{"id":31449,"date":"2025-03-13T12:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T12:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/?page_id=31449"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:03:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:03:21","slug":"attention-and-listening","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision\/targeted\/communication-and-interaction-needs\/attention-and-listening\/","title":{"rendered":"Attention and listening"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-heading-quote clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-6970a462a6309\"><div class=\"hq-outer\"><h2><span class=\"hq-heading\">What is attention and listening?<\/span><span class=\"hq-icon\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"hq-intro\"><p>Attention and listening relates to the early stages in the development of being able to listen and focus on specific tasks or sounds, and transfer attention from one thing to another. These skills are essential for understanding information, following instructions, completing tasks, participating in discussions and communicating with others.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970a462a69c5\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#222959;stroke-width:0}<\/style><\/defs><g id=\"Group_7793\"><path id=\"Path_2\" fill=\"#f0d85d\" stroke-width=\"0\" d=\"M17.57 2.73h24.27l16.17 16.5v23.01L41.84 60H18.41L1.48 42.24V19.23l16.09-16.5Z\"><\/path><g id=\"question-octagon\"><g id=\"Group_7792\"><path id=\"Path_6596\" d=\"M17.02.55c.35-.35.83-.55 1.32-.55h23.3c.5 0 .97.2 1.32.55l16.48 16.48c.35.35.55.83.55 1.32v23.3c0 .5-.2.97-.55 1.32L42.96 59.45c-.35.35-.83.55-1.32.55h-23.3c-.5 0-.97-.2-1.32-.55L.55 42.97A1.88 1.88 0 0 1 0 41.65v-23.3c0-.5.2-.97.55-1.32L17.02.55Zm2.1 3.2L3.75 19.12v21.75l15.38 15.38h21.75l15.38-15.38V19.12L40.88 3.74H19.13Z\" class=\"cls-1\"><\/path><path id=\"Path_6597\" d=\"M19.57 21.78c-.01.24.08.48.26.65.18.17.41.27.66.26h3.14c.52-.01.95-.41 1.01-.93.34-2.43 2.05-4.21 5.1-4.21 2.61 0 5 1.27 5 4.33 0 2.36-1.42 3.44-3.67 5.09-2.56 1.81-4.58 3.93-4.44 7.37v.8c.03.51.45.92.96.91h3.08c.52 0 .94-.41.95-.93v-.39c0-2.66 1.04-3.44 3.84-5.51 2.32-1.72 4.73-3.62 4.73-7.63 0-5.6-4.85-8.31-10.16-8.31-4.82 0-10.09 2.19-10.45 8.48Zm5.92 21.38c.05 1.96 1.68 3.5 3.64 3.45.07 0 .14 0 .2-.01 2.32 0 3.91-1.46 3.91-3.44s-1.6-3.49-3.91-3.49a3.534 3.534 0 0 0-3.82 3.23c0 .09-.01.17-.01.26Z\" class=\"cls-1\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Identification<\/strong> &#8211; what you may see in the child or young person<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li>May appear easily distracted.<\/li>\n<li>Listening skills may fluctuate depending on environmental factors such as language use, social situation and sensory input.<\/li>\n<li>May only be able to attend to or focus on one thing at a time.<\/li>\n<li>May appear to ignore instructions.<\/li>\n<li>May choose to avoid activities which require shared attention on an object or activity.<\/li>\n<li>May continue to focus on their own activity, rather than turn their attention to the speaker.<\/li>\n<li>Doesn\u2019t always complete work at the same pace as peers and may not begin tasks independently.<\/li>\n<li>May appear disengaged, particularly in whole-class or group tasks which require active listening.<\/li>\n<li>May miss important information and can struggle to recall what has been said. Have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision\/targeted\/communication-and-interaction-needs\/receptive-language\/\">receptive language skills<\/a> been considered?<\/li>\n<li>May find it hard to attend to one activity for an extended period and will often jump from one activity to another.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970a462a6a30\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 65 60\"><g data-name=\"Group 1\"><path fill=\"#f0d85d\" d=\"M3 4h59v56H3z\" data-name=\"Rectangle 1619\"><\/path><path fill=\"#222959\" d=\"M4.434.004A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 0 4.736v50.528a4.59 4.59 0 0 0 4.434 4.74h56.132A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 65 55.264V4.736A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 60.566.004Zm1.476 6.31h53.18v47.372h-7.382v-3.155H38.41v3.155H5.91V6.314ZM32.5 18.947a4.748 4.748 0 1 0 4.432 4.738 4.592 4.592 0 0 0-4.432-4.738Zm-11.816 5.53a3.506 3.506 0 0 0 0 7 3.506 3.506 0 0 0 0-7Zm23.633 0a3.281 3.281 0 0 0-2.957 1.745 3.764 3.764 0 0 0 0 3.61 3.281 3.281 0 0 0 2.957 1.745 3.567 3.567 0 0 0 0-7.1ZM32.5 31.578a13.579 13.579 0 0 0-8.526 2.912 10.54 10.54 0 0 0-3.291-.544c-3.559 0-7.391 2.012-7.391 4.513v2.594h38.416v-2.594c0-2.5-3.832-4.513-7.391-4.513a10.548 10.548 0 0 0-3.291.544 13.579 13.579 0 0 0-8.526-2.912Z\" data-name=\"Path 6598\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Planned<\/strong> provision in school<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><p>Based on need, some of this provision will be effective.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Provide adaptations to the learning environment<\/strong>. Children and young people will be provided with <a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/paying-attention-and-sensory-differences\/\" rel=\"noopener\">specific adaptations<\/a> that support them to focus and attend, for example a weighted lap cushion, a wobble cushion, sitting on a gym ball when working.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planned <a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/paying-attention-and-sensory-differences\/\" rel=\"noopener\">movement input<\/a><\/strong> before, between and during focused activities, as part of an individualised timetable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use of a personalised<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/do2learn.com\/picturecards\/howtouse\/first_then.htm\" rel=\"noopener\">Now, Next, Then<\/a> board or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shamblehurst.