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

Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/centres/centre-inclusive-education/homeschooling-children-send/managing-transition-home-schooling

Description: a guide to help parents adjust to remote learning by providing advice and links to resources.

Registration: not required

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.