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Sensory and Physical Needs

Support and Advice for Parents and Carers

At Madginford Primary School, we recognise that children experience and interact with the world in different ways. Some children may have sensory or physical needs that affect how they access learning, communicate, move around the school environment or manage everyday activities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to participate fully in school life.

By working together, families, school and professionals can identify barriers, make adjustments and help children develop confidence and independence.

What are Sensory and Physical Needs?

Sensory and physical needs can affect the way children experience information from their surroundings or how they access activities.

Children may experience differences with:

Sensory Processing

Some children may find it difficult to process sensory information such as:

  • sounds;
  • lights;
  • smells;
  • touch;
  • movement;
  • busy environments.

Children may:

  • become overwhelmed by certain sensations;
  • seek out particular sensory experiences;
  • find changes in the environment difficult;
  • need movement breaks or quiet spaces;
  • have different responses to sensory experiences.

Physical Development and Movement

Some children may need support with:

  • coordination and balance;
  • fine motor skills such as handwriting, cutting or using tools;
  • gross motor skills such as movement and physical activities;
  • accessing equipment or the school environment;
  • developing independence with daily tasks.

Medical or Physical Conditions

Some children may have medical or physical needs that affect their school experience.

This may include:

  • hearing or visual needs;
  • physical disabilities;
  • long-term health conditions;
  • mobility difficulties;
  • conditions requiring additional support or adaptations.

We work closely with families and relevant professionals to ensure children can access learning and participate fully.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Understand your child’s sensory needs

Children feel more confident when their needs are understood.

You can help by:

  • noticing what environments help your child feel comfortable;
  • recognising triggers that may cause stress or overwhelm;
  • providing opportunities for movement and calm;
  • preparing your child for new experiences;
  • sharing strategies that work well with school.

Support independence

Developing independence helps children build confidence.

Encourage your child to:

  • practise everyday skills;
  • make choices where possible;
  • solve problems independently;
  • try new activities at their own pace;
  • celebrate progress and achievements.

Support physical development

Everyday activities can help develop strength, coordination and confidence.

Try:

  • outdoor play;
  • climbing, balancing and movement activities;
  • drawing, colouring and craft activities;
  • cooking and practical tasks;
  • games that develop hand-eye coordination.

Help Your Child Manage Sensory Differences

Strategies that may help include:

  • creating calm spaces;
  • using routines and visual reminders;
  • giving warnings before changes;
  • allowing time to recover after busy experiences;
  • helping children explain what they need.

Remember that sensory needs are individual. What helps one child may not help another.

Supporting Children in School

At Madginford Primary School, we work to remove barriers by:

  • adapting the learning environment;
  • making reasonable adjustments;
  • providing appropriate resources and equipment;
  • working with external professionals where needed;
  • supporting children to develop independence.

We recognise that inclusion means ensuring every child can take part, achieve and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Useful Parent Resources

Kent SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)

Kent’s SEND Information Hub provides information, advice and guidance about support available for children and young people with SEND and their families.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/about-the-send-local-offer

Contact

Contact provides information, advice and support for families of disabled children, including guidance around health, education and accessing support.

https://contact.org.uk/

NHS Children’s Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy services support children who may need help with everyday activities, sensory processing, motor skills and independence.

https://www.nhs.uk/services/

National Autistic Society – Sensory Differences

Provides information and advice about sensory differences experienced by autistic children and young people.

https://www.autism.org.uk/

When Should I Speak to School?

Please speak to your child’s class teacher or our SEND team if you have concerns about your child’s:

  • sensory needs;
  • physical development;
  • access to learning activities;
  • independence skills;
  • confidence participating in school life;
  • ability to manage the school environment.

Working together helps us understand your child’s individual needs and ensure the right support is provided.

Contacting Our SEND Team

If you have concerns about your child’s sensory, physical, learning or developmental needs, please speak with your child’s class teacher or contact our SEND team.

We value working in partnership with families and believe that open communication helps us identify barriers, celebrate strengths and provide the right support at the right time.

SENDCo: Mrs S Farrell
School Office Email: office@mps.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01622 734539

At Madginford Primary School, we believe every child should feel included, confident and able to flourish.

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