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Maxine Burns' top tips

1. Take time to stand back and observe children closely – in different contexts if possible. Be alert to changes in typical behaviour; then ask yourself ‘could this be SLCN?
   
   
2. Give opportunities for children to air and share their concerns and emotions – whether spoken, written, drawn or role played - supporting them to express their feelings – e.g by having visual supports for emotions, or reflecting back their emotions and naming them.
   
   
3. Stick to the facts and use simple language to explain change and stressful experiences to children. Don’t over-complicate it beyond a level they can understand because this may make them more anxious.
   
   
4. Adults should listen more than they talk.
   
   
5. Try where possible to keep some things the same to support feelings of security. Where change has been inevitable, reinforce using a range of visuals and continue to use visual support for newly established routines long past the time you would expect them to be learnt.

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