Vestibular differences

Strategies and approaches

• Staff recognise the positive impact that recognising and planning for children’s sensory differences and needs have on children’s learning and emotional well-being.
• Give the child daily opportunities to perform gentle stretches, rocking back and forth, slowly marching; consider Yoga activities.
• Provide opportunities to work in pairs with another child / young person, working on ‘rowing’ (sitting opposite, legs in a ‘V’ touching feet with partner, holding hands, gently ‘row’ forward and back), wheel barrows etc.
• A child may need support negotiating space, walking up the stairs and with balancing activities.
• Vestibular activities can help to raise a child’s level of arousal or alertness. Activities may include jumping/ working against gravity, crunchy strong tasting foods, climbing running, movement breaks, moving furniture.