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Nicola Brown shares her experience teaching design and technology at Springwell Leeds North, an SEMH school catering to students aged 7-16 with social, emotional, and mental health needs. She discusses how building relationships, establishing micro-routines, and adapting teaching approaches helps students thrive in a subject that offers unique opportunities for personal development.

• Working with SEMH students requires understanding dysregulation and supporting emotional regulation
• Key Stage 2 (ages 7-10) sessions focus on basic skills like using scissors, threading, and completing small projects
• Key Stage 3 students access a full workshop with power tools, building trust and respect
• Level 2 Construction and Arts Award qualifications are offered to Key Stage 4 students
• The school practices early transitions to reduce anxiety about the new school year
• Misconceptions about special schools are challenged - "it's just being in the right place for you at the right time"
• D&T education creates meaningful progression pathways to further education and employment
• Small class sizes (10 students with 3 adults) and specialized support enable personalised learning

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