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Categories: fidget Kent SEND Support anxiety SEMH stress sensory mental wellbeing Talk about SEND CIC

Fidget "Toys" for Older Teens and Adults.

Fidget "toys" are very popular with children and younger teens but often this is because they are colourful and fun to feel and touch, not always because there is a specific "need" for them.  However, fidget toys can be great for providing sensory feedback and soothing anxiety for people of any age.  In this blog, we explore some of the items on offer to support older teens and adults who may benefit from fidgeting.  If you would like us to review any other resources - please get in touch. :-)
Categories: fidget anxiety resources stress kent send support Talk about SEND CIC sensory

Ten Fidget Toys from Funky Fidgets Shop

One of my guilty pleasures is watching TikTok! I often come across useful information and support related to SEND on this platform.  One of the people I follow on TikTok is "Funky Fidgets Shop."  Created during lockdown by 11 year old entrepreneur Alex,  the Funky Fidgets Shop sells a great range of fidget toys.  Our new admin support, Charlotte, has been reviewing some of the items!  You can find "Funky Fidgets Shop" at www.funkyfidgetsshop.co.uk.   If you would like us to review any other fidget toys or resources - please get in touch. :-)
Categories: Kent SEND Support SEND Talk transition return to school support life after lockdown

Ten Tips To Help Prepare Your Child For Their Return To School.

Now lockdown is easing, the Government have said that children must return to school in September.  Schools have been busy interpreting the Government advice and the term “bubble” now has a new meaning in our society.  For children and families, the last months are likely to have been tough.  The majority of children will have missed socialising with their friends and some will have missed the routine of school.  It is likely that children and young people will have varying degrees of anxiety about returning to school in the same way that some adults may have felt that anxiety when returning to work.  For children, their anxiety may be compounded by any anxiety they observe in their parents or other adults within their family.  We hope that these 10 tips will help to prepare your child (and you) for the transition back to school.
Categories: Kent SEND Support Educational Resources Literacy Numeracy SEMH

Using Dobble as an Educational Resource.

Dobble is a great game for anyone of any age to play.  There are 55 cards and each card has 8 symbols.  Every card shares only one symbol with every other card and the idea of the game is to identify those symbols which are matched.  It is fun, fast-paced and can help to develop lots of skills such as concentration, observation and processing speed.  Dobble can also be used, in many different ways, as an educational resource.  It is a really versatile game!
Categories: anxiety kent send support special educational needs mental wellbeing anxiety resources children and young people parent support SEND Talk

Ten Books To Help You Support Your Child With Anxiety.

Many children and young people feel anxiety at different points of their lives but sometimes that anxiety can become difficult to manage and can affect their everyday lives.  The books below can provide information, understanding, support and advice to help you and your child manage their anxiety.  It is important that when using any of the books on this list, parents/carers read through the book before using it with a child/young person; parent/carer support is given to the child/young person as they work through the activities; tasks are revisited or discussed to reinforce the strategies they promote.  It is also very important to note that if your child is struggling with severe anxiety or you as a parent/carer are finding it difficult to support them, you should please seek medical advice.
Categories: kent send support special educational needs

Ten Ways To Work Successfully With Your Child's School.

At Kent SEND Support, we believe it is necessary for everyone involved in the education of your child to work together.  Whilst we realise this does not always happen, it is something we are passionate about encouraging and promoting.

"Kirsten was amazing, the absolute best.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.  From her tutoring, all the worries for the Kent Test were put to one side and I know that it gave me a boost to do it.  I couldn't have asked for someone better to tutor me than Kirsten."

Fin, aged 10.

"Couldn't have met a better person for our boy at a tricky time. Kirsten really understands SEN as well as children in general . Fantastic learning opportunities with a fun approach tailored to your child's own interests."

Rebecca Readman, parent.

"Kirsten you are not just a superb teacher, you are more than that.  You encourage my daughter and bring out the best in her in your teaching, she always has fun at the same time.  You care about her and  genuinely want to support and help her achieve her best.  You have been kind and understanding to us as a family.  You give more than just teaching, you go that extra mile to help out and support."

Paula Middleton, parent.

"Ian is such a lovely tutor.  He really brought out my son's confidence and had a very calming effect. Would recommend in a heart-beat."
Vicki Welch, parent.

Vicki Welch, parent.

"Honestly cannot recommend Kirsten enough. She's fabulous and what she doesn't know isn't worth knowing.  Amazing lovely lady with the patience of a saint. Really warm and welcoming and makes the children want to learn. Really knew how to connect with all my SEN children from high functioning ASD, ADHD and chromosome disorders.  Thank you for everything Kirsten, you're a star!"

Erin Reid, parent.

"Kirsten was a huge support for my son who has learning needs.  She not only supported him but supported me in finding a solution to Thomas’s education.  I cannot thank her enough for her kindness."

Natalie Lack, parent.

"Kirsten has tutored my son in the run up to his GCSEs. She was brilliant at understanding his special needs and quickly developed a very good rapport with him. Tom loved attending the sessions. Kirsten rapidly got him up to speed for his exams – helping him not only with subject content but also building his exam technique and giving him a real understanding of what he needed to do to be exam ready. She was happy to help develop revision schedules and tailor the sessions to fit with our needs. I would wholeheartedly recommend Kirsten’s tutoring."

Emily Carr, parent.

"I found Shepway Tutoring 4 years ago and Kirsten has been tutoring my 3 children since. One on one time to supplement school learning has given my children the confidence to try their best in areas they're not as strong in, and Kirsten's advice to them: 'if you get stuck at school, imagine I'm sitting next to you - what would I suggest you do?' has been invaluable. I'm so glad I found her!"

Deborah Taylor, parent.

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