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Emscote Infant School and All Saints' C of E Junior School

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Emscote Infant School and All Saints’ C of E Junior School ‘Working Together, Valuing Everyone, Learning for Life’

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Getting ready for school

Useful articles on helping your child get ready to go to school

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As your child reaches school age, there's lots of things for you to be keeping an eye on. Here we help you with advice about getting school ready, protecting their teeth, happy mealtimes and much more.

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Our dedicated sleep service is here to help.

Alongside our Sleep Tips booklet and relevant guides, we also offer one-to-one support. This involves completing an application form for your child and two weeks' worth of sleep diaries which we'll send out to you as long as you come under our criteria for support.

If you need one-to-one support and are a parent/carer or a professional referring a family with their consent to having sleep support, please click the button below to contact the sleep service.

If you have a question or query about our services please email us at [email protected].

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Sleep tips Our Sleep Tips booklet introduces and explains different techniques for you to try that may improve your child's sleep. It covers ten main topics including bedtime routines, daytime napping, comfort objects and moving bedtime backwards or forwards. It gives lots of illustrated hints and tips for putting the...

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Supporting people across all ages to improve sleep, and provides sleep training to professionals in the health, social and corporate sectors.

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Learn about sleep | Sleep Action | UK’s oldest sleep charity

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Learn how & why we sleep, and discover tips and advice on overcoming sleep problems to get a better night’s sleep and improve your wellbeing

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Sensory circuits for a good nights sleep

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Sensory circuits for a good nights sleep

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It's Lily here! Occupational Therapist at Cup-O-T. I wanted to share something practical this month that might be helpful to you - especially now that many of you are settling back into school/ homeschool routines.

I hear all the time that young people struggle to get a good night's sleep. This can be for all sorts of reasons. In my practice I have noticed that some young people reach a nice calm state after doing a sensory circuit - I have even seen some young people nearly fall asleep!

I have used the same sensory circuit principles below to develop a little sequence of ideas that might help you get some shut eye tonight! I would recommend getting the grown ups involved too!'

Background: Sensory circuits were developed with the aim of helping young people and people with sensory processing differences to reach a calm/ alert state. This one has been adapted to leave you feeling restful, calm and ready for bed.

Instructions for use: There are three sections that must be completed in order:

Complete two activities from each section selecting these either manually or using a dice!

Before you start: You will need; one young person, one carer or parent and nothing else! You might want to come up with your own ideas or incorporate items you have around the home!

During the day: Make the bedroom as cosy as possible together - arrange pillows, lighting, soft toys.. think about any smells or sounds that are comforting. If you have a lot of worries on your mind; find time in the day to let the worries out either by talking to a trusted adult or by writing them down; in a journal or maybe a worry box/worry monster.

Get ready for bed.. then, lets go!

Alerting - these activities involve lots movement.
Do two of these:

1. Relay races in the garden OR sliding backwards and forwards in your socks indoors

2. Going on the swing OR rolling back and forth in a ball on the floor

3. Laying upside down on the sofa (head down) no movement here but still stimulates the same part of your brain- how cool is that?!

4. Star jumps OR jumping jacks (can you do 30?!)

5. Sweeping or mopping the floor (moving through space as much as possible- think about use of up-tempo music)

6. Dancing like no ones watching the whole way through your favourite song

Organising - these are movements that require you to use your brain and your body together.
Do two of these:

1. Army crawl, bear walks (can you make this into a race?)

2. Balance beam (use masking tape on the floor and try and walk along the line without falling in the shark infested water!) OR tree pose (work up to 20 seconds on each side)

3. Play Simon says OR twister

4. Organising something in your bedroom (folding clothes, sorting through a draw) OR loading or unloading the dishwasher to music

5. Play catch (a weighted ball it great for this!)

6. Elbow to knee: in standing position touch your right elbow to your left knee, repeat on the other side- count to 30!

Calming - these activities activate deep muscles through heavy muscle work or squeezing and are calming for the nervous system.
Do two or three of these:

1. Hand massage/foot massage

2. Plank

3. Child's pose

4. Burrito - wrap up in duvet or soft blanket

5. Wall pushes

6. Progressive muscle relaxation (there are videos on YouTube about this, with practice you can do it alone or a carer or parent might be able to talk you through it)

Recommended Resources for the CALMING section

Progressive relaxation:

Health and safety advice - for supporting grown ups
Never push your body hard during yoga. You might notice your muscles working but it should never hurt! Be particularly careful if you are hypermobile- yoga is great for building strength around extra bendy joints but try not to over extend.

