Supportive Sensory Practices

Recognising and supporting different sensory strengths and needs can create a more inclusive and engaging environment at home and across early years settings.

To help guide your selection of sensory strategies, it is important to consider what sensory experiences the child is very or not very responsive to. Using an assessment tool such as the MCA Environmental Checklist and the MCA Sensory Checklist will help identify sensory needs and strengths.

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General Strategies to Support Children who are Very Responsive

Children who are very responsive to sensory input often benefit from strategies that help them regulate their environment:

• Use visuals or social stories to prepare them for new experiences.
• Offer calming activities, like deep pressure (hugs, weighted blankets), or creating a low-sensory space where they can recharge when needed.
• Provide opportunities for quiet, focused activities that align with their sensory strengths, such as art, reading or puzzle-solving.
• The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework encourages creating flexible learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles. Implementing UDL principles can benefit all children, including those with sensory sensitivities. For example, offering a variety of learning materials (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and providing multiple avenues for demonstrating understanding can make a big difference.

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General Strategies to Support Children Who Are Not Very Responsive to Sensory Experiences

Children who need more sensory input to engage can thrive with strategies that increase stimulation in positive ways:

• Offer sensory breaks with activities like jumping, stretching, or other movements.
• Provide opportunities for tactile exploration, such as fidget toys or engaging textures.
• Incorporate rich sensory activities like singing, dancing, or physical play to help them stay focused and energised.

Flemming Fulton Special School have created a very useful sensory resource guide: