How it works:

ACT carries out individualised school observations to understand a child within their real learning environment. This can include observing classroom routines, transitions, social interactions, communication, engagement, attention, sensory needs, regulation, behaviour and the demands being placed on the child.

Following the observation, ACT provides practical recommendations that can be implemented by teachers and support staff. Suggestions may include:

• Classroom and environmental adjustments

• Strategies to support attention and engagement

• Sensory and regulation supports

• Communication approaches

• Support for transitions and routines

• Behavioural and co-regulation strategies

• Ways to encourage independence

• Social and emotional support

• Adaptations to activities, expectations or instructions

• Guidance for parents, teachers and caregivers to ensure consistency between school and home

Helping families understand the next steps

A key part of ACT’s role is helping families make sense of what they are seeing and decide what to do next.

After an observation, ACT works with parents to discuss the findings in clear, accessible language and helps them prioritise the areas that will have the greatest impact. Where appropriate, ACT can also help families understand when additional assessment, specialist input or multidisciplinary support may be beneficial