Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
Illustration of a woman observing something
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Understanding the needs of your learners is essential. Learners who use English as an additional language may also have additional learning needs, and sometimes separating language needs from learning needs can be challenging. Assessment results and classroom work offer some insight; however, taking the time to carefully observe your learners’ behaviours can provide a deeper appreciation of their needs. This can help you consider necessary adjustments or interventions, or support further assessments of specific SEND needs.

Tip or Idea: When looking at the needs of a learner, try to involve everyone who has a connection with them. This includes parents, lunchtime supervisors, teaching assistants, sports coaches, and class teachers. They may see the learner in different contexts, which helps to build a fuller picture of their behaviours and needs and identify any common patterns.

Learning Village resource: Our simple pupil behaviour observation sheet enables all staff working with a learner to easily record which behaviours are displayed and how often.

Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link

More articles by this author

Colourful hands symbolising neurodiversity

SEND support: Supporting autistic learners

Created: Mon 24th Feb 2025

Learners, with or without EAL, may have special educational needs. These needs often require a range of carefully selected strategies and approaches to help learners reach their full potential.

Teacher motivating learners

SEND support: Motivating SEND learners

Created: Wed 4th Dec 2024

All learners have times where they may become less engaged or motivated with their learning. This can be for a range of reasons but learners with additional needs may face even more challenges. It is important to get to know your learners well and learn what motivates and excites them. Try to incorporate this into your lesson planning and help them to progress and reach their full potential.

SEND learners writing

SEND support: Engaging writing lessons

Created: Fri 13th Dec 2024

For some learners, including those with SEND, the thought of a writing lesson can be daunting and unappealing. However, by finding creative ways to engage and 'hook' your learners, they will be more likely to feel motivated and engaged.

Tip or Idea: Start your lessons in an unusual or exciting way! Set up a scene or have props that give clues to a character or event, play an engaging video or audio clip or perhaps transform your classroom into a courtroom for a debate...

Back to Blog