Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

SEND ‘Special Educational Needs or Disability’ describes the needs of children who have a difficulty or disability that makes learning harder for them than most children of the same age.

SEND affects a child’s ability to learn. It can also affect their:

· behaviour or ability to socialise, for example, they struggle to make friends

· reading and writing, for example because they have dyslexia

· ability to understand things

· concentration levels, for example, because they have ADHD

· physical ability

At New Horizons Children’s Academy, we aim to support every pupil so they can reach their full potential. We believe that every child is entitled to a broad, balanced curriculum that enables them to make progress and become their best. We strive to make inclusion an effective process where identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to learning is paramount in ensuring every child’s needs are met at a level which is appropriate to them.

Speech and Language. Communication and Interaction

• https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/communication-and-language Oak academy communication and language lessons.
• https://en.commtap.org/primary A directory of activities and resources to support development of specific speech, language and communication needs, searchable by age phase, subject, target and level of attainment.
• https://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/resources/resources/resources-for-parents/ A range of resources to help parents develop children speech and language needs.
• https://ican.org.uk/a-message-to-our-supporters-on-coronavirus/activities-to-develop-speaking-and-listening-skills/ Games and activities to support speech and language needs.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/android-apps-for-complex-communication-support-needs/ A guide to android apps to support complex communication needs.
• https://pecs-unitedkingdom.com/support-at-home/ Activities to support children and parents using PECS (picture Exchange).

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

• https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/category/free-resources/ A range of resources, games etc. to support different areas of mental health; anxiety, anger, emotions, mindfulness etc.
• https://managing-change.middletownautism.com/ Resources aimed at autistic pupils, but could be used with others to support change, particularly around COVID 19.
• https://www.autismlittlelearners.com/search/label/My%20Freebies?updated-max=2020-07-05T17:59:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false A range of social stories and resources around a lot of different life issues, including COVID 19, that can be used to support children’s understanding.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-complex-communication-support-needs/ IPad Apps for Complex Communication Support Needs.
• https://www.bookofbeasties.com/ Create a free account to access certain activities and resources to support mindfulness and well-being.
• https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/games-skillbuilders/social-emotional-activities-for-children A selection of games to play to build children’s social and emotional awareness.

Maths

• https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/numeracy Oak academy lessons to support children with additional needs in specific areas of Maths.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-dyscalculianumeracy-difficulties/ IPad Apps for Learners with Dyscalculia/Numeracy Difficulties.
• https://www.easyreadtimeteacher.com/teacher-classroom-resources/ Resources to support teaching to tell the time.
• https://www.weareteachers.com/active-math-games/ Active games to support maths learning.
• https://www.didax.com/math/virtual-manipulatives.html Virtual physical resources to help children understand maths, cubes, tens frames, number lines, bead strings, and many more.

English

• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/android-apps-for-learners-with-dyslexia/ Android Apps for Learners with Dyslexia / Reading and Writing Difficulties.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/powerpoint-books-for-young-readers/ Free Powerpoint Books for Young Readers.
• https://www.booksfortopics.com/dyslexic-readers?fbclid=IwAR1_cTqfjigl-KkzG9UVxUq_cwmZfBJ9yIvdA6R5utt-Jbxer7Xy6xLaolY List of Dyslexia friendly books.
• https://www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com/ Multisensory stories for downloading using signs, props, movement etc. to engage children with special needs.
• https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/free-ebooks/ Free e-book library, select by age group.

General

• https://dekkocomics.com/topic-guide Comic books that can be downloaded and support learning in different areas of the curriculum, aimed at KS2.
• https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/early-development-learning Early develop lesson for pupils working below year 1 level.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ict-to-support-learners-with-dyslexia/ Ways to use technology to Support Learners with Dyslexia.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/inclusive-learning-resources/ Resources to support SEND learning.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-complex-additional-support-needs/ iPad Apps for Learners with Complex Additional Support Needs.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/ipad-apps-for-learners-with-dyslexia/ IPad Apps for Learners with Dyslexia.
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zn5RLhNWoCRG9KyoHu4boFiqo5G8Zc3lxDkgJw-uBGQ/edit?fbclid=IwAR1-h3BvteNDDHTcqBStqz7YECBPgfifaW58D2E8NHS2EmiOfqwuSHfDYSU A list of free or cheap apps for developing a range of learning skills.
• https://vimeo.com/457320105?fbclid=IwAR3m1100UbRduVvNCqW6eN7OVUZdXO38APRka-cObxntIlwNoh34AXjb7P8 Funky feet dance and movement videos.
• https://do2learn.com/ Downloadable resources, activity and lesson ideas for literacy, numeracy, behaviour and social skills of needs including social skills.
• https://www.doorwayonline.org.uk/ Accessible learning games for English, maths, memory and typing skills.

Sensory and/or Physical needs

• https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/physical-development Oak academy lesson to support children with additional in in their physical development.
• https://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/ Support for autistic learners with sensory processing, ideas for activities, resources and guidance for those supporting them.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-physical-difficulties/ A guide to using the iPad to Support Learners with Physical Difficulties.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using the iPad to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties.
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-windows-10-accessibility-tools-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using Windows 10 ‘Accessibility’ Tools to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties.
• https://www.griffinot.com/developing-childrens-fine-motor-skills/fine-motor-activities-with-kim-griffinot/ 10 weeks worth of videos with activities to develop children fine motor skills.
• https://www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com/ Multisensory stories for downloading using signs, props, movement etc. to engage children with special needs.
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr Dance mat typing to develop typing skills, different levels of challenge.
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ah-07GtU9ou18fXpkcZSQ Learn British sign language fun videos.
• http://www.starsteam.org.uk/media/Example%20sensory%20circuit%20info%20and%20ideas%20for%20home.pdf Printable examples of sensory activities.
• https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/Documents/Miscellaneous/Sensory%20Motor%20Circuits.pdf Short and snappy sensory circuit programme.
• https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-s-090-sensory-activity-cards Printable sensory activity cards.
• https://www.speciallearninghouse.com/sensory-break-cards/ Free printable sensory break cards.

Self help and Independence

• https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/independent-living Oak academy lesson developing life skills such as dressing, personal care etc.
• https://life-skills.middletownautism.com/ Resources aimed at support children with autism develop essential life skills such as personal hygiene, self-care, safety, managing work and leisure activities.