Teach-Primary-Issue-19.4

teachwire.net/primary 27 Talking is great, but look outside your classroom for examples, says Cathy Reay ... R unning a classroom in today’s world can be a tough challenge. As teachers and school staff reading this are all too aware, over recent years there has been a steady increase in the need for SEN provision in schools across the country. According to research compiled in October 2024, around 1.9 million children and young people in the UK have special educational needs (SEN); a whopping 11 per cent of the pupil base. Half a million children in the UK now have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and over a million children receive some kind of additional learning support. This all means that in a typical classroom, there are a lot of needs to consider, and sometimes it can be challenging to know how best to support these pupils, while also managing the complexities of the everyday, bustling classroom. Here are some tips that might help. 1 Be the teacher you would want Cultivating an approachable, kind and nurturing relationship with your pupils, especially with those who might need to lean on you more than others, will go a long way to ensuring they don’t struggle in silence. Often, disabled and SEN kids will mask and not express their worries for fear of being reprimanded or treated negatively. You could try asking pupils who aren’t forthcoming what communication style they prefer and stick to it where possible. This might be a quick five-minute chat at the end of each week, a journal in which you can write notes to each other, or messages through their parent/carer. Letting your class know you’re there for them no matter what, and demonstrating that as much as you can, will help create an open relationship where kids feel unafraid to express their needs. 2 Don’t use your disabled kids as examples When I was a child in primary school, if ever disability was mentioned, teachers would often point me out as the example of The Disabled Kid. I was so mortified every time! It’s great to speak about disability in the classroom, and conversations have advanced so much since I was young, but it’s important not to assume every disabled or SEN child wants to openly talk about their experiences of being disabled. It’s important to remember this when it comes to thinking about school assembly topics, as well. Sometimes we focus a bit too much on ‘explaining’ disability, but it might actually be more helpful to explain ableism and inaccessibility, so children start to understand the systems that underpin difficult experiences their disabled friends have (and hopefully, help us to work against those systems in the future!). 3 Fill your classroom with disabled icons As the popular saying goes, you cannot be what you cannot see; and this is true of all the pupils in our classes – disabled or not. It's important that all of our children learn and read about disabled changemakers and icons doing incredible work. People like Stella Young, Alice Wong, Ellie Simmonds, Julia Jay Charles, Rosie Jones, Simon Wheatcroft and Phil Friend are fabulous examples to start with, and there are plenty more out there, too. It’s important that all kids learn that with the right attitude and support systems in place, disabled kids can follow so many of their dreams. 4 Encourage mobility and sensory aids Lots of classrooms have a quiet corner or access to a sensory space for pupils who feel overwhelmed, as well as sensory aids and mobility aids. But some disabled kids might not feel confident enough to try out things that might help them. Encourage pupils who you feel might benefit from them to explore these areas and aids, and be sure to get their feedback. What works for them? What doesn’t? What time of day, or during what lesson do they feel they need this support? Do they have any suggestions for further changes that might make things easier? TP How not to support DISABLED PUPILS www.teachwire.net | 27 Cathy Reay is a disabled writer and journalist, and former teacher. Her first children’s book, How to Be Disabled and Proud (£12.99, Penguin), is out now. @cathyreaywrites © Alexa Loy F EATURE S S END