Dear parent(s)/carer(s),

We are writing to ask for your support regarding the use of squishy toys and similar items being brought into school.

We recognise that some children find sensory or fidget tools helpful in supporting their concentration and regulation. We are very happy to support children who have an identified need for a regulation tool and will work with families to ensure that appropriate resources are available where needed.

However, we have recently seen an increase in large squishy toys and similar items being brought into school. In some cases, children are bringing several items with them. Unfortunately, these items can become a distraction within the classroom and can affect children's concentration and learning. We
have also had instances where squishy toys have split or popped, creating an additional safety and hygiene concern.

To ensure consistency across school and to minimise distractions during learning time, we are therefore asking that children do not bring large squishy toys or similar items into school.

If you feel that your child requires a fidget or sensory tool to support their regulation in school, please speak to your child's class teacher. We can discuss your child's individual needs and agree on an appropriate resource. Where appropriate, the school can provide a suitable regulation tool for your
child to use.

If a child has an agreed need to use a fidget tool from home, we ask that this is discussed with the class teacher beforehand. Any home-provided tool should be small, discreet, quiet and suitable for use within a classroom, so that it supports the individual child without distracting them or other children from
their learning.

Our intention is not to prevent children from accessing appropriate sensory support, but to make sure that any regulation tools used in school are effective, safe and appropriate for the classroom environment.

Thank you for your understanding and for working with us to maintain a calm, safe and focused learning environment for all of our children.

Kind regards,
Miss J Withey