🧩 Sensory and Physical Needs at Severnbanks Primary School

At Severnbanks, we recognise that some children may experience sensory or physical challenges that affect how they access learning and participate in school life. These needs can vary greatly and may require specific support, adaptations, or interventions to help each child thrive.

✍️ Handwriting Difficulties

Handwriting is a complex skill that develops over time and relies on a range of physical and cognitive abilities. To write effectively, children need to develop:

• Whole-body strength and coordination (gross and fine motor skills)

• Spatial awareness and motor memory

• Visual memory and eye tracking

• Pencil grip and control

• The ability to sit correctly and position paper appropriately

A weakness in any of these areas can affect a child’s handwriting development. Support may include fine motor skill activities, posture aids, or alternative recording methods.

For more information, visit Teach Handwriting – Parent Resources.

👂 Hearing Impairments

Pupils with hearing impairments may require hearing aids or adaptations to their learning environment to access the curriculum. This might include:

• Use of assistive listening devices

• Visual cues and written instructions

• Preferential seating and quiet learning spaces

We work closely with families and external professionals to ensure appropriate support is in place.

• Gloucestershire’s Local Offer – Deaf Children’s Support

• National Deaf Children’s Society – Advice and Support

👁️ Visual Impairments

A visual impairment refers to a sight condition that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Terms such as partially sighted, low vision, legally blind, or totally blind may be used to describe a child’s level of vision.

Support may include:

• Enlarged print or braille materials

• Assistive technology

• Adjustments to classroom layout and lighting

• Specialist teaching input

🌈 Sensory Processing Difficulties

Children with sensory processing difficulties may be:

• Sensory avoiders, who become overwhelmed by certain sounds, textures, or environments

• Sensory seekers, who crave sensory input and may engage in repetitive movements, chewing, or fidgeting

These needs are particularly common among Autistic pupils. Creating a sensory-friendly environment—such as using calming spaces, sensory tools, and predictable routines—can significantly improve wellbeing and learning outcomes.

At Severnbanks, we are committed to understanding and supporting the individual needs of every child. We work in partnership with families and external agencies to ensure that all pupils with sensory and physical needs receive the care, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.