Four educational settings across North East Lincolnshire have benefited from a highly successful training program, the BUSS (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems) model.
Through this training teachers can become LEAPlets Practitioners. LEAPlets is an 11 week programme, originally designed for preschool children and their foster carers or newly adoptive parents, and later developed to be suitable for a range of children aged between 3 and 6, where there has been disruption to the earliest part of their lives.
Delivered face-to-face, this training provided a valuable opportunity for settings to connect, share insights, and build upon best practices together—because when we collaborate, we strengthen outcomes for all children.
The BUSS model training introduced school staff to the physical impact of trauma, a crucial area often overshadowed by the focus on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH).
One participant highlighted, “We talk so much about SEMH but rarely about the physical effects—this training was a fantastic introduction to that.”
Another praised the training for providing insights into long-term effects, noting that “Understanding how early disruption impacts later life—even learning to drive and socializing—was eye-opening.”
A major highlight of the sessions was the practical application of BUSS strategies, with many attendees commenting on the immediate difference they could see.
“It’s incredibly useful to think BUSS first—over just six weeks, real progress is made when worked with effectively,” one attendee shared.
Another reflected on the importance of early interventions, saying, “Understanding the impact before birth and in the first year showed how disruption in early development has a lasting effect.”
Participants also appreciated the focus on body regulation and sensory systems, a key component in helping children develop strong foundations for learning.
“I learned about the proprioceptive and vestibular system—this has made me reassess what support we put in place and how we can target interventions better,” one attendee noted.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, “Beyond knowledge-building, this training fostered valuable networking opportunities, enabling settings to share ideas and lessons learned.
“The face-to-face sessions empowered staff to ask questions, discuss challenges, and deepen their skillset, creating a stronger foundation for inclusive learning.
“This training is just one part of an extensive suite of SEND-focused professional development offered to settings, including tailored programs for middle leaders, autism training, guidance on effective sensory environments, and courses specific to Early Years, primary, and secondary education.”
Rebecca Taylor, Head of SEND and Inclusion at North East Lincolnshire Council said, “With a commitment to continuously evolving with the needs and feedback of school staff, the training offer remains targeted and responsive, ensuring every child with SEND receives the best possible support.”
“We are united in our goal of inclusive and supportive learning—where children feel empowered, secure, and able to thrive throughout their school years, laying the foundations for their future aspirations.”
Individuals who are interested in learning more about our training offer to professionals or to find out what events and training are available to families and parents and carers can look at the SEND Local Offer online, https://sendlocaloffer.nelincs.gov.uk/.
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