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/task-plans-examples.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Task List<\/a> to structure a task or activity, facilitated by an adult.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check understanding by asking the child to explain what they must do<\/strong>. Ensure adults deliberately ask the child to explain what they must do, rather than repeat back instructions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide <a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/paying-attention-and-alerting-strategies\/\" rel=\"noopener\">fidget tools<\/a> for the child or young person<\/strong> where appropriate, for example stress ball, blu-tac, rubber band, theraband around chair legs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use of <a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/paying-attention-and-alerting-strategies\/\" rel=\"noopener\">agreed cues<\/a><\/strong> between adult and the child or young person to remind them to focus on the task or ask for help.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planned use of barrier games<\/strong>, for example, Lego Therapy, talking or drawing challenges, battleships.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide opportunities to develop sustained attention<\/strong>. Small group games and activities are planned, for example Orchard Toys, board or card games or an <a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/why-is-attention-so-important-to-language\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Attention Bucket<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use of personalised tasks to motivate<\/strong>. Tasks are personalised where possible to incorporate the child or young person&#8217;s interests and motivations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personalised use of visual timers<\/strong> which are used to support the concept of time and to help maintain focus on a task for short periods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.twinkl.co.uk\/teaching-wiki\/teacch\" rel=\"noopener\">TEACCH<\/a> approaches<\/strong>, for example NOW\/NEXT, token exchange, task trays, timers, to break down and structure activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970a462a6ba5\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 76.617 60\"><g data-name=\"Group 1\"><path fill=\"#f0d85d\" d=\"M1.371 3h73v52h-73z\" data-name=\"Rectangle 1638\"><\/path><g fill=\"#222959\"><path d=\"M46.517 13.632h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6599\"><\/path><path d=\"M46.517 27.264h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6600\"><\/path><path d=\"M46.517 40.896h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6601\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 13.632h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6602\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 27.264h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6603\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 40.896h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6604\"><\/path><path d=\"M71.144 0H5.473A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 0 5.455v49.09A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 5.473 60h65.671a5.469 5.469 0 0 0 5.473-5.455V5.455A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 71.144 0ZM5.473 5.455h30.1v49.09h-30.1Zm35.572 49.09V5.455h30.1v49.09Z\" data-name=\"Path 6625\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Resources<\/strong> for schools<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Support services<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/our-pathways\/speech-language-and-communication\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Children and Family Heath Devon &#8211; Speech, language and communication<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/educational-psychology\/educational-psychology-service\/\">Devon\u2019s Educational Psychology Service<\/a><!-- wp:list --><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Further reading and information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk\/resources\/paying-attention-hints-tips\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Paying attention hints and tips<\/a> | Children and Family Health Devon<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hacw.nhs.uk\/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n2284.pdf&amp;ver=4154\" rel=\"noopener\">5 ways to help children listen!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.twinkl.co.uk\/teaching-wiki\/attention-autism\" rel=\"noopener\">What is Attention Autism?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Resources to share with parents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/speechandlanguage.org.uk\/help-for-families\/ages-and-stages\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Ages and stages of language development<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afasic.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1._Listening_1.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Helping your school age child to listen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":981,"featured_media":0,"parent":31445,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-31449","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-12 13:28:18","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/981"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31449"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31449\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35410,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31449\/revisions\/35410"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}