SEND Strategies for the Primary Years: Practical Ideas and Expert Advice to Use Pre-Diagnosis

Georgina Durrant's SEND Strategies for the Primary Years won the ERA's Educational Book Award 2025! With as many as 13% of children in schools in England receiving some form of SEN support, and waiting times of up to 3-5 years for a child to receive a formal diagnosis, there is a critical need for strategies teachers can use in the classroom and parents can use at home now. SEND Strategies for the Primary Years is the solution you've been looking for. The book gives teachers (and parents!) practical strategies that they can put in place while they wait for diagnoses, assessment or support. The strategies are practical, easy to implement and resource. Relevant to children who may be impacted by a range of SEND including autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, DCD, dyscalculia, sensory processing differences, speech, language and communication needs and more. The book is split into seven areas of difficulties and provides the relevant support for: – Speech, language and communication – Literacy – Numeracy – Motor skills – Emotional regulation – Sensory differences – Concentration and organisation. Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes for pupils who need more support in the classroom as well as at home. Each activity is supported by a demonstrative video, accessible via QR code. This book and the strategies can be used by any teacher or parent, not just SEND specialists. Georgina Durrant is a former teacher and SENDCO and the founder of The SEN Resources Blog, a leading SEND website in the UK, and this book features her trademark neuro-affirmative, supportive approach throughout.

About the Author :
Georgina Durrant is a former teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator and the founder of the award-winning SEN Resources Blog, where she shares activities, advice and recommendations for parents and teachers of children with SEND. She hosts the podcast SEND in the Experts with Georgina Durrant and is the author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play and How to Boost Reading and Writing Through Play (JKP). Find out more at senresourcesblog.com and on Twitter @senresourceblog.

Review :
Georgina's book is a treasure trove of strategies, activities and resources to support children with SEND. Written in an accessible style, it is ideal for classroom practitioners, SENCOs or parents and is practical, realistic and engaging. In the absence of funding for teachers, TAs and Early Career Teachers to become fully trained in all aspects of SEND in the primary years this book is indispensable. Georgina is an expert in the field and has supplied practical strategies to support children at home and at school. She has also provided case studies from those with real experience of neurodivergence and SEND. Georgina has listed more resources, books and websites to further guide the reader and in doing so has made this book an invaluable read. Georgina provides clear information to help identify where pupils might be experiencing difficulties. This is then backed up with a veritable treasure trove of practical advice and strategies that can be used to support pupils. Really practical and clear guidance that will be invaluable in primary settings. 'The book is easily navigated and clearly laid out, so the excellent advice is easily found according to the area of need. Precise definitions help the reader's understanding, and the practical, realistic strategies outlined are incisive and explained thoroughly. A must for any school leaders or practitioners striving to achieve a genuinely inclusive school.' SEND Strategies for the Primary Years is the book I wish I had written, or at least, received when navigating the challenges of both teaching and parenting two children with SEND. The recurring theme of empowerment resonates deeply, offering practical insights to make a positive impact on the lives of children in our schools. From speech and language development to gross motor skills to social-emotional health, each section provides valuable insights into recognising needs and, more importantly, actionable strategies to support these children effectively. The book doesn't just stop at awareness; it guides you through tangible steps you can take to make a meaningful difference. Each section not only equips you with practical suggestions but also includes QR codes, seamlessly integrating technology to extend your learning beyond the pages. This interactive feature elevates the book, allowing readers to delve deeper into specific topics and access additional resources. SEND Strategies for the Primary Years is undeniably a must-have for educators and parents alike. Its emphasis on empowerment, coupled with actionable advice and interactive elements, transforms it into an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the exciting landscape of supporting children with SEND. It's hard not be overly effusive when talking about this book: practical, immensely digestible and eminently wise, SEND Strategies for Primary Years has me mourning for the book I wish I'd had when I first started teaching... What Durrant has achieved sounds impossible: a practical and expert guide to SEND that is digestible, easy to understand and immediately useful. This book isn't about diagnosing pupils – that's not a teacher's role – it's about identifying what support the child needs and how to give it, pre-diagnosis. Something truly essential in primary school classrooms right now. [SEND Strategies for the Primary Years is] written in an easy, accessible style, and would be an excellent resource in every staffroom. The practical nature of this book offers not only key information across seven areas of difficulty, but strategies and activities to use which will create an informed early support strategy.