Physical and/or Sensory Needs at Christ Church

What is a Physical and/or Sensory Need? 👁️👂

Physical and sensory need is one of the four main areas of need outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. It focuses on ensuring that a child's physical body and sensory system are fully supported so they can access school life safely, comfortably and happily.

Every child experiences the world differently through their senses and physical abilities. Some children require specific adaptations to navigate the school day. This can include:

• Sensory differences: Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or busy environments (often related to sensory processing differences, vision impairments, or hearing impairments).

• Physical and Medical conditions: Conditions that affect mobility, posture, stamina, or require medical management during the school day.

Our Approach: Dignity, Comfort and Regulation 🤍

Guided by our trauma-responsive approach, we recognise that if a child is physically uncomfortable, in pain, or experiencing sensory overload, their nervous system is under stress. They cannot learn if they are feeling overwhelmed by their environment.

We prioritise physical and emotional safety. We work proactively to reduce sensory triggers and remove physical barriers, ensuring every child can navigate school with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging.

How We Support Your Child in the Classroom 👥

We ensure our school is fully inclusive through three main steps:

1. Inclusive and Calming Environments (Universal Support)

We design our classrooms and communal spaces to be physically accessible and sensory-friendly. Teachers adapt the environment by using:

• Sensory breaks, quiet spaces and regulating movement opportunities throughout the day.

• Mindful classroom lighting, seating arrangements and acoustic considerations to reduce sensory fatigue.

• Adaptive tools such as specialist scissors, easy-grip pencils, slant boards, or wobble cushions as part of normal classroom practice.

2. Individual Health Care Plans (Targeted Support)

Where a child has a specific physical or medical need, our SENDCo works closely in partnership with you, your child, and medical professionals to create an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP). This is a live, working document reviewed at least once a year (or more often if needs change). It details exactly how we will keep your child safe, comfortable and fully included in all school activities, including trips and PE.

3. Working with Specialist Teams (Expert Support)

We follow the 'Assess-Plan-Do-Review' cycle to ensure our adaptations are always working effectively. For children with higher levels of need, we collaborate deeply with external experts, including:

• The Local Authority Advisory Teachers for physical and medical needs.

• The Vision and Hearing support teams.

• Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy teams.

Our Promise: We will adapt our spaces, our routines and our equipment so that your child’s physical or sensory needs are never a barrier to their joy, their friendships, or their learning.