Supporting Children with Complex Needs

With communication and connectivity at its heart, this book equips educators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively support children with complex needs in the classroom, creating meaningful experiences and fostering life-long positive outcomes for all. Taking readers on a journey from theory to practice, the book unpicks research and introduces the SPICE model for identifying and understanding needs across five key learning domains: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Communication, and Emotional Development. It goes on to propose a learner-centred Connectivity Curriculum, with attention given to the key aspects of planning, implementation and impact. Celebrating teaching and the power of authentic relationships as a foundation for learning, the book provides a space for readers to reflect and recharge, as well as questions throughout to consolidate knowledge and understanding. Providing practical ideas to foster a connected curriculum within SEND settings, or to facilitate inclusion within the mainstream school, this book is a must-read for teachers and both new and experienced SENCOs looking for ways to plan for and support children with complex needs.

Julia Lindley-Baker teaches part-time at Lincoln Bishop University (formerly Bishop Grosseteste University) where she was Programme Leader in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion from 2010 to 2025. Laura Mills is the SEND Regional Lead for the Elliot Foundation, developing SEND practice and provision across 10 schools in East Anglia with inclusion at the heart.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 What are Complex Needs - Definitions and Identification Chapter 3 Understanding Development and Complex Needs Chapter 4 Explaining learning and missed opportunities Chapter 5 Emotions and Complex Needs Chapter 6 Connectivity Curriculum: Intent Chapter 7 Connectivity Curriculum: Implementation Chapter 8 Connectivity Curriculum: Impact Case studies Index