Devon’s SEND Local Offer

Cognition and learning needs

Cognition is the broad term for thinking, reasoning and learning, and involves the way we develop knowledge and understanding via our senses, thoughts and experiences.

Children with cognition and learning needs may learn at a slower pace than their peers. Learning needs can be general, or specific and related to one or more areas of the curriculum.

Information for parents

We’ve produced extensive guidance for schools on how to support children and young people with SEND, and from that we’ve selected some resources parents may find useful if their child or young people has difficulties in any of these areas.

Areas of cognition and learning needs

Phonics

Phonics is a way of teaching children how to read and write. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds that distinguish one word from another in the English language. Knowing the sounds of individual letters and how those letters sound when they’re combined helps children ‘decode’ words as they read.

Ideas and resources

Information for parentsArea

Area

Word reading

Word reading refers to being able to accurately decode unfamiliar words, and build up a bank of words that can be read ‘at a glance’ (including ‘common exception’ words – commonly used words that don’t follow typical spelling rules).

Ideas and resources

  • Reading at home | tips from the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service
  • Share books with your child or young person every day. Read to them, following the text with your finger as you do. Tips for reading with your child |BookTrust
  • Help your child to read their school reading book as often as possible – ideally every day.

Reading fluency and comprehension

Reading fluency refers to the ability to read text accurately, smoothly and with expression.

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what has been read.

Ideas and resources

Spelling

The ability to spell ‘common exception words’ (commonly used words that don’t follow typical spelling rules) and apply spelling ‘patterns’ (for example, using syllables for spelling, choosing the right letter to begin a word or choosing the right ending for a word).

Resources

Handwriting

Producing neat, legible handwriting, at a speed that is appropriate to the child or young persons age, and that is comfortable for them.

Resources

Written comprehension

Written composition is the process of creating a piece of writing that is well-organised, clear and effective. It involves putting together words, sentences and paragraphs to convey ideas and messages to the reader.

Resources

Accessing the curriculum

How literacy difficulties affect a child’s learning, their ability to take part in all subjects, and how they feel about themselves as a learner.

Resources

RNIB bookshare (accessible books for children and young people with a print disability, including those with dyslexia)

Audiobooks

For children in KS2 and above

Advice from the Devon SpLD (Dyslexia) Service

The number system

The number system refers to subitising, counting and ordering, recognising numerals, and understanding place value.

Resources

Number facts and calculating

Number facts and calculating refers to a fluent recall of number facts, and understanding and using the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).

Resources

Executive functioning

Executive functioning is a set of cognitive processes that include:

  • paying attention
  • working memory
  • inhibitory control
  • planning and organisation
  • cognitive flexibility
  • emotional self-regulation

These skills are all crucial for managing everyday tasks such as making plans, following instructions, solving problems and managing emotions.

Resources

Coordination

Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso and are responsible for movements such as walking, running, jumping and climbing. They are essential for balance, overall mobility and coordination.

Resources