Sizzling Successes: Celebrating The Simones
Named after the unstoppable gymnast, Simone Biles, Claire’s team—The Simones—continues to leap to new heights with their dedication, passion, and expertise in supporting students and staff. This past term, they’ve delivered outstanding training sessions, championed inclusive education, and made a lasting impact on young people’s lives. Here are some of their incredible wins!
Incredible Wins from The Simones
Unlocking the Power of LEGO Therapy
Lauren delivered LEGO Therapy training at Oakhill Primary School, introducing six Teaching Assistants to this powerful intervention for communication and social skills. Many had never heard of it before and were excited to implement it with their students. Their feedback? “That was great!” and “I can see how beneficial this is going to be for the students!”
As a result of the session, the team identified a need for more LEGO Therapy resources, which is now being addressed with the SENCo. A true building block for success!
Engaging Whole-Class Therapy
Nonjabulo has been making waves with whole-class therapy sessions. One standout student in Maple class has found the sessions so fun and engaging that she eagerly anticipates them each week! Not only has her enthusiasm grown, but so have her attention, listening, and concentration skills. This is the magic of Speech and Language Therapy in action!
Training Teachers on SLCN
Julia took on a staff training session at INSET to help teachers identify Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) in the classroom. She delivered a thought-provoking session that left staff inspired.
Key takeaways included:
- One teacher now breaks down information visually on the board.
- Another has started using timers for transitions.
Her impact is already visible in the classroom.
Fostering Independence for a Student with Aperts Syndrome
Chanel has been working tirelessly with a 21-year-old student with Aperts Syndrome, helping her achieve independence in washing her hair. By researching innovative solutions—including a horizontally placed grab rail and an adaptive shampoo brush—Chanel transformed the student’s routine. She’s gone from requiring full assistance to washing her hair independently!
Inclusive Sensory Circuits at Orpheus
Chanel is also spearheading a sensory circuit project at Orpheus, collaborating with film and media students to create a video that will be played in classrooms each morning. The goal? Making movement accessible to all students, including wheelchair users!
Beyond that, she’s working with Access students to create a sensory map of Orpheus, helping students and visitors navigate potential sensory triggers. A fantastic step toward inclusive learning environments!
Adaptive Cooking for a Visually Impaired Student with Cerebral Palsy
Chanel has also helped a visually impaired student with hemiplegia gain confidence in the kitchen. By adapting equipment and focusing on bilateral hand use, the student has progressed to cooking independently with minimal verbal prompts—a life-changing achievement!
Sensory Strategies for a Student with ASD and Anxiety
A 22-year-old student with ASD and sensory processing disorder faced extreme anxiety and dysregulation, leading to aggressive behaviours. With a sensory tool exploration session, Chanel helped him discover strategies that worked for him. The result? He stayed calm during a lockdown drill, thanked his support staff, and will even be receiving a certificate for his achievement. An incredible milestone!
Advocating for AAC Pathways
Amy and Abi took on responsibility for the AAC pathway, successfully delivering internal and external training. Their advocacy ensured that a student with a degenerative condition received a much-needed AAC device, after an initial referral was unfairly declined.
By leveraging their specialist support, Amy and her team made sure the student got a successful re-referral, assessment, and an approved device—proving that persistence pays off!
Raising Awareness About Stammering
Vhahashu led Stuttering Awareness and SaLT Role Awareness sessions at Stag Lane and St. Joseph’s College, engaging both primary and secondary school staff. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the importance of advocating for young people with speech and language difficulties.
Improving Sensory Circuits in Schools
Elizabeth collaborated with teaching partners to ensure proper implementation of Sensory Circuits, focusing on alerting, organising, and calming activities. The positive impact was noticed by the SENCo, earning Elizabeth well-deserved recognition!
SLCN Training at Perivale Primary
Carolina’s Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) training at Perivale Primary was a huge success! Almost all attendees rated it “excellent”, with the clown drawing activity emerging as a crowd favourite.
Her training was so well-received that TAs stayed afterwards to ask student-specific questions—a testament to its value. A big win for The Simones!
A Standing Ovation for The Simones!
Claire’s team continues to set the bar high, delivering transformative training, advocating for students, and driving real change in schools and communities. Just like Simone Biles, they embody dedication, excellence, and resilience—and we couldn’t be prouder!
Keep soaring, Simones!
