[senco-forum] lunchtime/playtime/break

Fiona
  At our Secondary school, our base is open at breaks and lunchtimes.  We invite statements, and known vulnerables and suggest they bring a friend.  They don't necessarily but the word gets round and some lovely friendships and support networks have grown up through this.  Pupils with Asperger's also have another option and we can arrange access to the Library even on days when their yeargroup is not allowed it.  We have three small areas: computers, table with chairs and soft chairs with low table.  There is also a quiet back office for confidential or personal meetings with an adult.  We have also been known to meet pupils and go with them to clubs arranged by other staff.

  Anne

  Phil <pmacken1 at bigpond.net.au> wrote:
  There are several children at the primary school who although don't 
have an
official (yet) diagnosis of autism/ aspergers, have many of the 
symptoms -
very poor social skills being one. At lunchtime the library is open and 
they
tend to hang out there. At playtime it is closed - the theory being 
that it
makes these kids do something else. What happens though is that they 
are
lost and just wander around aimlessly. There seems to be an attitude of
'they're a bit odd but they'll be OK, they don't want any friends 
anyway so
let them sit on a bench by themselves".

My question - what have your schools got in place to meet the needs of 
these
children during what is probably the most unstructured and unsupervised 
time
of the day? 

In my experience they are actually desperate for friends but just don't 
know
who to make them and are continually rejected.

Ta

Fiona

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