The best early years SEND resources promote inclusion and enrich continuous provision for all learners, Nicole Weinstein discovers
‘Too often, settings only use visuals with one child who has communication difficulties, but a whole-class approach is far more effective. When everyone has access to visuals, no-one is singled out,’ Fry says
Used at snack time, voice-recording buttons allow children to press their choice of food, such as ‘banana’ or ‘apple’, which offers instant feedback and helps them understand cause and effect while communicating their preferences.
Voice-recording buttons can be purchased from educational suppliers, but there are also ‘low-cost options available from pet stores on Amazon’, explains Fry, whose consultancy service recognises the impact of budget restrictions and focuses on offering affordable, creative alternatives
Fry advises including a box of each child's favourite toys or objects to encourage familiarity and engagement, along with personalised books and cause-and-effect activities. She also advocates making homemade resources with household items to promote independence, communication and shared play for all developmental stages.
‘Pulling Velcro bricks off a Pringles tube and posting them through the lid is great for hand-eye co-ordination. The child has to hold the tube with one hand, pull the brick off with the other hand, and post it through a square cut out in the lid. We buy our Velcro from Temu and stick it over plastic blocks,’ she advises.
‘Another simple posting activity involves putting pipe cleaners through a metal sieve or a colander. These activities occupy a child's time and their hands.’