical classroom strategies that work. When … Read more
The Ultimate Packing List for Days Out with Autistic Children A day out is more than just a fun escape—it’s an opportunity for connection, discovery, and growth. But for parents of autistic children, a successful outing requires more than just excitement and enthusiasm. It demands thoughtful preparation, a carefully packed bag, and the right tools … Read more
Sensory Story: The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow Transforming the classic song “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” from the musical Annie into a sensory story allows children to engage with the lyrics through touch, sound, movement, and visuals. This sensory version brings the song to life, helping young learners connect with its themes of … Read more
Parents View: The Unbearable Cost of Systemic Failure in SEN Tribunal Appeals As a parent of a child with special educational needs (SEN), I’ve witnessed firsthand the labyrinthine and often heart-wrenching journey through the SEN tribunal system. It’s a path strewn with obstacles, where the battle for my child’s right to an education that meets … Read more
Blue Ocean Strategy: Transforming Special Schools into Hubs of Unique Value The education sector is no stranger to the concept of competition. Special schools, in particular, operate within a challenging framework, often constrained by limited resources, rigid structures, and high expectations. However, there lies a remarkable opportunity for special schools to break away from traditional … Read more
Retrieval Practice: Supporting SLD Students Teaching students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) is as much about creativity and understanding as it is about specific pedagogical approaches. It can feel overwhelming to find methods that work for a diverse group of learners. Yet, amidst the noise of educational trends, one approach stands out for its simplicity … Read more
Building Rapport with Neurodiverse Students: Affirming Techniques for Addressing Challenging Behaviour Rapport is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, especially in education. For students with challenging behaviour, who often struggle with neurodivergent traits such as sensory sensitivities, difficulties in communication, or emotional regulation challenges, the importance of meaningful connection cannot be overstated. When educators build … Read more
Transforming Professional Practices and Service Systems in Schools to Better Support Autistic Children and Their Families Creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for autistic children requires a systemic overhaul that goes beyond superficial adjustments. This comprehensive plan outlines steps schools can take to transform their practices, ensuring they not only support autistic pupils but … Read more
I. Introduction Inclusive education is considered a cornerstone in modern educational systems, which ensures equal learning opportunities for all learners irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. In such an environment, diversity is embraced and valued, ensuring the blossoming of each learner. This integration into mainstream classrooms does not only favor students with special needs but … Read more
We often get asked this question “What are the best attention-boosting tricks and tools for keeping 3- to 5-year-olds with ADHD engaged?” Reframing Focus: When Movement is the Solution, Not the Problem What if we’ve been approaching this all wrong? Instead of asking how to improve attention in energetic preschoolers, ADHD diagnosis or not, let’s … Read more
Compulsive Posting in Autistic Children: Structured Strategies Autistic Children often engage in sensory-seeking behaviours that may seem puzzling or even frustrating for parents and teachers. One such behaviour, compulsive “posting,” involves placing small items into gaps or spaces, leading to the loss of toys, puzzle pieces, PECS symbols and pencils. If you’re finding that your … Read more
10 Sensory Smell Ideas: Scent Based Sensory Learning for Pupils with Special Educational Needs Scent-based sensory learning is a key element within the broader context of multi-sensory education, particularly for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This article will analyse the existing research on scent-based sensory learning, its potential applications, benefits, and challenges specifically for … Read more
Embracing Multimodal Communication: Supporting Complex Communication Needs Understanding the broad spectrum of communication methods of our children is essential for effective teaching – especially for those with complex communication needs (CCN). Multimodal communication offers a rich, inclusive approach to communication that combines both unaided and aided modalities, broadening the ways individuals can share their thoughts, … Read more
Understanding Figurative Language and Autism in the Classroom The traditional narrative around autism and figurative language has long focused on perceived deficits. However, recent scholarship, particularly Damian Milton’s double empathy theory, suggests we need a paradigm shift in how we conceptualise these challenges. What if the difficulty lies not solely with autistic individuals, but in … Read more
Connection: A Guide to Functional Communication I’ve witnessed countless breakthrough moments when children discover their voice – whether through words, gestures, or alternative means. One moment stands out vividly: when five-year-old Sophie, who had barely communicated before, used her picture card to request her favourite teddy for the first time. Her mum’s tears of joy … Read more
A Guide to Different Types of AAC and How SLPs Choose the Right One This blog post will examine different types of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including their advantages and disadvantages, and discuss how a speech-language pathologist (SLP) determines the most appropriate AAC approach for a person. What is AAC? Augmentative and alternative communication … Read more
Understanding the Function of Communication When we think about communication, we often focus on spoken language – the daily exchange of words and sentences that fills our lives. However, communication serves far deeper and more varied purposes than simply exchanging information. From a baby’s first cry to a CEO’s keynote speech, from a reassuring touch … Read more
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