Supporting Students with SEN in Poland: Educational Context and Dog-Assisted Practice

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

Marta Kubiak� Special Education Teacher | Poland

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Specjalny Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Świdnik �Primary School No. 5 in Świdnik

Areas of practice:� inclusive education� special educational needs� student wellbeing� animal-assisted activities in education

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

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Mainstream Schools and Inclusive Education in Poland

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

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Special Schools as an Important Part of the System

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

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SCWEW – A Developing Support Model for Inclusive Education

• a Polish response to the development of inclusive education
• based on the expertise of special schools and specialist staff
• supports mainstream school staff, not only individual students
• offers training, consultation and practical tools
• helps schools build stronger support for students with SEN

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

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Support for SEN Students at Primary School No. 5 in Świdnik

• students with SEN learn alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms
• there is no single separate special class; students are supported within different classes across the school
• co-teachers work together with classroom teachers to support students in daily learning
• each student with SEN has an individual educational programme tailored to their needs
• additional support may include revalidation classes, psychological support, speech therapy and other specialist services
• the school environment is also adapted and includes a lift, a swimming pool, a sensory integration room and a quiet space

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• Szkoła Podstawowa nr 5 w Świdniku - dni otwarte from 1:12

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." 

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Support for Students at the Special School in Świdnik

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• the Special Education Centre in Świdnik supports students who need more intensive and highly individualised help
• learning takes place in a structured, adapted and supportive environment
• students work in smaller groups, which allows for closer attention and individual pacing
• support is provided by a multidisciplinary team of teachers and specialists
• an important part of everyday work is the development of communication, social skills, independence and emotional regulation
• the school combines education, therapy and practical life support

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• Job shadowing in Specjalny Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Świdnik

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Why Wellbeing and Emotional Safety Matter

• students learn better when they feel safe
• emotional regulation supports participation
• relationships are an important part of inclusive education
• motivation and engagement are closely connected with wellbeing

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Dog-Assisted Activities in Educational Practice

• dog-assisted activities are carried out in both a special school and a primary school
• in each setting, they are adapted to the needs of students and the goals of the activity
• in the special school, the focus is more on therapeutic and revalidation support
• in the primary school, the focus is more on educational support, motivation and engagement
• although the forms are different, the common aim is to support wellbeing, participation and development

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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We develop multiple skills, including:

fine motor skills

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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gross motor skills

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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counting and early reading

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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attention and focus

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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social skills

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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communication using AAC

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pictograms/symbols, visual supports

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Dog-Assisted Educational Sessions in a Primary School

• Usually for younger grades (early primary).
• Held once a month as a whole-class session.
• Students are prepared in advance by the class teacher (rules and expectations).
• I arrive after the bell and leave before the bell to keep the corridor calm and safe.
• Session length: about 35 minutes

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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What We Teach (Primary School)

• Safe behaviour around dogs:
• don’t pet unknown dogs
• always ask the owner for permission
• pet in appropriate places (not on the head)
• no hugging or grabbing

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Dog body language (“dog language”): calming signals such as lip licking, freezing, and other signs of stress.

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Working Dog Demonstrations (Primary School) – Border Collie

• Outdoor demonstrations on a large open area.
• Organised twice a year.
• A high-level obedience show (training and control in real-life conditions).
• For safety and focus, students do not pet the dog during the demonstration.
• The goal is to show how a working dog is trained and why obedience matters.

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"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​

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Thank you for your attention

"The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of its contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein." ​​

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