https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-online-education-resources-for-home-education#special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
This initial list of SEND resources 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
We encourage parents, teachers and schools to explore beyond this list to identify what support is best for their children and pupils with SEND.
SEND: apps and games
(Apps must be downloaded onto a compatible device)
Brain Parade
Website: http://www.brainparade.com/products/see-touch-learn-free/
Description: a visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
HelpKidzLearn
Website: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Description: a collection of games and resources designed for a range of educational needs and stages. It includes provision for school closure.
Sensory App House Ltd
Website: https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/
Description: 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
Website: https://www.visuals2go.com/
Description: 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
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/media/11160/supporting-schools-and-colleges.pdf
Description: a downloadable guide to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption.
Registration: not required
Do2Learn (USA)
Website: https://do2learn.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources grouped by theme. Themes include: social skills, songs and games, and picture cards.
Registration: not required
Inclusive Teach
Website: https://inclusiveteach.com/free-printable-sen-teaching-resources/
Description: downloadable teaching resources to support pupils with SEND.
Registration: not required
PMLD thematic units – from the Northern Ireland Curriculum
Website:http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/curriculum_microsite/SEN_PMLD_thematic_units/index.asp
Description: comprehensive guidance on themed activities for learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). A full sensory curriculum is offered.
Registration: not required
Priory Woods School
Website: http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/page/?title=Resources&pid=3
Description: resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SEND teachers. The resources include apps and programmes.
Registration: not required
SEND Gateway
Website: https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/find-wss-resources/nqt-videos.html
Description: 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).
Registration: not required
SENict Activities
Website: https://www.ianbean.co.uk/senict-members-resource-portal
Description: downloadable activities aimed particularly at Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) learners.
Registration: not required
SEN Teacher
Website: https://www.senteacher.org/
Description: downloadable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities.
Registration: not required
Speech and Language Kids
Website: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/free-speech-language-resources/
Description: 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.
Registration: not required
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Website: https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources to support blind and visually impaired pupils.
Registration: is required
UCL Centre for Inclusive Education
Description: a guide to help parents adjust to remote learning by providing advice and links to resources.
Registration: not required
The National Autistic Society offers information and resources to support Autistic Children with going back to school:
Other resources
There are other resources available. BESA’s LendEd website and the EdTech Impact website, for example, include varied resources that teachers already use and rate within the websites.
These have not been verified by DfE’s educational experts but we have included them on the list because they also cover other areas of the curriculum that are not covered above.