Communication is a two-way exchange, back and forth. When chatting with adults we are better at giving each other a little space to speak (unless in the full flow of an argument or exciting tale). With young children we have a tendency to fill all of the communication time, when really we are aiming for 50/ 50. The grown up speaks or leads for half of the time and the child can respond or take the lead for the other half.
Read MoreEarly language development is supported by a child’s experiences. The first words they use tend to be related to objects and people they see most often. By choosing toys which reinforce this vocabulary, we give children a better chance of learning these words
Read MoreFor lots of parents of children with additional needs, they find themselves entering a whole new world of paperwork, processes and appointments. It can be pretty overwhelming. One of these processes is centred around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Let’s cover some of the basics about EHCPs for those who are in the early stages of wondering whether their child might need one.
Read MoreYou have been on the school tours and weighed up the pros and cons and finally you feel you have an idea of what might be a good fit. Here are few tips for giving your first choice a little ‘health check’ to help you to know if the school will be able to meet your child’s needs.
Read MoreGuest blog from Vicky Evans, parenting coach from Parenting ADHD, shares her insights into understanding our children’s behaviour.
Read MoreGuest blog from Minisha Yasin, occupational therapist and founder of My Therapy Services, encourages us to look at things with a fresh pair of eyes. Quite often they may just need a little tweaking!
Read MoreI am surprised how often I meet families of children with additional needs who have not applied for Disability Living allowance (DLA). When I ask them why they haven’t, more often than not it is because they think it isn’t meant for them. I have begun to realise that people are missing out on (desperately needed) support because of a few myths floating around. Let’s debunk those myths and get on the right track!
Read MoreYou wait all term to find out how your child is doing at school (what do they actually get up to all day?). Although you catch a glimpse of the teacher most days, getting to talk to one-to-one is rare, even more so if you do not drop off or collect. Parent’s evening is that small window of time. But how do you get the most out of your 10 minute slot?
Read MoreAttention and listening are the absolute bedrock of early learning. It is from a solid foundation of strong attention and listening skills that other learning behaviours and therefor access to group learning develops. Good listening supports language, social and cognitive development.
Read MoreIt can be one of the most frustrating points in the day. Mornings can be a rush at the best of times, but for some seemingly incomprehensible reason your now school aged child has decided they don’t want to get dressed.
Read MoreEach family that celebrates Christmas has their own tradition when it comes to presents from Father Christmas. I didn’t appreciate how emotive this choice would become when debated in the arena of primary school, playground politics.
Read MoreHave people been suggesting that you try out a group for parents of children with additional needs? Sometimes when I mention these groups to parents they look at me like I have lost my mind! However uncomfortable the idea might seem, there is surprising value in these groups. Let’s explore some of the reasons why.
Read MoreThere is a trap we sometimes fall into when enabling children with SEN to communicate – we introduce tools that they can use with an assigned adult or a small selection of adults. This is very helpful for getting children’s basic needs met. However, it does not give them access to a wider community or to a peer group. The tools themselves are great; it is the implementation that’s flawed.
Read MoreIt is never too early to start reading with your child. Long before a baby is able to talk or is even seeming to take notice of what you are saying, they are still benefiting from being read to. Here’s how.
Read MoreOne of the key early cognitive skills that babies develop is object permanence. This is their understanding that an object still exists, even when they cannot see it. This understanding can begin to develop from 4 months and is often seen between 4 and 7 months old. You might first notice your child is developing this skill when they look for things they have dropped from the buggy or highchair. Here are some toys and games to support babies in developing their understanding of object permanence.
Read MoreAt primary school level there tend to be three types of school settings available for children with special educational needs; mainstream primary schools, schools with specialist classes/units and specialist schools. Choosing which type of school is most suitable for your child can feel a little pressurised. Here is a little run down of what the different types of schools offer and the advantages of each.
Read MoreDeveloping attention and play skills in preschoolers with additional needs can be a real challenge. But with the right strategies and helpful hints, they can learn to play for longer periods of time and develop their creativity and focus to learn and explore.
Read MoreGames are great for developing early social interaction, communication and attention skills. When we play a quick game, I feel that we have been able to have a bit of quality time together, even when doing something mundane like waiting to board the plane.
Read MoreBuilding in a bit of learning whilst having fun doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes spending 5 minutes of focused time with a child, engaging in their play, can be enough to give them a little boost with their learning and confidence.
Read MoreOne of the great ways to enjoy playing outside is to visit local parks and play areas. We are really lucky to live in a part of England where there are lots of green spaces. Over the years we have tried and tested lots of playgrounds and gone on many day trips. Here are my favourite 3 places in East Berkshire to play outside.
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