The information below may be appropriate for primary and/or secondary pupils according to age, stage and individual needs.
Websites
Information on different types of play and how settings can facilitate play
- Play types toolkit – Play Scotland
- The British Psychological Society - barriers to utilising play-based learning
- Strengthening learning in early childhood education - Learning through play
- The importance of play – Children with SEND
- Championing and supporting the rights of all children and young people to have access to high-quality inclusive play opportunities – Oxon Play
- Practical ideas, SEND advice and downloadable play resources - SEN resources blog
- Sensory play – Sensory ideas for SEND
- The importance of play – cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk
- The importance of play for children with special educational needs | SEN Magazine
- What is sensory play and why is it important? - Action For Children
- What is the play cycle? - Smartkidz Play and Learn
Self-help resources
- Making play inclusive - Sense Toolkit
- The cognitive abilities profile
- Activities Guide: Enhancing & Practising Executive Function Skills links to a downloadable document full of activities to support and strengthen executive functioning in children.
- For children with social communication differences who are at a very early stage of development, this May I Join You? video clip explains how adults can adapt their practice to join a child’s play
- Descriptive commentary (pdf format, 32Kb)
- Allowing the child to take the lead (pdf format, 42Kb)
- Taking turns (pdf format, 32Kb)
- Copy box (pdf format, 167Kb)
- The joy of learning... through movement: a bitesize CPD SWAY to support practitioners in implementing movement into play.
Training
- Online drop-In sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual pupils with the Down syndrome and complex needs team on a no names basis and will be available monthly. Book a 20-minute slot via the website.
- ‘Supporting pupils with Down syndrome and complex needs’ training is available every half term. Access training through education services.
- The importance of learning through play. Access training through SENDCast Podcast
Specialist support in school
Educational psychology service
- Bespoke training for schools and settings.
- Joint problem solving/psychological consultation around a specific case or issue.
- Whole class /whole school interventions
Find out more about what is available Educational Psychology Service.