SEND, Literacy and Numeracy Resources for Primary Schools
SEND resources help schools remove barriers to learning and provide appropriate support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The SEND Code of Practice 0–25 years emphasises the importance of identifying needs early, providing high-quality teaching and making reasonable adjustments to support participation, progress and inclusion. This hub brings together practical guidance, sensory resources, communication tools and intervention materials to help schools create inclusive learning environments that support all pupils.
What SEND resources does a primary school need?
Which fidget toys and sensory tools are suitable for schools?
Fidget toys and sensory tools can help some pupils regulate attention, manage anxiety and engage more effectively with learning. However, the most appropriate resource depends on the individual pupil's needs and should be considered as part of wider SEND provision rather than a standalone solution.
→ Related Tools: Fidget Tools • Tactile Resources • Therapy Putty • Weighted Items • Sensory Cushions
What equipment should schools include in a sensory room?
Sensory rooms can provide structured environments that support regulation, exploration and engagement. Effective sensory spaces are designed around pupil needs rather than simply containing sensory equipment such as bubble tubes, fibre optics, and soft seating.
How can schools create more inclusive classrooms?
Inclusive classrooms support all pupils to access learning, participate in lessons and develop positive relationships. The SEND Code of Practice places significant emphasis on high-quality teaching as the first response to additional needs. The Ofsted and CQC SEND inspection framework also highlights the importance of effective provision, leadership and outcomes.
→ Related Guide: Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Why are visual aids and communication resources important?
Visual supports can help pupils understand expectations, follow routines and communicate more effectively. They are commonly used to support independence and reduce cognitive load for pupils who benefit from structured visual information like visual timetables and communication boards.
Which literacy and numeracy intervention resources support SEND learners?
Many pupils benefit from additional support in literacy and numeracy. Effective interventions should be carefully matched to identified needs and delivered alongside high-quality classroom teaching using tools like phonics sets, Numicon, counters, and number lines.
What do SEND reforms mean for school resource planning?
The SEND reform consultation published in 2026 proposes changes intended to improve support for children and young people with SEND while creating a more consistent national approach. Schools and school leaders should monitor developments carefully and consider how future changes may affect provision planning, resource allocation and support services.
SEND Reform and Funding Pressure: Why Schools Cannot Afford to Wait
With a new SEND White Paper expected and high-needs funding under review, inclusion is rapidly moving from policy discussion to operational priority for schools and trusts across England.
Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Employ a range of strategies and resources, teachers can use to reduce barriers to learning and ensure that most pupils are able to access the curriculum effectively.
Providing the right sensory products for your school
Make sure to create the perfect sensory room with some of our products available here at gls.
7 Ideas for Books to Read over Christmas
Great books to keep you occupied over the Xmas period.
National Storytelling Week In Your School
Be prepared for National Storytelling Week in your school with these ideas that everyone can get involved in
Why Sensory Art Belongs in Every Classroom
Explore how sensory art enhances learning in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SEND resources should every primary school have?
Most schools benefit from a combination of sensory tools, visual supports, communication resources and intervention materials that help pupils access learning and participate fully in school life.
What is the SEND Code of Practice?
The SEND Code of Practice 0–25 years is the statutory guidance that outlines responsibilities for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Are fidget toys suitable for classrooms?
Some pupils may benefit from fidget tools as part of a wider support strategy, although suitability depends on individual needs and circumstances.
What equipment is needed for a sensory room?
Common sensory room equipment includes bubble tubes, fibre optics, projectors, tactile resources, soft seating and sensory regulation tools.
Why are visual timetables important?
Visual timetables help pupils understand routines, reduce uncertainty and develop greater independence.
How can schools create more inclusive classrooms?
Inclusive classrooms combine high-quality teaching, appropriate adaptations, accessible resources and supportive learning environments.
What literacy resources support pupils with SEND?
Phonics resources, reading interventions, vocabulary supports and visual literacy tools are commonly used to support literacy development.
What changes are proposed through SEND reform?
The 2026 consultation proposes reforms intended to improve consistency, access and outcomes across SEND provision.