Follow professional advice re: the use of weighted items. For example; it is not advisable to sleep under a weighted blanket as it can affect circulation. Particular caution is advisable if the young person has epilepsy. Young people can often experience the same benefits just by having the blanket over their legs or for a shorter period of time.

I'd love to know if these Sensory Circuits are helpful and effective for you and your young people! You can comment below, reach out on social media, or pop us an email!

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Home Sensory Circuits for a Better Night's Sleep

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It's Lily here! Occupational Therapist at Cup-O-T. I wanted to share something practical this month that might be helpful to you - especially now that many of you are settling back into school/ homeschool routines. I hear all the time that young people struggle to get a good night's sleep.

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Family Information Service (FIS)

If you aren't sure what support you and/or your family needs, the Family Information Service is a great starting point. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will listen to you and help you access the services that can support you.
Contact FIS
Child Friendly Warwickshire

Child Friendly Warwickshire celebrates all the positive things happening which make this county the best it can be for children and young people to grow up and learn. Every contribution counts. Find out how you can make a difference.
More about Child Friendly Warwickshire

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Children and families - Warwickshire County Council

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If you aren't sure what support you and/or your family needs, the Family Information Service is a great starting point. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will listen to you and help you access the services that can support you.

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Angry outbursts - what's below the surface?

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Angry outbursts - what's below the surface?

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Angry Outbursts What's Below the Surface A4 - Big Life Journal (1)

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SEN Magazine is made possible by our advertisers. Please support them when you can. To advertise in SEN Magazine, please contact Denise on 01200 409808 or denise@senmagazine.co.uk or Charlotte on 01200 409805 or charlotte@senmagazine.co.uk

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Autism and ADHD Book Guide - for children, young people, parents & professionals — Authentically Emily

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A book guide downloadable as a PDF (18 pages) with recommendations for children’s books on neurodiversity, autism and ADHD, non-fiction books for autistic/ADHD tweens and teens, fiction books for autistic/ADHD tweens and teens, and books for parents and professionals on neurodivergence. The images

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Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central

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Autism Central offers a wealth of resources for parents, carers and personal assistants of autistic people in England – from articles and learning materials to signposting you to services and support in your local area.

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Social stories can help neurodiverse children understand an event or situation. Here’s how to create your own social stories for days out.

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Warwickshire Libraries enhance sensory offer with introduction of social stories – Warwickshire County Council

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Residents with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can now benefit from an enhanced sensory offer at Warwickshire County Council libraries with

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Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central

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Autism Central offers a wealth of resources for parents, carers and personal assistants of autistic people in England – from articles and learning materials to signposting you to services and support in your local area.

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Warwickshire Family and Relationships Support

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Warwickshire Family and Relationships Support

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inourplace | Solihull Approach - Online courses for emotional health and wellbeing.

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inourplace | Solihull Approach | Online courses for parents

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inourplace | Solihull Approach : Online courses dedicated to improving emotional health and wellbeing in parents, children, teenagers, adults and grandparents.

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The physical card acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues, so that the venues can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors.

It also works online with other platforms like ticketing systems, to unlock the access facilities you need.

The card shows a photo ID and translates a persons disability or impairment into symbols, effectively highlighting the barriers they face and the reasonable adjustments they might need.

The Access Card app provides you with a personalised directory of venues, with first-class accessibility information to help you plan your trips.

Just £15 for 3 years

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Get your access requirements recognised at thousands of events, attractions, venues, and locations across the UK and beyond.

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Families First for Children – Child Friendly Warwickshire

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We want to hear from you! If you have any questions or thoughts regarding Warwickshire Families First, please get in touch via: FamiliesFirst@warwickshire.gov.uk

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Moving up! The transition to secondary school

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This animation and accompanying teacher toolkit is aimed at supporting pupils who have recently started Year 7, or are due to start soon.

