Special Educational Needs and Disability

In the know

Understanding what is ahead and what is involved is especially important for our SEN and EMH riders. 

You can use our brief course descriptions of level 1, 2 and 3 sessions on our home page to help your child understand the kind of things we will be doing on the course. Chat through how they feel about doing the course and if there is anything they are unsure about. 

It would benefit the children to watch the video on Bikeability to get an idea of what our sessions look like. (Although the instructors and location will not be the same as in the video). 

The children can see our instructor photos and read a bit about us ahead of the course on our meet the team page.  

Be prepared 

Checking your childs bike is in good working order is an easy way to help them start off the session on a good foot. Any last minute changes and fixes to a bike or having to borrow an unfamiliar bike can be quite unsettling. 

Making sure riders have a comfortable well fitting helmet also helps them start the session comfortable and relaxed. Some children may benefit from practising putting on and taking off the helmet at home ahead of the course as this means one less thing to think about. Watch the helmet fitting video.  

Equip children with suitable clothing for the weather. Make sure they are wearing something comfortable and practical. Check with the school on their Bikeability clothing policy.  

Preperation and planning 

Schools should receive a SEN/EMH profile doc with course paperwork from us. Having these documents returned to us with enough time for us to consider and adapt our plans makes a big difference. 

Arrange a call to discuss any requirements and adaptations beforehand when necessary. 

Getting the class to watch the video on Bikeability helps children understand what they are signed up for and may answer questions that could be making children feel anxious. 

Buddy up! When organising groups If you know there are other supportive students who are willing to help let us know and we can find ways for them to work well together. 

Let us know if you would like to send anxious pupils to meet us before the session starts and/or send out 5 mins earlier to meet and ‘help’ instructors. 

If a rider has a physical disabilty that may require adaptive equipment please notify us ASAP so we have time to source the equipment they require where we can. 

Schools Bikeability clothing policy

A blanket policy for all riders of either PE kit or non school uniform are recommended to keep children comfortable and warm. 

Role of school learning support staff on sessions 

We ask the school to provide us with a staff member  for all students with an EHCP and we may also make a request based on your notes and/or progress on the first day on the playground if we consider it necessary (depending on course level). 

Please plan the Bikeability week allowing for the possibility we may need a school staff member with us and have someone on standby. 

When we ask for a staff member to come out with us on a course we would like them to consider they are there to provide: 

• Extra learning support for individuals (if needed)

• Support us with an extra pair of eyes for riders who may be less risk aware while on the roadside

• Support with behaviour (if needed)

Support staff are not expected to bring their bike and cycle with us. (Although we are always delighted if staff do decide they would like to come along with their bikes!).