SEN-se of Adventure

Bubbling with Confidence - EYFS

In the EYFS group room, our children with SEND really enjoy bubble printing—it’s a fun, hands-on activity that supports their learning in lots of different ways. As they make markings with different materials and watch the bubbles appear on the paper, they’re developing their fine motor skills without even realising it! The sensory side of the activity can also be really calming, especially for children who find certain textures or experiences overwhelming. It gives them a safe space to explore colours and patterns in a relaxed, playful way. Being part of a group art activity also encourages them to communicate, share, and feel included, helping to build their confidence and sense of belonging.

Keep Calm, Carry On - KS1

In Year 1, a class with children of varying needs take part in whole-class sensory circuits to improve engagement. This approach has had a positive impact on focus and attention. For the "alert" phase of the circuit, the class participates in either dancing or a high-energy song. During the "organise" phase, they play Simon Says or take part in a pizza back massage activity. For the final "calm" phase, they engage in meditation or breathing exercises.

Touching Tales - LKS2

This term, we’ve been exploring sensory stories as a fun and interactive way to bring reading to life. These sessions allow children to take part in the hands-on aspects of storytelling, making each experience more immersive and meaningful.

By incorporating visual elements, textures, sounds, and movement, we aim to capture pupils’ interest and enhance their focus and attention. It’s been wonderful to see how much the children enjoy these stories and how engaged they are throughout the sessions.

Herons on the Hunt - UKS2

In the Nest we have been enjoying sensory walks, where children explore different textures with their feet—an exciting way to support sensory development and body awareness. A highlight this term was our “We're Going on a Bear Hunt” sensory walk. The children loved moving through different sensory stations that matched the story’s settings, such as squelchy mud, crunchy leaves, and cool water. It was a fantastic hands-on experience that brought the story to life and kept everyone fully engaged from start to finish.