SEND Support - Social Stories
At Mile Oak, we believe Sports Day is a valuable opportunity to celebrate physical activity, teamwork and effort. It offers a chance for children to shine in ways they may not always be able to in the classroom – and we know how special that can be. For many, it is a day full of excitement, encouragement and pride.
We also recognise that events like this can feel challenging for some children – particularly when there are large crowds, noise and unfamiliar expectations. With this in mind, we want to support every child to take part in a way that feels manageable, while also encouraging the development of resilience, confidence and a “have-a-go” mindset.
To support this, we are introducing a Low-Demand Activity Station as part of the Sports Day schedule. This space will offer calming, non-competitive activities such as yoga stretches, target practice and gentle movement games. It will be available for children who may need a short break from the main events, helping them regulate and re-engage when they feel ready. Staff will be on hand to provide encouragement and support throughout the day.
We hope this approach strikes a positive balance – encouraging all children to take part, to try something new and to feel proud of themselves for their effort, while also recognising that for some, this takes additional courage and support.
We would also like to share a short social story that you can read with your child to help them feel prepared and confident in readiness for the event. The aim of this social story is to explain expectations and build confidence around the event. Social stories are most effective when they are read and shared regularly.