Engagement-Driven Play: A Powerful Approach to Teaching Pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties

Join us for a dynamic and practical workshop exploring how engagement-driven play can unlock learning for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties (CLD) including complex communication and interaction needs.

This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of engagement and play as meaningful, motivating and inclusive teaching strategies. Discover how playful learning environments can support regulation, foster communication, and enable every pupil to thrive.

This workshop will help you:

• Understand why play is such a powerful and effective teaching tool for pupils with CLD.
• Facilitate a play-based approach that supports pupils to tolerate demand and uncertainty
• Identify what truly motivates your learners—and how to use that insight to promote engagement.
• Create environments that encourage functional communication and interaction.
• Design engaging, accessible classrooms that avoid cognitive overload.
• Adapt your teaching practices so that all learners—regardless of complexity—can reach their full potential.

Who should attend?

Ideal for classroom practitioners, SENDCos, teaching assistants, and leaders working with pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in mainstream settings

Presented by Frances Mihailovic
Semi-Formal Pathway Lead, Sunningdale School