Supporting children with SEND at home

When a child struggles to communicate, focus or process the world around them, their actions often speak louder than words. While decoding these signals can feel overwhelming, understanding the four key areas of SEND: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health; and sensory or physical needs, is a good starting point. As outlined in the SEND Code of Practice 2015, statutory guidance for organisations that support children and young people who have special educational needs, these categories can also provide you with a framework to support your child at home.

Some children find speaking or using language difficult and struggle to understand what is being said to them. This can lead to difficulties with joining in with their peers and can present as frustration or misbehaviour.

In some cases, expert speech and language support is required to help the child develop the tools they need to overcome or manage these challenges. However, at home you can implement steps for effective communication. Start by consistently using your child’s name; using simple, clear, short language; repeating any key words; and giving your child time to process and respond.

Visual aids can be helpful. For example, using a picture of a coat while saying the words “Bertie, coat on” can help a child understand what is required of them. Model actions and use reinforcing language such as “you’re putting your coat on” as they do it.

All children receive and process information in different ways and some may learn at a slower pace than others. For specific conditions, such as dyslexia or learning difficulties, adaptations can help remove barriers to learning.

Children learn through repeating actions or ideas, and established routines can create the comfort of knowing what will happen next. To provide a feeling of control, give your child simple choices and time to process them. Try to make tasks manageable by breaking them into smaller, more achievable steps. Most importantly, celebrate every small win!

Some children can find it hard to cope with everyday situations, becoming anxious or overwhelmed. Some methods to try when supporting in this area include remaining consistent and calm. Show your child that you are there to support them while they struggle with ‘big feelings’.

Naming these feelings can help the child learn more about their emotions. You could consider using a ‘calm box’ to give additional support with this.

Physical and sensory needs may include physical disabilities, hearing or vision impairments and being over or under sensitive to textures, sounds and movement.

To support your child in this area, always consider the environment the child is in. Lots of noise, bright lights, colours, smells or too many demands can overload even the most regulated of us. Ear defenders can be useful in noisy environments and visual cues can help with focus and understanding.

Some children may like to use a fidget toy, a special comforter or something familiar from home to help them feel less overwhelmed. Shorter tasks or instructions can also be beneficial.

Some children with sensory differences need to be able to move freely, so providing a series of ‘movement breaks’ can be particularly helpful to them.

When a child has a special educational need, a unified approach is essential. Your setting should have clear support strategies in place and by sharing their expertise, educators can help you mirror successful techniques at home. A powerful partnership between parents, settings and professionals creates the best possible outcomes for everyone.