Adapt seating to help improve SEND learning outcomes

As the Government announces additional for SEND⁽¹⁾, we're highlighting the role specialist multi-user seating can play in supporting effective delivery of improved learning environments.

The funding is part of the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) grant. 

The latest grant Guidance⁽²⁾ says that the funding CAN be used for mobility equipment that is used by multiple pupils, that is capital equipment that expands access/ provision for children with a wide range of needs.

Seating is proven to have a positive impact on a child’s learning ability: if a child is comfortable, their focus and concentration capability is enhanced. 

How Chilli Bean can help special needs children

Our unique Chilli Bean infinitely variable orthopaedic posture seat can be exactly and precisely moulded to correctly support the child.

Unlike alternative bean seats, you can quickly and easily adjust Chilli Bean for individual pupil’s personal requirements, in the school environment. SEND staff can do it themselves- no need to call in specialists, send it away for remoulding.⁽³⁾. 

Chilli Bean's speed of adjustment improves life for SEND children who would otherwise spend almost all day in the constraints of a wheelchair. They can be supported comfortably and correctly.

The infinite variability of Chilli Bean means asymmetrical shapes, pommels etc can all be created within seconds to precisely and comfortably stabilise the child without restraint. Chilli Bean provides support for children with low muscle tone, or high muscle tension.

Lightweight, Chilli Bean can be moved from room to room as needed.

SEND staff can easily accessorise to provide sensory stimulation and relaxation: Chilli Bean's construction can transmit rhythmic vibration.

It is breathable and wipeable. 

Explains Peter Wingrave, AAT Director, “The flexibility of Chilli Bean to address numerous scenarios and users makes it a valuable tool in a SEND unit’s seating equipment.

"Numerous specialist SEND facilities up and down the country are already appreciating the value Chilli Bean can bring to improving outcomes for children with physical and/or mental difficulties.

"It creates a calming, stable, comfortable environment encouraging relaxation and focus.”

We're so confident in the relevance of Chilli Bean for SEND environments, we are offering free, no obligation assessment.

This can be booked online here: https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/.

ENDS

REFERENCES:

(1)https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/26/improving-support-children-young-people-special-education-needs-send/

(2)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65fb10daaa9b76001dfbdc32/High_needs_provision_capital_allocations_guidance.pdf

(3) With appropriate AAT training

A new report reveals that almost all disabilities now diagnosed in children are hidden. Half of those are social and behavioural, 30% mental health and 26% learning impairments⁽¹⁾. It means finding solutions to manage a child’s environment is a growing priority.

Many SEND units and schools are turning to our unique Gravity Chair postural and sensory seating to provide support. Gravity Chair helps achieve a stable, safe place that makes the child feel secure.

How Gravity Chair works for SEND children

Gravity Chair features a deep, inclined seat providing a low centre of gravity to naturally encourage a stable, non-restrictive seating position.

High arm rests support the elbows forward helping reduce muscle tension in the shoulders and enabling fine motor control activities.

Snug lateral supports help maintain seated symmetry.  

The structure of the seat allows muscle contortion to be accommodated without putting the occupant at risk. 

The Percy Headley Foundation’s Northern Counties School now has three Gravity Chairs, after trialling one for a pupil with highly complex needs including autism.

Michelle McCafferty, Occupational Therapist, commented, “I am overwhelmed at the success of Gravity Chair. We’re over the moon at the difference the chair has made.”

Clare Mason, Children’s Occupational Therapist @ Sefton Carers Centre/ Alderhey regularly prescribes a Gravity Chair: “When children feel safe, secure and comfortable their muscle tone relaxes, allowing them to focus and enjoy play activities.  

"They may still require support, but to engage all children need to be comfortable above everything else.  

"Children who require supportive seating spend many hours strapped in functional seats and wheelchairs using harnesses or chest straps.  

"Gravity Chair can give them seating away from all that. It is comfortable and uncomplicated to use, provides good postural alignment and helps keep children calm and regulated.”

Gravity Chair is just one of our tools relevant for SEND units and schools. Other equipment includes our range of infinitely remouldable vacuum posture cushions including the unique Chilli Bean seat (https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/).

We are so confident we have an answer to help create a positive, safe learning environment for children with special needs that we are offering free no obligation assessments.

Full detail of AAT’s range, and a quick-fill form to book a free, no obligation assessment, can be found on here: https://www.aatgb.com/gravity-chair/.

ENDS

(1)https://futurecarecapital.org.uk/latest/number-with-hidden-disabilities-soars

Find out more about Percy Hadley here:https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20956024933&utm_term=percy%20headley&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3vvi19bphgMVdY1QBh0DMwzdEAAYASAAEgJ06fD_BwE