For parents of pre-school children with additional support needs

2^nd Thursday of the month on Skype for Business

Time: 10am – 12pm (approx.)

Sessions will focus on practical strategies and examples of different ways of working with children with additional support needs.  There will be the opportunity to ask questions and to discuss ideas together.

Topics Include:

Places are limited at each of these Focus Sessions so booking is essential.

You will be sent the link for each session you book on to.

To book your place please email Maria Brown, Development Officer – Early Years / ASN maria.brown@westlothian.org.uk 

A copy of the Flier can be downloaded or printed by clicking on the link :

Focus Sessions flyer 2020-2021 (1) 

In response to a request following our recent questionnaire, here are a few ideas of key words and strategies you can use to develop early communication at home.

Building Knowledge of Key Words in the Early Years

There is also a bit of information on Objects of Reference and a few tips on how to choose objects. objects_of_reference_docx_ald_version

At the back of the booklet, there is a number of Speech and Language Therapy Links.

Just a little reminder, that your Speech and Language Therapist is still available to offer support and advice over the phone if you require it.  If you are unable to reach you Speech and Language Therapist for any reason the NHS ‘Lets Talk’ Advice Phone Line is available on:

07866219181

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am – 5pm and Wednesdays 9am – 11.30am

A trip to the Hairdresser

The thought of visiting the Hairdressers with a little one can be a daunting prospect at the best of times.

If  you are dreading the prospect of the first  haircut  following lockdown, with a child who is hypersensitive  here are a few hints and tips to help you… plan  ahead!

Transition Booklet

Planning for Successful Transitions  for little ones starting an Early Learning Centre (ELC) for the first time can cause mixed emotions for all parents – this can be particularly the case for families with a child  who has a disability, additional support need or a delay in their development.  Many parents like to be organised well in advance and feel they have done everything they can to prepare their child .  Given the circumstances this year, it can be difficult at this time to predict what  the new school /ELC year will look .  This however does not stop you as a parent, starting to think about what you can do at home to begin to prepare both you and your child for their time  at ELC.  The PSHTS Transition Booklet will offer a few suggestions to get you started.  Your Key Worker is also on the end of the phone if they can be of any help and if you have any ideas that other parents could benefit from, we would love to share them! 

Building Pre-Verbal Skills

There are a number of building blocks that have to be in place before young children begin to  talk and use language.   That  doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say – we just have to look a bit closer and listen a bit better to the  ‘Pre-Verbal’ messages that children are  attempting to communicatie!   Play can be really important to support the development of pre-verbal skills and learn about how specific children communicate their messages non-verbally.  Some children, with the right support, can do this really successfully.  With the current  Social Distancing measures and our increased use of gesture  and expression to communicate, maybe our little ones can teach us a thing or two!!!

I’m sure being in lockdown has meant you can’t avoid noticing some behaviours in your child that you don’t understand or can’t seem to distract them from e.g. They are always on the move and can’t seem to sit still; they are always throwing things; they can’t stop climbing; hate being on the swings at the park etc.

Take a look at Our EIGHT senses guide to see how your child’s senses might be affecting their behaviour and try some activities that might help The Proprioception System The vestibular system!…or just have a bit of fun with the activities!

Here is a little starter to share with your little!

Starting to get bored in the house? Looking for ideas to keep both you and your child busy? Take a look at our DIY Play & Learn Activities.  Have Fun!   Parents DIY Activities

Lockdown wellbeing: 7 ways to stay happy and calm at home from the BBC’s Tiny Happy People Website

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/7-ways-to-stay-happy-and-calm-at-home/zhqjjhv