Sensory and Physical
Vision
Some children may have a diagnosed visual impairment or other difficulties with seeing clearly. This can affect how they access learning, move around the school, and take part in activities. Vision needs may vary from mild to severe and may require specific adaptations.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may struggle to read from the board or printed materials.
- They may hold books or devices very close to their face.
- They may trip, bump into things, or seem unsure when moving around.
- They may complain of headaches or tired eyes.
- They may avoid reading or writing tasks.
- They may need help locating items or navigating busy environments.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Seat the child where they can see clearly and comfortably.
- Use large print, clear fonts, and high-contrast materials.
- Read aloud key information and instructions.
- Allow use of magnifiers, reading rulers, or digital tools.
- Keep the classroom tidy and well-lit to support safe movement.
- Give extra time for reading, writing, and copying tasks.
- Check in regularly to ensure the child can see and access learning.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Work with specialist teachers for vision impairment or sensory support services.
- Use personalised resources such as enlarged worksheets or tactile materials.
- Provide regular small group or 1:1 sessions to support access and independence.
- Develop a personalised support plan with input from the child, family, and professionals.
- Consider assistive technology (e.g. screen readers, electronic magnifiers).
- Monitor progress and adapt support based on the child’s visual needs.
Hearing
Some children may have a diagnosed hearing impairment or other difficulties with listening and processing sounds. This can affect how they understand speech, follow instructions, and take part in classroom activities. Hearing needs may vary and can be supported with specific strategies and equipment.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may not respond when spoken to or may mishear instructions.
- They may ask for things to be repeated often.
- They may seem distracted or struggle to follow group discussions.
- They may speak loudly or unclearly.
- They may rely heavily on visual cues or lip-reading.
- They may avoid noisy environments or become overwhelmed by sound.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Gain the child’s attention before speaking and face them when talking.
- Speak clearly and at a natural pace - avoid shouting or exaggerating.
- Reduce background noise where possible and use quiet spaces.
- Use visual aids, written instructions, and gestures to support understanding.
- Repeat or rephrase key information and check for understanding.
- Seat the child where they can see the teacher and peers clearly.
- Allow extra time for processing and responding.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Work with specialist teachers for hearing impairment or sensory support services.
- Use assistive technology such as radio aids, soundfield systems, or hearing devices.
- Provide regular small group or 1:1 sessions to support communication and access.
- Develop a personalised support plan with input from the child, family, and professionals.
- Use captioned videos, transcripts, and visual resources to support learning.
- Monitor progress and adapt support based on the child’s hearing needs.
Multi-Sensory Needs
Some children have both vision and hearing needs at the same time. This is sometimes called ‘multi-sensory impairment’ or ‘deafblindness’. These needs can make it harder for a child to communicate, move around, and learn in the classroom. Extra support may be needed to help them join in, stay safe, and be as independent as possible.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may have trouble seeing and hearing at the same time.
- They might not be able to use one sense to help with the other (for example, can’t use hearing to help with seeing, or vice versa).
- They may find it hard to follow what’s happening in lessons or conversations.
- They might need help moving safely around the school.
- They may struggle to use sign language if they can’t see hand shapes clearly.
- They may need support with personal care and daily routines.
- They might find it difficult to join in group activities or use equipment without help.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Make sure the classroom is tidy, well-organised, and clearly labelled.
- Use a mix of ways to teach and communicate (for example: touch, sound, pictures, objects).
- Give extra time for the child to process information and respond.
- Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
- Use specialist advice and follow recommendations from teachers for sensory needs.
- Think carefully about where you stand or sit when talking to the child.
- Offer chances to show learning in different ways (not just writing or speaking).
- Build in sensory breaks and keep routines predictable.
- Support the child with personal care if needed, always respecting their dignity.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Work with specialist teachers for multi-sensory needs (such as Advisory Teachers for Deaf/Blind and Multi-Sensory Impairment).
- Use specialist equipment and resources (like Braille, large print, tactile books, audiology and mobility support).
- Provide personalised support for communication, mobility, and independence.
- Attend regular meetings with professionals and families to review needs and progress.
- Get extra advice from sign language tutors, audiology technicians, or mobility specialists.
- Make sure there are individual healthcare plans and risk assessments in place.
- Support the child during transitions (such as moving to a new class or school).
- Regularly check progress and adapt support as needed.
