Resources that have been made available for free during this challenging time
Please note:
- The resources listed below are not recommendations.
- When new technology is used in school, a risk assessment should take place.
- It is likely that there will be follow-up marketing if the resources below (or others) are used.
- There are a range of accessibility features within many software platforms which can be accessed at no cost.
- There are a range of free resources aimed at all children which could be adapted to work for a child with SEND.
Resource list
Crick Clicker 8 – Generally for Primary settings – Clicker is a writing solution for the primary classroom, providing every pupil with support and challenge.
Crick DocsPlus – For Secondary settings – Help struggling writers overcome barriers to progress with DocsPlus – a writing tool for secondary schools.
Nessy Education – Nessy offers the complete dyslexia aware solution with a suite of multi-sensory products aimed at making learning to read, write and spell fun.
Teach Your Monster to Read – Covers everything from letters and sounds to reading full sentences – complements synthetic phonics programmes.
Audible Stories – Free audio books.
WIDGIT Online – Create, print, share and translate symbol materials online. Create visual, communication and learning supports in your web browser using over 18,000 Widgit Symbols and hundreds of easy-to-use templates. Check out popular topics.
(Full access for 30 days using the code WIDGIT30)
Helpkidzlearn – for children with Special Educational Needs – a range of free resources and free trials.
Government recommended SEND Resources
This initial list of SEND resources from the Government has been developed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity and is based on the recommendations of:
- trusted organisations
- charities
- multi-academy trusts
- special education headteachers.
Apps and games (Apps must be downloaded onto a compatible device)
Brain Parade – A visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
Sensory App House Ltd – A range of apps are available for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) or Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). All are interactive and many do not require significant coordination abilities.
Visuals2Go – An all-in-one app created to support people with communication and learning difficulties. For verbal and non-verbal learners.
SEND Resources for Teachers
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families – A downloadable guide to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption.
Inclusive Teach – Downloadable teaching resources to support pupils with SEND.
PMLD thematic units – from the Northern Ireland Curriculum – Comprehensive guidance on themed activities for learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). A full sensory curriculum is offered.
Priory Woods School – Resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SEND teachers. The resources include apps and programmes.
SEND Gateway – A range of SEND guidance videos created in collaboration with the Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY) in addition to many other experts within the sector. Aimed at Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs).
SENict Activities – Downloadable activities aimed particularly at Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) learners.
SEN Teacher – Downloadable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities.
Speech and Language Kids – A range of education and therapy resources for speech and language problems. A podcast is also available on iTunes for verbal and non-verbal children.
UCL Centre for Inclusive Education – A guide to help parents adjust to remote learning by providing advice and links to resources.
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments – A range of downloadable resources to support blind and visually impaired pupils.
Do2Learn (USA) – A range of downloadable resources grouped by theme. Themes include: social skills, songs and games, and picture cards.
If you have discovered an online resource, which you have found to be useful, please let us know by emailing the link to SEND@theictservice.org.uk so we can share it with other schools.
