Page 59 - SEN116 January-February 2022

Outdoor activities
About the author
Vicci Wells is Head of Sport & SEND Inclusion for children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust. She is also a Chair of Governors and MAT Director.
@YouthSportTrust @vawells1
“All will have experienced losses to their routines”
These activities could range from orienteering in geography, engaging pupils to work as a team with compass or map- reading skills, counting trees in maths while moving, or even composing woodland symphonies in music, with a focus on gross motor skills.
As schools across the country adjust to life post-pandemic, a focus on the active recovery of children and young people is vital – particularly for those with SEND. It is crucially important to provide opportunities for pupils to reconnect with one another, and, at the same time, reimagine what the role of physical activity, PE and school sport can be; perhaps exploring ways of embedding more outdoor learning and activity through their school day. Active recovery harnesses the benefits of outdoor play and sport for young people’s self-confidence, self-belief, sense of belonging, re-socialisation, plus physical and mental health.
One way in which schools are embracing active recovery is through the innovation of Sports Sanctuaries. The concept acknowledges that every child and young person will have had their own unique, lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. All will have experienced losses to their routines, structures, friendships, opportunities and freedoms. The result is that, as pupils return to schools, they may arrive not feeling safe or secure. These experiences are more likely to be exacerbated for a young person with SEND. They may find
■ Hand to eye co-ordination.
themselves particularly stressed and uncomfortable away from their home environment. Having access to outdoor play and activity is a fun way to expend energy and calm the senses, reducing tension and anxiety. When challenging behaviours arise, being outdoors for a change of environment can make a huge difference.
Sport Sanctuaries take the theory of the biophilia (i.e. love of nature) hypothesis, whereby being outdoors, in nature, creates experiences that result in reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and enhanced mood and creativity. These spaces of sanctuary, which involve the intentional use of certain physical activities, can increase overall wellbeing and productivity. Having space to be physically active outside stimulates and encourages young people, particularly those with sensory sensitivities, to explore all of their senses. It helps improve mobility and coordination, the vestibular system (balance), and proprioception (body awareness and spatial skills).
An example of a school which has uses this practice effectively is Sandbach School in South Cheshire. Sandbach has a focus on outdoor education with provision of climbing spaces to
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■ Wheelchair sport.
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