Local Authority SEND update for parents
Our inclusion team has done our best to compile some links and documents which might be helpful to families whose children receive a little extra support at school.
Below are a number of useful tools and websites for supporting children's understanding of the pandemic. Some have already been shared at school but this continuity will be useful in ensuring the children have a good understanding which might reduce anxiety! The ELSA support website also has a number of useful resources that can be used to boost wellbeing and at the time of writing has a free self-isolation pack which may be useful to parents.
For children with sensory processing needs or seems to get easily overwhelmed when things are loud or hot, you might find that they struggle more during anxious times such as this. Below are some documents which might help you in supporting your child with their sensory integration.
Twinkl has a number of useful resources to support Speech and Language development. I have linked to the most user friendly of these below. At present Twinkl has free access to their content when using the code CVDTWINKLHELPS.
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Word finding pack
This pack will support children who need to develop their ability to remember the correct word in a given context.
Some of our children are currently accessing Lego Club to develop their social communication and team work skills. An adapted version of this could easily be run at home, especially if you have a lego mad little one. The document below should support in identifying a way of implementing this at home.
If you would like to support your child with spelling, you may like to try the SOS spelling method which can help children to develop their spelling through a multi-sensory approach. This is routinely recommended by our Educational Psychologist. A fact sheet can be found below. Please note that this should not replace any spelling/phonic work set by your child's teacher.
Your child might benefit from the use of picture cards to show them what to expect over their day at home. Most classrooms at Harefield have a visual timetable and many children with additional support will have access to their own personal one. The document below has a range of symbols but are simply ideas of things you might like to have on your timetable. These will act as a starting point but you could choose to draw or create extras with your children in accordance with your plans at home.