Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!
I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others too.
"Hello. I’m currently working with a 1:1 at my primary school, and we are due for our first fire alarm together. Have you got any tips and ideas that would help us, please? We are in a mainstream school."
What an important question. And yes, I do!
1 - Use a social story about a fire alarm and what to do so they feel prepared. Read this on the lead-up, but also regularly in case there is a surprise one. It will help parents at home, too, as fire drills sometimes happen in the community.
2 - Bring a distracting item with you. For some, this could be an iPad, fidget, we bring a scooter board for one child and use that.
3 - Use a manual visual countdown to show them when you can go back inside. Don't take the last one off until the sound has stopped and it's safe to go inside.
4 - Don't expect them to line up neatly with the others. If they're on the field equipment and safe away from school, that should be fine. Then add this to your PEEP (personal evacuation plan).
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.
*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.
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