Universal Approaches to Support Children’s Physical and Cognitive Development in the Early Years

Sue Soan is a university lecturer, supervising doctoral students on research relating to special educational needs. She is also an educational adviser for fostering organisations and schools and undertakes clinical supervision with school leaders. Prior to 2003 Sue taught in nursery settings, primary mainstream and special schools for over 25 years, as a classroom teacher, a subject coordinator (mathematics), a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) and Senior Leader. Her doctoral thesis (2013) explored the education provision of Looked after Children who had experienced early life abuse and neglect. Her research interests include the SENCO role, motor and coordination development, multi-professional working, Looked after Children, autism and clinical supervision. As an authority in her field, she has published in peer reviewed journals and presented her research at national and international conferences. Sue is a school governor at a mainstream primary school and is a Trustee of a national SEN organisation. Eve Hutton started her career over 25 years ago as a children’s occupational therapist in the National Health Service (NHS), supporting children with additional needs in Early Years and school settings. She was awarded a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) scholarship, gaining a PhD in Health Services Research at the University of Kent in 2000. Subsequently, she pursed a career in Higher Education, most recently as a reader in Children’s Health and Wellbeing at Canterbury Christ Church University. Her research interests include therapy provision in schools and the therapy support needs of parents of children with complex needs. As an authority in her field, she has published widely in peer reviewed journals and presented her research at national and international conferences. Eve is a school governor at a specialist school for children with profound, severe and complex learning difficulties.

Introduction Physical skills, movement and learning Personal independence skills for learning and participation Are they sitting comfortably? Confident handwriting Working alongside parents and carers References and resources