At Harmony Children’s Services, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, learn and feel valued. For children and young people experiencing learning difficulties, the right environment, support and understanding can make all the difference.
What do we mean by “learning difficulties”?
The term learning difficulties refers broadly to situations where children or young people have greater difficulty in learning than their peers. This might mean they struggle to:
- process and understand new information; Worcestershire County Council+1
- keep up with peers in reading, writing or number work; Worcestershire County Council+1
- follow multi-step instructions or organise their work and thoughts. Worcestershire County Council
It is important to recognise that a learning difficulty does not imply lack of intelligence. Every child has strengths and potential — our role is to uncover and support them.
Why is this especially relevant in a children’s home setting?
In a children’s home environment like ours:
- Some children may come with disrupted education, trauma or emotional / social challenges which can impact learning.
- Establishing a safe, stable and nurturing environment helps give children the predictability and routine they need to focus on learning. At Harmony, we emphasise a “family-feel” approach alongside structure. Harmony Children’s Services
- Working closely with education providers, therapists and keyworkers means we can support children’s learning difficulties in a holistic way — not only academically, but emotionally and socially too.
How we support children with learning difficulties
Here are some of the ways we tailor our approach to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties:
1. Individualised assessment & planning
We collaborate with schools, external agencies and specialist providers to understand each child’s profile – their strengths, challenges, preferred learning style and any diagnosis. This helps us create meaningful plans for progress.
2. Structured environment & routines
Consistent routines and clear expectations reduce anxiety and help children focus on learning. A calm, well-organised space and predictable day support children who may struggle with distraction or processing. Worcestershire County Council
3. Differentiated learning strategies
Children learn differently — some respond best to hands-on, visual or multi-sensory approaches. For example, breaking tasks into small steps, using visual checklists, providing extra time for processing and reinforcing success. Family Hub – Torbay online family hub+1
4. Emotional and social support
Learning difficulties often go hand-in-hand with low self-esteem, frustration and behaviour that reflects not understanding or control. We work to build positive relationships, celebrate progress (however small) and equip children with strategies to manage feelings and behaviour.
5. Collaborative working with schools and specialists
We maintain strong links with local mainstream and special schools, virtual heads and educational professionals so children are matched with the right educational setting. At Harmony, our homes are set up to facilitate the full participation in schooling, family contact and community activities. Harmony Children’s Services
Tips for staff, carers and parents
Here are practical suggestions to help children with learning difficulties thrive:
- Use short, clear instructions and break tasks into manageable chunks. Worcestershire County Council+1
- Use visual supports (charts, checklists, pictorial timers) to help children organise themselves and understand what is expected. Worcestershire County Council
- Provide extra time to process questions and complete work. The pressure of time can hinder progress. Worcestershire County Council
- Encourage strengths and interests — building confidence through what the child does well can help in areas they find harder. HelpGuide.org
- Maintain open communication with education settings and specialists. Be an advocate for the child’s needs and ensure any adjustments are in place. HelpGuide.org
The impact: positive outcomes for our children
By embedding these practices into our homes, Harmony Children’s Services helps children with learning difficulties to:
- feel safe and valued, enabling learning to take place;
- make progress in literacy, numeracy or other areas where they may have previously fallen behind;
- develop resilience, self-confidence and a readiness for the next stage in their lives;
- engage with school, community activities and build positive peer relationships.
Indeed, our ethos of “safe, stable placements with a family feel” means children get the time and support they need to make sustainable progress. Harmony Children’s Services
Final thoughts
Learning difficulties can present real challenges — but they also present opportunities. With the right support, environment and attitude, children and young people can thrive, not just academically, but personally and socially. At Harmony Children’s Services, we’re committed to ensuring they reap those opportunities.
If you’d like to discuss how we support children with learning difficulties, or learn more about our homes and approach, please get in touch.