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www.5pointscale.com was developed to share information about the use of the 5-point scale and other systems to teach social and emotional concepts to children and adults who could use some extra…

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Social stories and comic strip conversations

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Find out more about social stories and comic strip conversations, and how they can help autistic people communicate.

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Supporting a child with anxiety | Charlie Waller Trust

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A guide for parents & carers on how to support a child who is experiencing anxiety & provides practical strategies to help manage it

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South Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind

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Group Support & Mentoring for Children | South Warwickshire Mind

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Groups, one to one and mentoring mental health support for children and young people living in the CV34 and Warwick area.

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Frustration is a normal part of life, but it can overwhelm kids and bring up a lot of big feelings. You can help them to use the "Breathe, Think, Do" strategy to calm down, identify their feelings, and work to solve their problem.

First, help kids calm down.

Encourage them to put their hands on their bellies and slowly take three deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Ask them to whisper "calm down" (or another encouraging phrase) to themselves.

Next, help children understand their problem and think about a plan to solve it.

Encourage little ones to tell you how they are feeling and why. You can help them find the words by telling them what you notice ("It seems like you feel frustrated because you're having trouble putting on your sweater.").

Help come up with a few different plans for solving the problem (such as unbuttoning the top button).

Encourage kids to choose a plan and try it out.

Ask, "Which plan is best? Let's try it!"

If the plan doesn't work, ask, "How else could you do this?," and then try the next plan.

Remind kids that learning new things takes practice. It's not that they can't do it; it's that they can't do it yet.

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You can help children to use the "Breathe, Think, Do" strategy to calm down, identify their feelings, and work to solve their problem!

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There are lots of way to feel calmer. Try our breathing exercises, activities and games or watch a video to help let go of stress.

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autism autistic asd awareness animation 2d educative education "autistic spectrum disorder" aspergers

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The Amazing Things project is an ongoing animation initiative aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance in future generations. It all started with "Amazing Things Happen" an animation I, created in my spare time for nearly 2 years, to help children understand autism in the hope that future generations grow up with a better understanding of it.

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What is Neurodiversity:  A Video for Children

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(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

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If your child has not been seen by an educational psychologist, you can ask their school to refer them to their local service or (if appropriate) request an EHC needs assessment.

You can search for independent educational psychologists in your area using:

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Signposting for further advice and information

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We have listed below other advice organisations (whether on special educational needs (SEN) (or other topics) who may be able to help you, as well as details of how you can contact professionals such as educational psychologists or speech and language therapists.

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This programme consists of a range of online courses designed to increase the confidence of parents-to-be, mums, dads, grandparents and carers. They have been developed by NHS experts and parents through an evidence-based model known as the Solihull Approach.

All of the courses are FREE for Warwickshire residents using the access code BEAR.

All of the courses can be completed flexibly, at your own pace. Each of the course modules takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Each course contains several modules.

There is a built-in voiceover feature available if you prefer to listen and your device supports audio.

These courses are designed to help build a strong relationship between you and your baby, infant or child.

Using the access code BEAR on registration will provide access to all the courses listed above for a lifetime and it will never expire.

There's also a selection of other online and face to face courses for parents, covering a wide range of topics.

Technical support

Email: solihull.approach-parenting@heartofengland.nhs.uk

Tel: 0121 296 4448

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Free online courses to help parents feel more confident - Warwickshire County Council

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Free online parenting courses to help build up confidence of parents-to-be, mums, dads, grandparents and carers.

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Discover the joy of messy play with Messy Beanz! Our inclusive environment invites children with special needs and disabilities to explore and engage in sensory activities designed to boost development. Join us every Saturday at the SYDNI centre and get ready to get messy

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Stay and play group in Warwick for children with special needs, additional needs, sen and disabilities. Fun, messy, craft sessions for children with special needs and their families in Warwickshire. Group for children with SEN, sen, SEND families in Warwickshire, supporting children with speech and

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Your well-being is our passion

When people understand why they feel or function one way, they begin to understand how they can feel or function another way. They begin to speak their body's language, and open up a conversation that can take them to the calm, quiet, pain-free place they've been searching for.

This is the purpose of the Cornerstone Counselling and it's open to everyone.

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Cornerstone Counselling - Confidential and Professional Therapy Service

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Effective professional and confidential counselling service for adults, children & young people, couples and families.

