A summary1. Structured play fosters confidence, enhances communication, develops social skills, and promotes effective emotional regulation within a supportive environment.
2. Confidence is cultivated through structured play, targeted communication practice, social skill development, and support for emotional regulation.
3. Guided play enables children to build confidence, practice communication, acquire social skills, and develop strategies for calm regulation and emotional regulation.
What we'll doGroup Commitments and Practices
Establish a safe and predictable environment.
Welcome each child and support their transition into the group.
Implement clear routines and provide visual or structured support as appropriate.
Communicate group rules in clear, positive language.
Offer calm spaces and sensory breaks as needed.
Facilitate diverse communication methods.
Provide clear, simple instructions and allow additional processing time.
Offer choices and help children express their preferences.
Utilise visuals, gestures, modelling, and prompts to enhance understanding. Encourage each child to communicate using methods that are effective for them, including spoken language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pointing, showing, or other strategies.
Promote social skill development through play-based activities.
·Model and facilitate the practice of turn-taking, sharing, and waiting. Support children in initiating play, joining group activities, and responding to peers.
Incorporate games and activities to practice:
greetings and introductions, or help
coping with winning and losing
flexible thinking and problem-solving
Understanding personal space and boundaries
Foster emotional understanding and self-regulation.
Support children in recognising their own and others' emotions.
· Teach straightforward strategies for calming and self-regulation, such as breathing exercises, movement breaks, or sensory tools. Assist children in managing changes and transitions by providing preparation and reassurance.
Encourage confidence and independence. Celebrate effort and progress in a positive, respectful way.
Encourage children to engage in new activities at their own pace.
Encourage independence with small responsibilities (e.g., choosing an activity, tidying up, asking for a break).
Provide strengths-based and respectful support.
Emphasise each child’s strengths, interests, and motivators.
Refrain from requiring eye contact or interactions, and encourage participation without pressure.
Apply positive reinforcement and establish clear boundaries. Provide brief feedback on session progress, as appropriate. (rate).
Highlight each child’s progress and areas of enjoyment.
Offer practical suggestions for home practice upon request.
Signpost to additional support where relevant.
Practices We Will Not Employ
We do not employ punishment or shaming practices.
We do not compare children to one another.
We do not share any child's personal information with other families.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing Commitments
We adhere to safeguarding procedures and prioritise the well-being of all children at all times.
If concerns arise, we follow our safeguarding policy and the appropriate reporting procedures.
Work Collaboration with Families helps us support your child well. Please share any key information before the first session (e.g., communication needs, triggers, sensory preferences, allergies, medical needs, or strategies that work at home/school).
