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#QuoteWednesday Let’s get people talking about World Down Syndrome Day today! World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Today we rock our socks for this day! Why 21 March? The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness…

“A brilliant course, one of the best I’ve ever done (as a teacher and Portage Home Visitor).” “We already use lots of the resources, but now we can use them correctly!” “The course was perfect.” “I need to go shopping first to buy some of the equipment.” “It will help to introduce some calming strategies.”…

Hours after his birth, Breeze was found stumbling around by a farmer. The newborn foal had been abandoned by his mother so the farmer took him to the Devon based Mare and Foal Sanctuary where they cared for him. What happened next is heart-warming. One of the staff put a four foot giant Teddy Bear…

Are going on courses helpful? Here’s the view from Dawn in Admin who also is a member of our parent support group. On Monday, Dawn attended our Handwriting Course – Is it Heaven or Hell? These are her thoughts. I asked to go on this course to help me when talking to parents/carers/schools about handwriting/sensory…

“It can build into our daily sensory programme.” “Would like to do part 2.” “I can assess where the children are now and how to help them move forward.” “I would like to do part 2 now to consolidate and extend my knowledge.” “A programme will be formulated and presented for children.” “I work in…

During a sensory meltdown which sends the child into “fight or flight” try some of the following activities:- * Keep calm * Encourage deep breathing * Do not talk or try to rationalise * Provide a sensory retreat Wait until the child’s facial colour reduces and their breathing settles down then:- * Offer to conduct…

“Understanding of the whole process I take for granted. The sensory issues involved in eating/feeding.” “I always think understanding ‘why’ the problem occurs, gives me more empathy when trying to support. Practical strategies are extremely useful.” “I have some new strategies to try at school.” “Support eaters in school.”

“It will help me to be more aware of how I can support some of my children.” “Will help classes to be inclusive.” “Excellent training really opened my eyes! Thank you!” “Especially how to either calm or wake children up.” “Very useful and enjoyable, thanks.” “Movement ideas really good. Liked the glitter bottle idea.” “As…

We are going to tackle our visual perceptual skills over the next few Monday’s so keep an eye out as it will give you more understanding as to why your child/pupil has difficulties in school. So, how can visual memory affect a child? Visual memory is the ability to remember what we have seen. We…

My child has asked me to send you a little message telling you about her first weeks back at school. She has been doing lots of activities from her programme before school, after school and before bed! What can I say … we are so proud of her. She has coped amazingly with the transition…