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Holiday activities and food (HAF) – SearchOut

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The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for school aged children in full time education from reception to Year 11 (inclusive), who receive benefits related free school meals. The programme offers valuable support to families on lower incomes, giving young people the opportunity to access…

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The Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing is a free online tool providing self-care information to support adults, children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.

You can rate yourself or another person against a number of dimensions related to health and wellbeing.

The Dimensions tool is available 24/7 and creates a Dimensions report which provides information about self-care, local services and support.

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The Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing is a free online tool providing self-care information to support adults, children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. You can rate yourself or another person against a number of dimensions related to health and wellbeing.

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Community Autism Support Service CASS - Autism support across Coventry and Warwickshire

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If you live in Coventry or Warwickshire with a diagnosis of autism, or are awaiting a diagnosis, we may be able to help you, your parents or your carer.

You can start by calling the Navigation Team and ask about available support. Our team is made up of autistic individuals and those with lived experience, including parents or carers of autistic individuals.

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Home - Community Autism Support Service CASS

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Welcome to the Community Autism Support Service or CASS for Coventry and Warwickshire.

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EBSNA - Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance – Warwickshire County Council

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Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance is a broad term used to describe the experiences of individual children and young people who experience anxiety, stress, worry and concern about attending school for one or more reasons. As a result, CYP can often feel unable to attend, despite their desire to.

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It's normal for children and young people to feel worried about something that's happening at school - for example, when starting a new school or during exams. Sometimes, however, school can become challenging, stressful or distressing over a much longer period of time.

If your child is feeling anxious about school, or not able to go, it can be exhausting for both of you. Mornings in particular can become really stressful for the whole family, as you try to juggle your child's feelings alongside the need to get them to school and get on with your other responsibilities such as work. Even if you manage to get your child to the school gate, you might know how difficult they're going to find the day - or know that you'll be facing the same problem tomorrow morning.

If you're in this situation, we've got advice to help you explore what's going on with your child, make changes at school that can help, and find the support you need if your child can't go to school.

Young people can feel anxious about school for lots of different reasons. They might be worried about making friends or fitting in, find schoolwork or lessons confusing, feel pressured to learn in a certain way or find their relationships with teachers difficult.

Sometimes, going through difficult experiences outside of school - such as bereavement, an illness in the family or being a young carer - can also make it harder for a child to feel settled at school.

For some young people, the school environment isn't right for them, and trying to fit into it can create a huge amount of stress. This might be the case if they are struggling with their mental health, or have a neurodiverse condition or Special Educational Need (SEN) such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia. This can make the school environment anxiety-provoking and exhausting, especially if their condition or need is undiagnosed or not being well supported.

Young people might show they're feeling anxious about school by:

not wanting to get up and get ready

saying they can't go

worrying a lot about small issues, such as having the right equipment for a lesson

feeling sick, or having stomach aches or headaches

not sleeping well

not doing schoolwork, or their grades dropping

being angry or upset, or acting out - at school or at home

withdrawing - seeming low, quiet or depressed

It's often difficult for your child to articulate the problem. They may be in a heightened state of stress and not know why or feel able to explain. Your child probably wants to feel able to be in school, just as much as you want them to be there. In many cases it just doesn't feel possible.

Sometimes it can be difficult to work out what's making your child feel anxious, and the first step is often helping them to identify exactly what's worrying them. Once you understand the problem, you'll be in a much better position to make changes that can help.

Young people can find it hard to explain what's causing their feelings, and might not be able to answer direct questions like 'what's going on?' Using an anxiety iceberg can help to open up the conversation - giving you a more relaxed way of exploring together what's causing their anxiety.

Watch our video to find out how to make an anxiety iceberg with your child.

If you're making an anxiety iceberg with younger children, you might want to draw images on the iceberg, or encourage them to write simple words. With older children and teenagers, you can ask them to write key words and phrases on the iceberg, or do this as a mind map, with 'school' in the middle and all the things they're finding difficult around the outside.

Through this exercise, you might identify worries such as arriving at school, finding the environment noisy or overwhelming, finding lessons confusing, feeling lonely through the day, or feeling uncomfortable during specific subjects.

Once you understand what's going on for your child, you can use their anxiety iceberg or mind map to communicate with the school and ask for specific changes.

