Bespoke Learning Boxes
Supporting PDA children to thrive
A personalised learning approach for neurodivergent children
Services
For neurodivergent children who need individualised and flexible learning particularly those with a PDA autistic profile.
Bespoke Learning Boxes provide engaging and personalised resources to children who are unable to attend school. There is a strong focus on engagement and a high level of flexibility. Basing learning around a child’s specialist interests and tactile, practical resources helps rebuild children’s fractured relationship with learning.
Underpinning this model of learning is a strong understanding of pathological demand avoidance and the strengths and challenges of the individual child. There is no pressure to complete all the tasks and they can be done whenever and wherever suits a child best.
Parents can employ learning support assistants or deliver the activities to the child themselves. Some children may choose to access the resources independently. As the activities are planned and assessed by a trained teacher, there is no requirement to have a teacher deliver the tasks face to face. We usually say that personality and ‘fit’ are the most important attributes to consider when recruiting an adult for this role.
Children will not be aware that their activities are being assessed and they will not receive graded or marked work. However, the progress a child is making will be constantly assessed using the functional skills criteria for maths, English and digital literacy.
Subjects will also be included using ASDAN Programmes to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum. Independent Living Skills based on the Wheel of Independence model are also incorporated into the programme.
About Me
Amy Turton
BSC Hons Psychology University of Durham
PGCE qualified teacher
After qualifying as a teacher Amy taught in mainstream classrooms and after several years was all too aware of the constraints of mainstream education in terms of meeting the individual needs of all children. After having her own children, Amy moved into SEN teaching and taught autistic children both with and without a PDA profile. As well as SEN teaching and all aspects of neurodivergence Amy has a keen interest in SEN law and is currently undertaking SEN Law training with IPSEA.
Personal experience, a note from Amy
My own autistic PDA son stopped being able to attend mainstream school just before he turned seven. He had a period of burnout and was totally unable to access any education. After a year and a half out of school he was lucky enough to start receiving distance learning boxes from Clare Truman who has been at the forefront of this innovative and flexible way to learn. To watch him rebuild his relationship with learning in a safe and neuro affirming way has been so wonderful. I feel immensely privileged to be part of more children’s journey with this style of learning.
“I cannot recommend Bespoke Learning Boxes enough. Amy really understands my child’s needs, the learning she provides is easy to access and is enjoyable for both my son and me. In just a few months the difference in my son is dramatic, he is so much happier, more regulated and learning well. I am so pleased. If anyone has a child who is struggling to access a school education, bespoke learning boxes are perfect.”
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