Welcome to our fourth edition of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) newsletter. As we rapidly move towards the end of 2023 with the children practicing for winter performances and wrapped in many layers, we think about those learners who relish the routine of school. We know that many of our children have spent this term becoming familiar with the new expectations of new teachers and so we must focus on ending the term in a positive way for them. A key way we are doing this is through the use of visual timetables. Visual timetables are a series of pictures or symbols which show the routines of the day, they allow children to see what is coming next supporting those children who may have anxiety of the unknown. Every class in the whole Federation has a visual timetable this means all of our children know what is happening next and provides structure to these less predictable days with a festive feel.

I look forward to seeing and meeting more of you in January at one of our coffee mornings, details below.

Best wishes

Kathryn Congdon

During the school day our children are taught an exciting and engaging curriculum, much of this information is given verbally. A key thing to remember is that verbal information is transient but visuals are concrete. Verbal instructions are delivered and if missed, through hearing loss or distraction the information is lost, meaning that the child does not know what to do or how to respond. Visuals can be held onto and referred back to.

As adults we use visuals all the times in to-do lists, calendars, DIY instructions and recipes.

Visuals in the classroom build children's independence, as they are able to use them to recall information previously taught and extend their understanding. For our children with language processing difficulties the use of concrete visuals means that their ability is greater when accessing the learning independently. Visuals take different forms, depending on the child's understanding and purpose. These for example could be; Now and Next boards, supporting a child in understanding what is happening now and the transition to the next activity, Lesson breakdown sheets where visuals break down the steps needed to be successful in the lesson.

Executive SENCo

Please come and meet your school's autism advisory teacher. The teachers work alongside our school staff to ensure that we are supporting the children who have a diagnosis of Autism or are waiting to be seen by the Autism Related Disorders clinic. This coffee morning will be a chance to hear tips and advice as to how to support your child at home. As always all parents welcome.

We are continuing to learn new Makaton signs each week, these are the ones we have learnt this week and will be learning next week.

George Webster is a an actor, dancer and TV presenter. He is an ambassador for Mencap and he has Down's syndrome.

"We need to see more people with a learning disability in the media." George says. "It's so important. We deserve equal opportunities like you all do, jobs like you all have."

"We need to be celebrated because we're people, we exist."

After becoming a Mencap ambassador, George Webster went on to make history as the first person with Down's syndrome to become a regular CBeebies presenter in 2021.

This holiday count down calendar will be sent home with all children who have a diagnosis of Autism or who are awaiting an appointment with the ARD clinic. The idea behind this is that children can cross off the days so they can understand when they will be returning to school. Lessening the anxiety that some children feel when they are out of the routine of school. If you would like your child, who is not already included in this group of children, to take one home, please let a member of the inclusion team know. Thanks to Mr Connelly for creating this calendar.

The first point of contact should always be your child's class teacher, please always discuss your concerns with them before contacting a member of the inclusion team. The teachers and support staff who work with your children really value the relationships they have with their classes and are in the strongest position to speak to you about how your child is getting on at school.