Sensory Circuits and Sensory Breaks in Schools | Dave Smallwood

Join Clare as she talks to Dave Smallwood, Principal Team Teach trainer and Director at SENse Training and Consultancy, about how to use sensory circuits and sensory breaks effectively in schools. They discuss the difference between the two terms, and talk about the benefits for different children and young people.

They also explore some of the barriers to running a sensory circuit session, and suggest possible solutions.

Dave has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society, and has extensive experience of supporting young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

As a staff development co-ordinator for the National Autistic Society, he developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity, and rights.

You can find Dave on LinkedIn.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

• • Incorporate incidental opportunities for sensory breaks, such as movement, and model these to students.

• • Plan sensory circuits strategically, thinking about when they will be most beneficial to children and young people.

• • Accept that it’s ok to have sensory breaks, and make these part-and-parcel of your daily practice.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.

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