Follow these steps to start a conversation with the school:

Here are some examples of things you can ask the school for:

Remember that even though this situation can be really tough for you and your child, it's a good idea to maintain a positive relationship with the school. Recognise the support they're offering and any changes they're making. This will help you work together to make things better for your child.

Building a relationship with the attendance team at my son's school was hugely helpful, we were talking with them each day.

If your child isn't going to school at the moment, it might feel incredibly stressful and tiring. You might be worried about when they will be able to get back to school or the impact on their education. Or you might feel overwhelmed because you're juggling this alongside work and other family commitments. Things are probably feeling tough for your child too.

During this time, it's important to keep working with teachers and other staff to try strategies that can help your child get back to school. Keep encouraging them to take achievable steps towards attending too. When the right support is in place, it's often easier for a young person to get back into their usual routine if they can return to school as quickly as possible.

If your child's anxiety about school has built up to the point where they can't go, it's a good idea to get them some professional mental health or SEN support. Find out how to do this further down the page.

Alongside requesting professional help, try to:

The school's SEN and attendance policies should be on their website. Knowing what these are can support you during meetings with the school.

This can help if your child is unable to go to school for a longer period of time and you need to ask for more support, including provision of alternative full-time education.

Encourage your child to get up, do some studying and stop for lunch at the same times they would if they were in school. This will make adapting back to school easier. Explain to your child that if they cannot go to school, they will need to study at home - at least until alternative arrangements are put in place. Ask the school to help you facilitate tasks and activities your child can do and use online resources such as BBC Bitesize.

Not going to school could leave your child feeling really isolated. Make sure they stay connected to the outside world by seeing friends and family, doing activities they enjoy and getting outside for walks and exercise.

Speaking to friends online can be really important if your child is feeling isolated at home. Sometimes, however, you might notice that your child is spending lots of time gaming or on their phone, and that this is getting in the way of important daily activities like spending quality time with family, learning, or sleeping and eating well. If this is becoming a problem, have a look at our guide to gaming or guide to social media for more information and advice.

Local authorities must provide alternative education if a child of compulsory school age is unable to attend school over a longer period of time. If your child cannot attend school because of a mental or physical health issue, the local authority should provide an alternative as soon as it is clear that they will be away from school for more than 15 days (either consecutively or over time). Find out how to request alternative education.

Getting back to school after weeks or months may feel extremely difficult for your child, but you and the school can help make it more manageable. Here are some things you can do to help:

Set small, achievable targets, such as visiting the building outside school hours or attending one lesson.

Request a home visit from a school staff member so your child can check in while feeling safe, see that the school cares and discuss any strategies that might help them.

Ask for a reduced timetable, with regular reviews to discuss building back up at a manageable rate.

Discuss changing classes or sets if your child thinks this would help.

Focus on qualifications needed for what your child wants to do next, perhaps dropping a less relevant GCSE to reduce stress.

My son wasn't questioned about his absence when he did feel able to pop in for favourite lessons, helping to ease him back into full days of education.

If your child is struggling with anxiety and it's affecting their day-to-day life, learning or relationships, it's a good idea to find some professional support. Speaking to the GP and finding them a counsellor or therapist are two good places to start. You can find more information about GPs, counsellors and other mental health services in our guide to getting support from mental health services.

If there is no other obvious reason for your child's inability to attend school, they may have an undiagnosed Special Educational Need (SEN) such as dyslexia, autism or ADHD.

If you think this is the case:

Speak to the school's SENCO or your GP to ask for a referral for an assessment.

While you are waiting for an assessment, you can also ask the SENCO to refer your child for support from other professionals, such as an Educational Psychologist or Speech and Language Therapist. These professionals can identify specific needs and make recommendations for additional support the school can put in place - even if your child hasn't had a formal diagnosis yet.

SEN support at school
If your child is diagnosed with SEN, extra support and adjustments should be put in place at school to help them attend and learn. This is called SEN support, and should be available within the school's existing resources. Speak to the school's SENCO in the first instance about how the school will support your child.
Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans
If you do not think your child's needs can be met by the school's existing resources, you can ask the local authority to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHC needs assessment). If the local authority decides your child needs additional support, they will then make an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan). This outlines how the extra support they need will be provided. Find out more about EHC plans.
Your Local Offer
Your Local Offer is the information, support and services available for young people with SEN, and for their parents and families. You can find out what support is available in your area by going to your local authority's website and searching for their Local Offer.

