The Importance of Accessibility for Teachers: Legal, Professional, and Personal Benefits

The Importance of Accessibility for Teachers: Legal, Professional, and Personal Benefits 1

Why is learning about accessibility important for teachers? We are all teachers of SEN and understanding accessibility is a core part of that. Learning about accessibility is essential for teachers because it helps them provide equitable and inclusive education for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility means ensuring that everyone can access, … Read more

Effective Hybrid Learning Models for SEN Pupils

Effective Hybrid Learning Models for SEN Pupils

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

14 Brilliant Indoor & Outdoor Group Games for Children

14 Brilliant Indoor & Outdoor Group Games for Children 2

Engaging toddlers in group games is not only fun, but it also promotes social interaction, cooperation, and physical activity. Introducing toddlers to indoor and outdoor games is a wonderful way for the children to experience genuine joy in learning. These games encourage children to develop essential skills while having loads of fun. Below, you will … Read more

Food Chaining & Autism: Expand Your Child’s Diet

Food Chaining & Autism: Expand Your Child's Diet 3

Food Chaining To Help Autistic Children Try New Foods After living and working with children who favour beige foods I have only just stumbled across the idea of food chaining. If you are a parent of an autistic child, you may have experienced similar challenges with feeding your child. Some autistic children have a restricted … Read more

Strategies for Hiring the Best SEND Teachers: Professional Solutions, and Inclusive Interviews

Strategies for Hiring the Best SEND Teachers: Professional Solutions, and Inclusive Interviews 4

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

You Might Be A Snowman

You Might Be A Snowman 5

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

Inside the First AI Designed Sensory Room

Inside the First AI Designed Sensory Room 6

Welcome to Sensory Zone! The Best AI-Imagined Sensory Room In Britain A Sensory Sanctuary Inside an imaginary unassuming, dull and frankly boring-looking ex-office building located between a ring road and an industrial estate sits Sensory Zone. The most expensive and high-tech Sensory Room in Britain. Loaded with every piece of equipment you could dream up … Read more

The Importance of High Expectations for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Importance of High Expectations for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) 7

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

10 Special Education Teaching Styles

10 Special Education Teaching Styles 8

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

15 Ideas For Home Made Sensory Toys

15 Ideas For Home Made Sensory Toys 9

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

Barriers to Inclusion in Schools

Barriers to Inclusion in Schools 10

Removing Barriers to Inclusion: Making Our Schools More Inclusive As educational leaders, inclusion should be our top priority. However, multiple systemic obstacles still prevent equitable learning environments for all. In this article, I will analyse predominant barriers to inclusion, propose evidence-based solutions, and address common questions around transforming our schools into communities where every child … Read more

Attention Autism: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers

Attention Autism: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers 11

What is Attention Autism? Attention Autism is an intervention approach designed by speech-language pathologist Gina Davies to support the development of communication, social, and cognitive skills in children with autism (ASD). The program uses a progression of visually based and highly motivating activities to teach children how to pay attention, imitate, and engage socially. The … Read more

Understanding Infantilizing: How It Affects Adults and How to Overcome It

Understanding Infantilizing: How It Affects Adults and How to Overcome It 16

Infantilizing Autism & Autistic Adults There are many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding autism in society today. One of the most pervasive and harmful is the myth that autism solely affects children. From nonprofit organizations to the media and even policymakers, the narrative around autism is overwhelmingly child-centric. Autism has become infantilized in the public consciousness, … Read more

SEN Teaching Assistant: Roles and Responsibilities

SEN Teaching Assistant: Roles and Responsibilities 17

The Role of an SEN TA in the U.K. Education System Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistants (SEN TAs), also known as Special Needs Assistants or Learning Support Assistants, play a crucial role in the U.K. education system. They provide support to children with a range of needs, ensuring that all students can access education in … Read more

The Power of Multi-Sensory Rooms in Schools

The Power of Multi-Sensory Rooms in Schools 18

Evidence-Based Use of Multi-Sensory Rooms in Schools Multi-Sensory rooms in schools are a fantastic resource but often represent a significant investment in space and money. Inclusive education is a cornerstone of modern society, and special needs teachers play a vital role in ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and … Read more

What is Finger Gym? A Guide & Activities for Teachers

What is Finger Gym? A Guide & Activities for Teachers 19

Introduction to Finger Gym Teaching students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) requires a unique set of skills, patience, and a toolbox of innovative teaching strategies. One of the strategies that has gained popularity in recent years is ‘Finger Gym’. This article explores the concept of Finger Gym, what it is, how it can be incorporated … Read more

Encouraging the Use of AAC Devices in Every Lesson

Encouraging the Use of AAC Devices in Every Lesson

Embed Communication Devices in All Your Lessons Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are becoming increasingly common in classrooms as technology advances. These devices, whether simple picture boards or sophisticated speech-generating tablets, allow students with communication difficulties to express themselves. As a teacher, you play a crucial role in ensuring students can use AAC devices … Read more

Sensory Curriculum Models and Benefits

PMLD learner enjoying a Sensory Session - Benefits of a sensory curriculum

Understanding The Importance of a Planned Sensory Curriculum Sensory learning is a popular, creative and innovative approach to education that encourages children to explore the world around them and experience things firsthand. By engaging their senses, children can interact with new environments, materials, and textures that enrich their understanding of the world. The benefits of … Read more

Tuff Tray Activity Ideas For SEN

Tuff Tray Activity Ideas For SEN 20

What is a tuff Tray and What Activities can I use It for? Tuff trays are an invaluable resource for early years and SEN settings, providing endless opportunities for sensory and messy play perfect for developing young minds. These durable plastic trays, filled with a variety of tuff tray activities and manipulatives, allow children to … Read more

Classroom Design, Sensory Processing & Autism

Classroom Design, Sensory Processing & Autism 21

Sensory Processing Differences and Classroom Design ‘Sensory processing’ refers to how a person’s nervous system responds to sensory information and how they react to it. autistic individuals often find it challenging to prioritise the stimuli to process in their environment, making it difficult to focus on a single stimulus. Atypical sensory processing in autism involves … Read more