Strategies to Promote Wellbeing among Students with SEN

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty, the unknown and school closures have posed particular challenges for students with special educational needs (SEN) and their families. While teachers have responded creatively to closures by adapting their practice and endeavouring to provide opportunities for remote learning, some students with SEN found it very challenging to engage meaningfully with this. Families have experienced stress in trying to meet their child’s learning needs within the home. Many students with SEN have found it difficult to understand the loss of routines and opportunities to interact with school staff and peers.

The webinar will explore the Well-Being Policy Statement and Framework for Practice 2018-2023 (revised October 2019) in accordance with the continuum of support approach. It will focus on how schools can support well-being among students with particular reference to students with SEN.  Participants will be provided with information on referral pathways and procedures. The role of the teacher in the promotion of wellbeing for all students will be explored. This webinar is suitable for both Primary and Post-Primary Teachers.

Course Outline and Content: This two-part webinar will cover the following:

Part 1

Strategies to help promote a Sense of Safety

• Physical Safety
• Emotional Safety

Strategies to help promote a Sense of Calm

• Environment
• Communication
• Regulation

Strategies to help promote a Sense of Connectedness

• Re-establish predictable routines
• Teach new routines
• Minimise change and uncertainty

Strategies to help promote a Sense of Self and Community Efficacy

• Independence skills and skills for learning
• Communication and self-advocacy

Strategies to help promote a Sense of Hope

• Use positive language
• Focus on strengths
• Emphasise fun activities

Part 2

Tolerating Uncertainty during Covid-19

• Sources of Uncertainty
• Responses to Uncertainty
• Promoting Coping in Uncertain Times

Considerations for Supporting Students with Wearing Face Coverings

Tackling Your Feelings:

• Confidence
• Happiness/Sadness
• Stress/Worry
• Sleep
• Anger
• Self - Care
• Resilience
• Self - Awareness
• Relaxation
• Optimism