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

We have more tips and advice on supporting your child with school, and information about how you can get in touch with our Parents Helpline.
This page was reviewed in December 2022. It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with school anxiety. We will next review the page in 2025. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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School Anxiety and Refusal | Parent Guide to Support

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If your child is anxious about school, or refusing to go to school at all, read our tips and advice on how you can support their mental health.

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We explore early warning signs that children might be struggling to attend school and take steps to enable them to continue to feel safe and happy.

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Strategies to help - put together at meeting 24.2.26

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Strategies to help - put together at meeting 24.2.26

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Connect for Health - Warwickshire school nursing service | Compass

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The Warwickshire school nursing service supports children, young people and their families with a wide range of health issues across the county. Contact us for free, confidential advice today.

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We offer telephone and email advice, updates on social media, information packs, virtual and face-to-face 1-1 support, drop-in sessions, online and face-to-face workshops, training for professionals and support to young people who access our service independently. Our opening hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am-4.30 pm.

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WPCV is an independent, parent carer led organisation for everyone with a child or children with special educational needs and/or disabilities aged 0 -25 .

We make sure that parent carer voices are heard and acted upon. By working with Education, Health and Social Care decision makers we make sure parent carers are involved when designing services for our children/young people and their families.

Add your voice to other Warwickshire parent carers by joining us. We have a steering group of parents who lead this work, we listen to the views of our parents to make sure we know what is important to them and use this to guide our work.
Let's make sure that we are all heard, listened to and our voices shape the services we all use.

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WPCV is an independent, parent carer led organisation for everyone with a child or children with special educational needs and/or disabilities aged 0 -25 . We make sure that parent carer voices are heard and acted upon.

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Invisible String Series 1-4 Books Set by Patrice Karst

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Description Titles in the Set: The Invisible String: 1The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm, and Connect: 2 The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet: 3 (The Invisible String)The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Universal Connection:

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April Meeting - Let's talk about behaviour

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April Meeting - Let's talk about behaviour

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April Meeting - Let's talk about behaviour

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April Meeting - Let's talk about behaviour

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The main webpages to signpost you to what you need.

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Family Information Service (FIS)

If you aren't sure what support you and/or your family needs, the Family Information Service is a great starting point. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will listen to you and help you access the services that can support you.
Contact FIS
Child Friendly Warwickshire

Child Friendly Warwickshire celebrates all the positive things happening which make this county the best it can be for children and young people to grow up and learn. Every contribution counts. Find out how you can make a difference.
More about Child Friendly Warwickshire

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Children and families - Warwickshire County Council

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If you aren't sure what support you and/or your family needs, the Family Information Service is a great starting point. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will listen to you and help you access the services that can support you.

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Family Information Service - Warwickshire County Council

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Warwickshire Family Information Service. 5,076 likes · 28 talking about this. FIS is information and signposting service for families. To ensure our social media community is a safe and enjoyable…

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Holiday activities and food (HAF) – SearchOut

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The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is for school aged children in full time education from reception to Year 11 (inclusive), who receive benefits related free school meals. The programme offers valuable support to families on lower incomes, giving young people the opportunity to access…

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Video to introduce autism.

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autism autistic asd awareness animation 2d educative education "autistic spectrum disorder" aspergers

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The Amazing Things project is an ongoing animation initiative aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance in future generations. It all started with "Amazing Things Happen" an animation I, created in my spare time for nearly 2 years, to help children understand autism in the hope that future generations grow up with a better understanding of it.

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What is Neurodiversity:  A Video for Children

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Learn about autism with neurobears.

