ABSTRACT
Vulnerable pupils are very sensitive to the teacher’s mood and can feel very unsettled if they think the teacher is feeling sad or angry. The welcome the teacher offers can be key to setting the tone for the lesson. Classroom cohesion is about generating a positive atmosphere in class where all pupils accept a level of challenge and have the confidence to contribute. Learning is a social activity, and teamwork benefits all pupils. Vulnerable pupils especially gain from increased collaboration in class, as peer-to-peer learning can act as additional support. Physical difficulties can impact some or all activities in school. Pupils with physical difficulties will have individual and varied needs, but the general areas in which they will need support relate to coordination; balance, posture and mobility; grasping and manipulating objects; and perceptual and spatial skills.
