News

New educational resource monitors social and emotional development in pupils 

“Fagus” is an educational framework used in schools by teachers to monitor, review and support social and emotional development in school-age children. It has been developed by a team of educational psychologists at Beech Lodge School in Berkshire. The school was established in 2013 to support children with emotional and social difficulties and the resource was developed because nothing similar exists in the educational arena.

With the grant support of £19,653 from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Autism East Midlands proudly launch Autism Can! Kick starting last month and with the planned capabilities to continue onwards until 2029. The grant will be spent on purchasing a variety of equipment, products, and supplies to enable a varied scheme of projects to run across Autism East Midlands flexible day service centres across the county.

“When school leaders consider whether a timber build is right for their SEN school or project, they might be interested to hear about the factors behind timber’s growing popularity in this niche sector and its ability to enhance the pupils’ experience.”

Gareth Barber – MD of The Stable Company.

Timber SEN builds in practice - Keelman’s Way School, Hebburn

Keelman’s Way School is a special school that provides Early Years, Primary and Secondary Education for children with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties.

Built in an urban area, Keelman’s Way required additional space to provide changing facilities for its disability football team, combined with teaching space that would help to meet outdoor learning objectives.

If a child cannot see the board properly, or the words are blurred when they try to read, they will find it difficult to perform to their full potential.  It is estimated that 80% of the information that a child uses for learning is visual, but one in four children are struggling with undiagnosed vision problems.

Dr Deborah Robinson, Acting Director of the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) at the University of Derby discusses current special education needs statistics and if there has been a reverse in commitment to mainstream education for all.

Inscape student Beth Smith is standing as a candidate for youth parliament to give a voice to young people in Stockport.

Inscape is a specialist school catering for children and young people aged from five to 19 with autism spectrum conditions and related social communication difficulties.

Beth, 17, will be campaigning to create more awareness of mental health and the issues that can affect young people, positive body image and LGBT equality.

She is also supporting the youth parliament’s campaign to reduce the vote to 16 and create a curriculum for life, equipping young people with the skills for life outside the classroom.

She has been attending youth council meetings for the past six months, but it will be her first time standing for a seat.

Playgrounds aren’t just about entertainment – they’re a key part of a child’s development. From confronting danger with climbing structures to social skills garnered by interaction in a play environment, playing outside helps children grow.

Natural playgrounds and adventure playgrounds, built using wood, stone, sand and water, are a growing trend thanks to their sustainability and their suitability in a wide variety of landscapes. Put simply, they blend more seamlessly into different environments – from National Trust parks to school yards. However, the natural elements of play also benefit children’s development. Here’s how:

10. Versatility

Good vision is vital during our school years. If a child cannot see the board properly, or the words are blurred when they try to read, they will find it difficult to perform to their full potential.  It is estimated that 80% of the information that a child uses for learning is visual, but one in four children are struggling with undiagnosed vision problems.

‘Taking Steps to be the best you can be’

A Finchley social enterprise promoting the life skills and independence of young autistic people has been shortlisted for the National Autistic Society's (NAS) prestigious Autism Professionals Awards.

Footprints Life Camp, based at The Holmewood School London in Finchley, is one of two finalists in the Award for Most Creative Community Project. They were shortlisted by an independent panel of 10 autism experts who judged them on their innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability.