The NASEN and TES Special Needs exhibition once again promises to be a source of inspiration for all those involved with children who have special needs. The breadth of information on offer combines professional development programmes, a resources exhibition, an ICT zone and a workshop area.
The show boasts more than 130 exhibitors, who will be demonstrating a wide variety of products and services. No less than 42 professional development seminars are on offer, covering all areas of the curriculum from literacy and language to behaviour management, ADHD, dyslexia, creativity, numeracy and ICT.
To keep abreast of advances in technology, this year's event incorporates a SpecialneedsIT area devoted to technology. Visitors can explore a host of new computer software, access devices and communication aids, and get up to speed with current practice and new initiatives in the workshops.
Elsewhere in the hall, the Information Zone provides 'on the spot' know-how for teachers, carers and parents, providing the opportunity to discuss individual pupil requirements with various charities, teaching organisations and Government bodies.
Exhibition line up
Publishing
Maths resource company Sweet Counter, at stand 16, has launched a pocket range of literacy products which includes the Daisy Chains series featuring letters of the alphabet and consonant clusters. All products are bright, colourful and double laminated.
At stand 2 the Quantum Group is thinking big with a new range of 'little books', including the Great Little Book of Brainpower, Great Little Book of Revision, Juggling for Genius and the Lightning Learning series. Quantum is also providing information on its student courses.
Multicutural books are the speciality of Tamarind, reflecting its ethos that the environment should respect all children's individual identities, cultures and heritages. Its latest titles on display at stand 87a include Caribbean Animals by Dawn Allette and Princess Katrina And Her Hair Charmer by Christina Schingler .
Practise Punctuation is the most popular series in the Hilda King Educational range, with three books for Key Stages 1 to 3. The photocopiable books cover nursery, early years, mainstream and special needs. The full range of audio books and classroom resources is on show at stand 72.
David Fulton's new Supporting Children With... series combines the knowledge and practical support schools need to meet specific special needs requirements. Each book deals with difficulties that might be presented for the child in the school setting. They're on show at stand 75.
ICT
Semerc on stand 75 is demonstrating a new series, Track, that supports literacy in the inclusive classroom. It contains CD-Roms and workbooks that provide practical support for all pupils at key stages 1 and 2, as well as for those with specific literacy difficulties.
NferNelson has just launched a computer-based assessment that enables teachers to quickly and accurately identify dyslexic tendencies in pupils from five years old onwards. Dyslexia Screener generates instant scoring, analysis and advice.
The Dyslexia Institute, at stand 95, has developed two new computer-based resources that allow students to work at their own pace while the teacher delivers specialist teaching to a number of students at one time.
Peppermint Publications on stand 4a is presenting its new computer program for creating professional IEPs in a matter of minutes.
General
Puppets By Post at stand 30 has a range of giant story-telling dragons which feature full mouth movement along with hands and arms, that can be used for signing and Maketon. The company is also showing its new Rabbit in a Lettuce puppet, with finger puppet insects that hide in the leaves.
Soundabout on stand 70a is keen to explain how to use music as a tool for communication and interaction. It offers training for teachers and teaching assistants and a range of music programmes that include weekend family sessions.
The Sensory Company at stand 51 says that whether a nursery is looking for interaction, relaxation or both, its bespoke sensory rooms and sensory equipment fill the bill, including bubble tubes, fibre optics and lots more.
Visitors are also invited to drop by Nursery World at stand 52a, where they can check out our range of practical and management books at competitive prices and take out a magazine subscription at a special discount.
Further information
The NASEN & TES Special Needs Exhibition is on 22-23 October at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.
Information hotline: 01923 690620
