Children with sensory, physical or medical needs may have a disability, such as;

• physical disability
• vision impairment
• hearing impairment
• multi-sensory impairment (both hearing and vision difficulties)
• dyspraxia

They may need specialist equipment to access learning and other opportunities available to their peers.

They may also need support to help with daily tasks such as eating or moving around the school.

Physical and sensory needs can cover a wide range of medical conditions in addition to those mentioned above, and is not necessarily linked to cognitive ability. The levels of support must be tailored to the individual child in order to best support their learning needs. This will be done in conjunction with the class teacher, senco, head teacher, specialist teaches and or medical professionals and the child’s family.

What are sensory circuits? 

Sensory motor circuits are based on the theories of sensory integration and sensory processing. 

Sensory Integration is the process by which the brain receives, organises and processes all the information received from the senses. The senses include touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste, body position and movement (proprioception) and balance/position against gravity (vestibular). The information received from these senses help us to make sense of the world. Effective sensory integration and processing enables us to respond appropriately to different stimuli in our environment and informs our everyday functioning.

An inability to effectively process, organise and correctly interpret sensory information is known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formally known as sensory integration dysfunction. Children with SPD may find functional daily activities challenging. The severity of these difficulties can vary greatly. However, 1 in 6 children experience significant disruption to their daily lives as a result of SPD.

A sensory circuit is a form of sensory integration intervention. It involves a sequence of physical activities that are designed to alert, organise and calm the child. The sensory circuit aims to facilitate sensory processing to help children regulate and organise their senses in order to achieve the ‘just right’ or optimum level of alertness required for effective learning. The circuit should be an active, physical and fun activity that children enjoy doing.

Sensory circuits are completed at school, often first thing in the morning (and after lunch too, where possible or at another time that the child needs to access it), they can also be done at home too. Sensory circuits are a great way to both energise and settle children so they can focus and engage better in the classroom. Many children can benefit from attending a sensory circuit, even for a short period of time. The activities can also be utilised at different times of the day as part of a sensory diet to help the child regulate.

If you have any concerns about your child's physical, sensory and medical needs being met at school please contact your child's class teacher, Mrs Gibbs or Mrs Lintott.