When it comes to providing effective Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) require a tailored approach. “Providing Relationships and Sex Education for Special Learners” by Paul Bray is an essential resource for educators and SENCOs looking to deliver accessible RSE. This guide ensures students with SEND can navigate social and intimate relationships confidently. By incorporating inclusive relationship education strategies, this book empowers teachers to offer personalised, respectful learning experiences that foster emotional well-being and safety.
Chapter 1
The Importance of Relevant RSE for Special Learners
Those of us who support children or adults with learning disabilities are often reminded by others that we have what must be ‘a very challenging but rewarding job’.
I agree, we have. It is challenging on many levels and equally as rewarding. When we have the pleasure of witnessing real progress that will impact on our special learners for the rest of their lives, it gives us perspective and encouragement. That breakthrough with an independent living skill or beginning to show powers of self-regulation; seeing those initial steps of independent communication to get themselves ‘heard’ are magic moments that we hold dear. We are enabling our special learners to become as independent as possible as they journey through life. After all, that is our job. Is it not?
Some of us have been creative in choosing what we believe our learners need to become as independent as possible as part of their curriculum. We have allowed ourselves to focus on a relatively narrow range of knowledge and skills rather than understand that for our special learners to truly develop and grow they must be prepared and supported in their development and growth. Our ‘job’ should be far more than striving to hit academic targets and demonstrate progress through questionable curricula and flawed assessment. Our special learners should also be supported emotionally and physically as sexual beings.
I have yet to meet a parent or carer of a special learner who considered academic progress more significant in their child’s life than developing independent living skills. I believe that the most rewarding part of our job is to advocate for and support our special learners to live as fulfilling a life as they can. What we should acknowledge is that Relationships & Sex Education is a vital element in that process.
Discover more about this must-have ebook here.
Specialist SEND Group offers Training for Schools and Educational professionals
Our RSE/RHE training and support comes from many years’ experience of best practice and improving provision; including Masters level research and development. We provide RSE training and support to professionals from a range of sectors; education, health and social care.
The training is designed to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of participants in communicating with, supporting and educating children and young people with a learning disability about relationships, growing and changing and sexual health – in a positive, inclusive, safe and pro-active manner.
Whatever your starting point on the RSE confidence scale, it is important to keep these key points in mind:
We all want children to feel safe and to be happy and healthy
We need to be mindful of their needs
We may need to challenge our own thinking; why we think the way we do?
Please contact our training team today to discuss booking this training for your school or on our open training courses at info@specialistsendgroup.co.uk or +44192506500 for more courses check out our website https://www.specialistsendgroup.co.uk/courses/