Memory Fix Intervention OMG
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What is Memory Fix Intervention?
Memory Fix is a one-to-one intervention for KS1 and KS2 pupils. It consists of short, focused games and activities that target three memory domains: visual, auditory, and phonological.
How Does It Work?
A School and Community Team (SCT) practitioner delivers a 15-20-minute, one-to-one memory session each week.
Separate pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments—each taking longer than a standard session—are carried out outside these weekly meetings to establish baselines and measure progress.
A setting practitioner observes each session and reinforces the targeted memory activities with the child between SCT visits.
What Are The Principles?
- Tailored challenge: activities matched to each child's strengths and weaknesses
- Multisensory engagement: using visualisation, naming, rehearsal, linking, and chunking
- Repetition with increasing complexity to solidify memory pathways
What Are The Benefits?
- Enhanced short-term and working memory
- Better attention and task focus
- Improved self-esteem, resilience, and independence
- Stronger academic attainment across subjects
Key Functions?
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments to set goals and track gains
- Targeted drills for:
- Visual memory (visualisation, naming, chunking, grouping, linking, rehearsal)
- Auditory memory (repetition, naming, visualisation, rehearsal, linking)
- Phonological memory (chunking, visualisation, rehearsal, naming, grouping, linking)
- Regular progress reviews to adapt activities
What Might It Mean In Practice?
- A pupil groups steps of a spelling rule into chunks, reducing prompts and recalling words independently during writing tasks.
- During maths, a learner uses naming and linking strategies to recall times-table facts, boosting speed and accuracy in mental calculations.
- While reading, a pupil employs rehearsal and chunking to summarise paragraphs, improving comprehension and discussion contributions.
What Difference Do School And Community Teams Hope To Make?
They aim to remove memory barriers, promote independent learning, and embed strategies that carry into everyday lessons and home life.
Who And How Can This Intervention Benefit?
Children aged 5-11 with identified working memory challenges—such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, or general attention difficulties—benefit most. SCT practitioners deliver the programme in collaboration with teachers and teaching assistants.
How Can This Intervention Be Used?
- Delivered one-to-one in a quiet, uninterrupted space with table/desk and chairs
- Strategies can be integrated into lesson plans
- Setting practitioners shadow sessions and reinforce activities between SCT visits
What Needs Can It Support?
Following multi-step instructions, improving reading comprehension, sequencing in maths, and executing complex classroom tasks.
What CYP May Benefit The Most?
Pupils in KS1 and KS2 who struggle to hold and manipulate information—especially those with diagnosed working memory deficits or related learning difficulties.
How Can Schools/Settings Support With Memory Fix?
- Reserve dedicated weekly time and space for sessions
- Train staff in core memory strategies
- Incorporate memory-boosting techniques across the curriculum
How Can Families Support With Memory Fix?
- Practice simple home-based memory games, e.g. pairs, I packed my bag and in it I put...., Kim's game
- Reinforce daily routines that use naming, rehearsal, and chunking
- Parents/carers can support learning at home by applying Memory Fix strategies during everyday activities
- Celebrate small gains to build confidence
How Can You Help CYP Understand, Be Ready For And Get The Most Out Of Memory Fix?
Explain the purpose in child-friendly language, set clear, achievable goals, use visual schedules, and offer frequent positive feedback.
What Information/Support Is Available Nationally?
- British Psychological Society summaries on working memory
Working memory in the classroom | BPS
The value of a simple theory of working memory | BPS
Memory for learning (Teachers notes).pdf
- Education Endowment Foundation
Voices from the classroom: Supporting working memory in the... | EEF
Improving Working Memory - first trial | EEF
- Understanding working memory
- Online platform
Memory game for kids, toddlers - Apps on Google Play
Top-11 Apps for Kids to Improve Memory and Concentration
What Information/Support Do We Have In Norfolk?
- Norfolk SEND advisory service materials
Working Memory - Educational Psychology & Specialist Support
- Local speech and language therapy memory toolkits
Key Contacts/ How To Refer
- Speak with your School and Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant
- Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line 0333 313 7165
- Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps
