Sensory Inclusive Schools

You will already know that collaborating with parents is an essential part of effectively supporting students. This is more vital when students have sensory needs that are impacting their learning and school experience. 

Parents possess invaluable insights and experience with their child's unique sensory profile, making them essential partners in creating a supportive school environment. A sensory profile is the unique way that an individual responds to different sensory inputs. 

Here are some key strategies for fostering successful collaboration between school staff and parents to support students with sensory processing differences.

Open and Consistent Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of successful collaboration. Establish regular communication channels between parents and school staff to share observations, concerns, and progress. This can be achieved through:

• Regular Meetings: Schedule periodic meetings with parents to discuss their child’s sensory needs, strategies being used, and any adjustments needed. For example, discuss how background noise in the classroom or other school environments may affect the student's sensory experiences and what strategies can be implemented to manage it.
• Daily or Weekly Updates: Use communication books, emails, or apps to provide daily or weekly updates on the student’s sensory experiences and progress.
• Parents’ Evenings: Use these opportunities to update and ask for feedback on how parents view their child’s learning to better manage their sensory needs with support from home and school. Celebrate students’ successes and progress, sharing these milestones with parents to reinforce the positive impact of collaboration.

Creating a Sensory Processing Profile

A sensory profile is a detailed description of a child’s sensory preferences, sensitivities, and triggers. Collaborate with parents to create an accurate sensory profile for the student:

• Parent Input: Parents can provide valuable information about their child’s sensory experiences at home and in other environments, including how different sensory systems are affected. Ask them about specific triggers, calming activities, and successful strategies they use.
• Observation: Combine parent input with observations from teachers and other school staff to create a comprehensive sensory profile.
• Regular Updates: Sensory needs can change over time, so the sensory profile should be reviewed and updated regularly in collaboration with parents.

You can learn more about creating and using sensory profiles, as well as access downloadable forms, with a package of training and support from Sensory Inclusive Schools.

Individualised Sensory Support Plans

Develop individualised sensory support plans tailored to each student’s needs:

• Personalised Strategies: Work with parents to identify and implement strategies that have been effective at home, such as specific sensory tools or activities. Incorporate tools and activities that help the student self-regulate in response to sensory stimuli.
• Consistency Across Environments: Aim for consistency between home and school environments by aligning sensory support strategies, helping the student feel more secure and understood. Work with parents to devise a way to support students to transition from home to school and back again, if this is a particularly tricky transition for the student.
• Flexibility: Be open to adjusting the support plan based on ongoing observations and feedback from both parents and teachers.
• Consider Sensory Needs Across the Whole Day: It is crucial for school and home to collaborate in considering sensory needs throughout the entire day to ensure consistency and support for students. This partnership fosters a holistic approach to a child's sensory experiences, promoting better emotional regulation and learning outcomes in all settings. 

Providing Sensory Tools and Resources to Reduce Sensory Overload

Equip classrooms with sensory resources and tools that support various sensory needs:

• Sensory Kits: Create sensory kits containing items like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, weighted lap-pads, and textured objects. Consult parents to include items that are familiar and effective for their child.
• Resource Sharing: Share resources and information about sensory processing with parents. This can include articles, websites, and community resources that provide further support and information. A great free resource for parents and carers is Sensory Help Now.

The experts at Sensory Inclusive Schools can help you determine what tools will be most useful for specific students in specific environments. With our packages, you can ask for suggestions in our forum or attend one of our live online drop-in sessions. 

Training and Professional Development

Ensure that all school staff are knowledgeable about sensory processing and effective support strategies:

• Workshops and Training Sessions: Offer workshops and training sessions on sensory processing for teachers, SEN staff, and other relevant school personnel. With a Sensory Inclusive Schools package, you’ll have access to all the essential training you need at your fingertips via our app.
• Build Staff Confidence: In addition to training, staff need to feel confident in supporting students’ unique sensory profiles. Our experts are here to answer your queries rapidly via our forum and live online drop-in sessions.
• Guest Speakers: Invite experts to speak on sensory processing and share practical strategies. Parents can be included in these events to strengthen the home-school partnership. We’re happy to host live webinars exclusive to your school staff and parents.

Building a Supportive Community

Foster a community of support within the school:

• Parent Support Groups: Encourage the formation of parent support groups where parents can share experiences, advice, and resources.
• School Events: Organise school events focused on sensory awareness and inclusion, inviting both parents and students to participate and learn together. Sensory Inclusive Schools is happy to provide an expert presence at these in an online capacity.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Work closely with the student’s occupational therapist, speech and language therapist and other specialists who can provide additional support and guidance. If you have a Sensory Inclusive Schools package, staff can access expert and peer support via our forum.

Summary

Collaborating with parents is crucial in supporting students with sensory processing differences. By fostering open communication, creating individualised sensory profiles and support plans, providing sensory tools and resources, and building a supportive community, schools can create an inclusive environment where all students thrive.

Remember, parents are your greatest allies in understanding and meeting the sensory needs of their children. Together, you can make a significant difference in their educational experience and overall well-being.

We invite you to explore how Sensory Inclusive Schools can support you to support your students. By understanding the intricate link between self-regulation and a student's unique sensory profile, we aim to equip you with insights to adjust schedules and environments, creating a more conducive learning experience for all.