Wildflowers offers a responsive play programme that can be individually tailored to help with any of the following :
Making peer connections, learning how to play
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in learning
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Specific Learning Considerations
Externalised behaviours
Sensory barriers and environmental challenges
Bullying and Resilience concerns
Anxiety and Mental health concerns
Strengths-focussed for developed independence
Why Choose Wildflowers?
Wildflowers will help overcome the obstacles for neurodivergent children and their inclusion at school & the broader community…
Poor behaviour can be seen as an obstacle to academic progress resulting in low-set expectations at school for neurodivergent children due to :
lack of focus on the process of behavioural change (Paterson et al., 2016).
teacher attitudes and perceptions about children’s behaviours vary with undergraduate training (Oglesby, 2018).
reactive policies & panic regarding different behaviours (Critcher, 2008) rather than research-informed, ethical & empathetic practices.
lack of awareness of environmental barriers and the importance of play interactions for children with sensory conditions (Kelly, 2023).
The importance of play as a learning tool is often overlooked at school.
When children are happy, there are improvements in both their behaviour and academic outcomes.
This fosters agency, well-being and greater autonomy.
Wildflower’s responsive play programme creates a space where play becomes the mutual communication tool that children can use to learn and develop new social, sensory and emotional coping skills.
Wildflowers’ Positive Strategies for Success
Calm, empathetic and positive approach.
Support, care, encourage and challenge children toward goals.
Increase salience of goals (interest-based/teacher reward focussed).
High-value rewards/tokens – consistent and random.
De-escalation/safety for all – minimal verbal language (What are you feeling?)
Empathetic listening.
Waiting until calm for response - (Do you need some time for yourself ?)
Mindfulness - accept what’s happened without judging, let things go – distract and breathe (5 finger/box breathing).
Diversions - Choose a calming thing, sitting quietly, fidget toy, headphones, music, snack.
Benefits
Social & emotional learning skills that …
Target challenges and support strengths
Promote play skill development – physical, social & cognitive
Improve resilience and self-esteem
Create capacity building & independence
Decrease anxiety & stress
Improve self-regulation and coping skills
Manage anger and behaviour
Promote acceptance and tolerance
Learn to negotiate with others & in teams
Increase wellbeing through socialisation
Deliver improved academic outcomes
Assist engagement with the broader community
Promote positive opportunities for future mental health & wellbeing