Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days?

Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, joins Dale to discuss practical ways to incorporate sensory circuits, helping pupils with their regulation and focus. By harnessing the power of movement, we can improve the lives of many SEN and neurodiverse pupils.

Ali takes us through the three key components of a sensory circuit; alerting, organising and calming activities. She also shares simple tips to implement these strategies throughout the school day.

“The best place to start is if we're using our muscles and we are thinking about what we're doing. We probably can't go wrong with that.”

Ali Neal

Ali emphasises that sometimes, rules need to be broken, and that the sensory circuits need to be adapted for individual needs.

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About Ali Neal

Ali Neal is a specialist Occupational Therapist with advanced training in sensory processing. She runs School Sensory Solutions which provides regular and cost effective training for all educators supporting SEN and neurodivergent pupils in schools via an online learning platform. Ali prides herself in finding solutions to everyday problems experienced by children and young people at school that actually work and supporting teachers to incorporate these in their already busy days.  

Ali  presents regularly at national level on the topic of Occupational Therapy and sensory processing for a number of organisations across the country including at both The Autism Show and The OT Show. She has written a book on Sensory Movement Breaks and has written an award winning program for developing motor skills for children with special educational needs.  

 

Contact Ali

www.schoolsensorysolutions.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolSensorySolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutions_/

ali@schoolsensorysolutions

 

Useful Links

School Sensory Solutions training membership

Sensory movement breaks

101 sensory circuit activities

 

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