Sensory and/or physical needs (children and young people who require special educational provision because of their disability. This includes vision and deaf and hard of hearing – or multi-sensory impairment – and some children with a physical disability who may require additional support to access all the opportunities available to their peers). Please also see our accessibility plan. 

WHAT IS THE UNIVERSAL OFFER PHYSICAL AND/OR SENSORY?

Quality first teaching may include:

• pupil seating arrangements 
• adaptation of materials being used e.g. size of print / colour paper / overlays
• multi- sensory learning

At both schools, some adaptations have been made to the physical environment including a loop system for hearing in two classrooms, a lift (St Edmund’s) and some external ramps.

WHAT IS THE TARGETED OFFER FOR PHYSICAL AND/OR SENSORY?

Provision is monitored through a 4-part cycle: Assess Plan, Do, and Review (as highlighted in the new SEN Code of Practice).

The following interventions are used:

• Sensory circuits
• Gym trail (St Joes)
• Motor skills united programme (St Eds)
• Handwriting interventions using Write from the Start
• Touch typing

The following strategies and access arrangements to support learning may include:

• Visual and practical resources.
• Less mark-making expected.
• Regular rest breaks or movement breaks.
• Children may need special seating
• Extra support for self-care
• Use low-tech resources such as modified scissors or a slope on the table
• Children are helped to be independent learners
• Some reminders or pictures to bring children back to a task
• Give children extra time to answer questions.
• Make sure children have opportunities to learn to organise themselves appropriately
• Increased use of alternative methods for children to show their learning

WHAT IS THE SPECIALIST OFFER FOR PHYSICAL AND OR SENSORY?

Support and guidance may come from a variety of professionals including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Health Professionals, Specialist Education Service and Specialist advisory teaching service for Physical or Sensory Disability.