Page 60 - SEN116 January-February 2022

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support young people to physically exert themselves, which can provide an outlet away from the busy classroom environment. Pupils can climb and move over different levels and surfaces in a fun way.
Similarly, Alfriston School in Buckinghamshire offers wellbeing walks at break and lunchtimes, offering sensory experiences. Pupils report that this has helped boost their mood and overall wellbeing. Riverside Special School in Northern Ireland has embraced the concept of biophilia by creating a sensory sanctuary in one space of the school, designed to calm pupils, along with a sports sanctuary giving a more active environment in green space. This complements pupil-led individual and group activities. These play spaces also allow pupils to explore where their body is in space, how body parts move, and create dens which can offer them a sense of comfort.
How to create a Sports Sanctuary and a more active outdoor environment – Top Tips
1. Engage pupils – work with and alongside young people to
understand what their ‘sanctuary’ is and what the ‘felt space’ around the school feels like for them. How could simple playgrounds or walkways be transformed to encourage physical activity and movement?
2. Undertake an audit – complete a sensory audit of the outdoor space around your school or setting. What sounds can be heard? What is there visually to notice or be aware of?
3. Reimagine what this outdoors space could look and feel like – one primary school placed ‘power up’ spots on their
“Every child deserves to experience the benefits of the outdoors”
trees, encouraging children to move and tap the ‘power ups’ to boost their energy in between lessons and at break times.
4. Reflect on the equipment you have available – offering young people a safe environment to climb, balance and move in a fun way, with their friends, can improve development without them realising!
5. Encourage independent use – equip young people with the skills and confidence to self-pace and self-regulate their emotions through outdoor physical activity.
As we start to recognise the health benefits of increasing participation in physical activity outdoors, and become more aware of our outdoor environments and spaces, we can help young people with SEND to overcome challenges, and learn new skills building resilience and raising self-esteem. This directly increases mental and physical wellbeing, increasing motivation and overall happiness. Every child deserves to experience the benefits of the outdoors – children and young people with SEND most of all.
■ Map reading skills whilst orienteering. SEN116
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Outdoor activities