Age 16-18 – Universal Support for Sensory and Physical Needs
Last Updated - October 5, 2024
Age 16-18 – Universal Support for Sensory and Physical Needs
All staff will:
Model positive behaviours and implement the SEND Pledge Values to support preparing for adulthood at the earliest opportunity.
Familiarise themselves with any support plans in place for student(s). These should be checked at least half termly.
Welcome all students into learning environments and services.
Implement Quality First Teaching practices or equivalent, eg Evidence Informed Practice.
Use agreed method of interaction for students with visually/hearing impairment.
Use of chunking ie breaking down activities into clear, short and manageable tasks.
Use modified resources, where required.
Provide access to IT resources, assistive technologies eg Immersive Reader, speech to text etc
Facilitate alternative ways of recording work.
Consider appropriate positioning in the classroom.
Consider whole day/week transitioning experiences for individual students when planning timetables. For example, minimise number of different rooms used, ensure access to rooms.
Make adjustments for students to leave lessons 5 mins early to avoid any busy times in communal spaces, eg corridors, catching bus etc
Minimise adjustments to timetables and provide as much notice as possible of any changes, where necessary.
Provide access to sensory aids and be familiar in how to use, for example hearing aids/loops.
Ensure appropriate modifications to font style and size, in line with Normal Ways of Working.
Access to different colour paper/overlays.
Be mindful of environment influenced, eg senses – sight, smell etc. Check sufficient classroom/workshop light levels for VI, consider effect of windows and natural light etc
Identify a safe space for student to access for sensory breaks.
Access to a calm environment when overstimulated.
Agreed process for accessing time outs.
Ensure personal space.
Provide regular sensory breaks and consider how this can include peers.
Plan activities around timed work with breaks.
Provide access to fidget toys.
Provide opportunities for regular check ins.
Provide opportunities for overlearning.
Help build resilience to unimportant stimuli using positive reinforcement/motivators.
Access to headphones/earphones to block out distractions/noise for students with sensory needs, where appropriate.
Put in place a clear transition plan for next steps to include IAG, Information and guidance, for course transfers, finding apprenticeships, finding work, in line with their aspirations.