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Lots of excellent resources

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SEN Zone

Hi welcome to SeN Zone.
We are a not for profit Community Interest Company providing fun activities for families who have children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SeND).
We organise monthly sessions, trips out in the local community, create seasonal events such as a man made pumpkin patch & Santa's grotto and holiday activities.
Some of the activities we have gotten up to are farm visits, forest schools, animal encounters, horse riding, local businesses providing children provisions like sensory play truff tray activities, outside playground facilities and so much more!
Check out our photo gallery to see more of what we get up to and take a look at our Facebook page too, as we share and signpost all other SeND groups, charities, children's provisions ect.
We have lots of exciting plans and dreams for our group and would love for you to come along and enjoy it with us!
Company/ charity number: 16324053

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Hi welcome to SeN Zone. We are a not for profit Community Interest Company providing fun activities for families who have children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SeND). We organise monthly sessions, trips out in the local community, create seasonal events such as a man made pumpkin patch & Santa's grotto and holiday activities.

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Includes sensory session for under 6 year olds and free relaxed session for neurodivergent children and adults

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Holiday Fun - Rugby Art Gallery & Museum - Rugby Borough Council

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Discover the joy of messy play with Messy Beanz! Our inclusive environment invites children with special needs and disabilities to explore and engage in sensory activities designed to boost development. Join us every Saturday at the SYDNI centre and get ready to get messy

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Stay and play group in Warwick for children with special needs, additional needs, sen and disabilities. Fun, messy, craft sessions for children with special needs and their families in Warwickshire. Group for children with SEN, sen, SEND families in Warwickshire, supporting children with speech and

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Inclusive fitness classes in Rugby

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Fitness By Bobby was founded and is run by Bobby, the older brother of Shay, who has additional needs. Growing up alongside Shay helped Bobby recognise the importance of inclusive fitness opportunities where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. This is what inspired Fitness By Bobby to be created.

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Information about how to get a referral for an autism assessment through your GP or privately, barriers people can face, and the Right to Choose in England.

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Please click on the following headings to find out more about our referral process.

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Right to Choose - If you are based in England under the NHS you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team.

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Kindred² Every child is born curious, with the potential to grow to be a happy, healthy adult. Find out more about what we do We have launched our 2024 School Readiness Report. We conducted focus groups and surveyed over 1,000 teachers and 1,000 parents of Reception children across England and Wales to understand what school...

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These calming Bubble Breaths can help you if you're upset, stressed, or anxious. Try them!

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Starting Reception basic skills to practice

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Starting Reception basic skills to practice

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Your child’s journey to school starts at home. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. When it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others.

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Preparing for school - Best Start in Life

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Boost your child’s school readiness with everyday activities. Find practical tips for preparing for school and building confidence at every stage.

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Neurodiversity Podcast | SENsational: The Special Educational Needs Podcast (SEN)

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Our monthly episodes provide parents, carers and professionals with tips, advice and guidance to support and empower children and young people.

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sorted for school Warwickshire resources 

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sorted for school Warwickshire resources 

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Sorted for school – Warwickshire County Council

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Further information on services available to you and your child before they start school.

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Supporting your child move to and from primary school

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Foundation Years - Latest news, policy and resources for early years professionals

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Transitions , whether starting nursery, moving rooms or preparing for school, can be exciting but also a little unsettling for young children. While many strategies are well known, this guide offers ten creative, child-centred ideas to help children feel secure, confident and understood.

Create a Transition Treasure Box

Use Role Reversal Play

Pack a Goodbye Bag

Use Visual Timelines with Real Photos

Spy Missions to the New Setting

Create a Feelings Forecast

Make a Connection Chain

EYFS Links and Educator Guidance

These strategies link directly to the EYFS Statutory Framework, which highlights the importance of emotional wellbeing and secure relationships. Playing, and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically, are all supported through these child-led transition ideas.

Children thrive when they feel emotionally secure and understood.
Educators should:

Work closely with families to understand each child's story

Use the key person approach to offer reassurance and continuity

Observe behaviour as communication

Allow time for gradual transitions, especially for vulnerable children

Safeguarding and Health & Safety Awareness

Creative and nurturing transitions must also be safe and compliant with statutory guidance:

Further Reading

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7 Effective Tips for Supporting Transitions in the Early Years - Foundation Years

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Transitions, whether starting nursery, moving rooms or preparing for school, can be exciting but also a little unsettling for young children. While many strategies are well known, this guide offers ten creative, child-centred ideas to help children feel secure, confident and understood. EYFS Links and Educator Guidance These strategies link directly to the EYFS Statutory

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Supporting Parents and Carers with Transition in the Early Years