PUPIL SUPPORT
BUILDING
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Trust forms the basis of a successful relationship between teacher and pupil, allowing them to have a positive learning experience. Creating connections is critical for the success of SEND education and development
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uilding meaningful connections with the children and young people in your classroom can create a greater learning environment, allowing each individual to thrive in school. Winner of the 2020 NASEN SEND Leader of the Year Award and head teacher at St Giles School, Matt Rooney, has a wealth of experience in SEND environments and believes strong connections are key to a school’s success. Understanding each child’s needs and aspirations is the first step to creating meaningful and long-lasting connections.
CHANGEOVER
“We’re never going to be the expert in this child, the child will always be the expert in
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themselves but do we know enough? Can we have the right relationship to get the best out of that child so that they thrive and reach their dreams?” asks Matt. These are central questions at St Giles where a seven-step approach is used to ensure children and young people who attend the school get the most out of their time there. The transition period before a new child joins the school, or during the school holidays, allows teachers and support staff to gather any details, big or small, that are significant to a pupil. “Some things are tiny, but without having given conscious thought to them we might miss something that we think is insignificant but makes a world of difference to a young person,” stresses Matt.
Teachers’ Resource SEN 15