Sensory Differences
Some children may be very sensitive to things they see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Others may not notice these things as much as other people do. Sensory differences can affect how a child feels, behaves, and learns in school. They might need extra support to feel comfortable and take part in lessons and activities.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may cover their ears or eyes if things are too loud or bright.
- They might avoid certain textures, foods, or smells.
- They may become upset or anxious in busy, noisy, or crowded places.
- They might seek out movement, touch, or pressure (for example, rocking, spinning, or hugging tightly).
- They may not notice pain, temperature, or mess on their face or hands.
- They might find it hard to concentrate or join in group activities.
- They may react strongly to changes in routine or environment.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Create a calm, organised classroom with clear routines.
- Offer quiet spaces or sensory breaks when needed.
- Use visual timetables and clear instructions to help the child know what to expect.
- Allow the child to use sensory tools (like ear defenders, fidget toys, or weighted cushions).
- Adapt activities to avoid sensory overload (for example, dim lights, reduce noise, or avoid strong smells).
- Give the child choices about how to take part in activities.
- Work closely with the child and their family to understand what helps them feel comfortable and safe.
- Encourage classmates to be understanding and supportive.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Work with occupational therapists or sensory specialists for advice and strategies.
- Use personalised sensory plans to support the child’s needs.
- Provide regular small group or 1:1 sessions to practise coping strategies.
- Train staff in understanding and supporting sensory differences.
- Use specialist equipment or resources if recommended.
- Monitor the child’s wellbeing and adapt support as needed.
- Support the child during transitions or changes in routine.
Physical Needs
Some children may have physical disabilities or medical conditions that affect their movement, coordination, or stamina. These needs can impact how they access the school environment, take part in learning, and manage everyday tasks. Support may be needed to promote independence, safety, and inclusion.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may have difficulty with walking, sitting, or moving around the classroom.
- They may need help with fine motor tasks like writing, cutting, or using tools.
- They may tire easily or need frequent rest breaks.
- They may use mobility aids or specialist equipment.
- They may need support with personal care or medical routines.
- They may be unable to access certain areas or activities without adjustments.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Make sure the classroom and school environment are accessible and safe.
- Allow extra time for movement, transitions, and physical tasks.
- Adapt activities to suit the child’s physical abilities.
- Use specialist equipment or furniture as needed.
- Provide support for fine motor tasks (e.g. pencil grips, sloped boards).
- Work closely with the child to understand what helps them feel comfortable and included.
- Encourage independence while offering help when needed.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Work with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or specialist teachers.
- Use personalised plans to support physical access, mobility, and independence.
- Provide regular small group or 1:1 sessions to develop motor skills and confidence.
- Ensure staff are trained in manual handling and medical procedures if required.
- Use assistive technology or adapted resources to support learning.
- Monitor progress and wellbeing and adapt support based on the child’s physical needs.
Medical Needs
Some children have medical conditions or health needs that may affect their daily life at school. These can include long-term illnesses, allergies, or the need for medication or medical procedures during the school day. Children with medical needs may need extra support to stay healthy, safe, and included in all aspects of school life.
What Might We Notice?
- The child may need to take medicine or have medical treatments during the school day.
- They might need help with eating, drinking, or using the toilet.
- They may have a care plan or need regular checks from adults.
- The child might be tired, in pain, or need to rest more often.
- They may miss school for medical appointments or treatment.
- The child may need to avoid certain foods, activities, or environments.
- They might need support to manage anxiety or worries about their health.
How Can School Staff Help? (Everyday Classroom Support)
- Follow the child’s healthcare plan and any medical advice.
- Make sure all staff know what to do in an emergency.
- Keep medicines and medical equipment safe and easy to access.
- Allow the child to take breaks or rest when needed.
- Adapt activities so the child can join in safely.
- Work closely with parents and health professionals.
- Respect the child’s privacy and dignity at all times.
- Encourage the child to be as independent as possible, offering help when needed.
Extra Help (SEN Support)
- Arrange staff training for specific medical needs or procedures.
- Work with school nurses, doctors, or other health professionals.
- Use personalised care plans and risk assessments.
- Provide extra adult support if needed for medical routines.
- Make adjustments to the school environment or timetable.
- Support the child with emotional wellbeing and managing worries.
- Review the child’s needs regularly and update support as needed.