Mainstream education is not suited to every child’s needs.
There are many children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who require extra support to get the most out of education. But how does it work?
Children under five
Support for children with SEND starts at a young age. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework followed by Ofsted registered childcare providers ensures that there is support for children with SEND.
In addition to the EYFS framework, reasonable adjustments can be made to support the specific needs of children with SEND. This can be through providing tactile signs, ensuring your child has enough one-on-one time with staff, and fulfilling sensory needs. These small adjustments can make a world of difference.
Children in school
When children start school, their special educational needs become more apparent. They may struggle with workload, socialisation, and taking care of their own needs. However, accommodations can be put in place to assist with this.
You can talk to your child’s teacher or the school’s SEN co-ordinator (SENCO) to put in place a special learning programme suited to your child’s specific needs. This may include deviation from the national curriculum to ensure that your child is progressing at a rate that works well for them. These learning programmes help children to get the correct accommodations and care they need.
It is also important for children with SEND to have extra help from either their teacher or the teaching assistant. This can be done through smaller class sizes that allow them to learn in a more relaxed environment.
Smaller groups also help children who struggle with socialisation, as they can communicate with others in a low-pressure setting.
Children with SEND often need extra encouragement in their learning. For many children, this can be by encouraging them to ask for help when they are struggling. They may also need extra engagement from staff when they are struggling with a topic. Both forms of encouragement help children with SEND achieve the most out of their education.
What we do
At Almond Care, we work alongside our panel of education providers to help create a calm, focused environment suited to children with SEND.
We encourage children to reach their full potential, by helping them to work on:
- Social skills
- Behaviour
- Emotional resilience
- Independence
All these skills are built through having the right educational support tailored for their needs.
If you need help or advice with your child’s education, please get in touch.
