Sensory rooms in schools: what equipment do you need?
A school sensory room should include carefully chosen equipment that helps pupils regulate sensory input, reduce overwhelm, build communication skills and return to learning more successfully. For SENCOs and SBMs, the best sensory room is not the most expensive one, but the one designed around pupil need, staff use, available space and clear SEND outcomes.
Natalie McMunn
Reward Stickers and Reward Systems for Primary Schools
Reward stickers remain one of the most widely used classroom tools in primary schools because they provide immediate recognition, celebrate effort and reinforce positive learning behaviours. When used as part of a thoughtful reward system, stickers can support motivation, confidence and engagement. The most effective approaches focus on recognising progress, resilience and achievement rather than simply rewarding task completion.
Jack Clarke
Classroom Timers for Primary Schools: Visual, Sand and Countdown
Classroom timers help pupils understand the passage of time, manage transitions and maintain focus during learning activities. Whether visual timers, sand timers or digital countdown timers, they support classroom routines, reduce interruptions and encourage independence. When used consistently, timers can improve lesson flow, strengthen behaviour expectations and help pupils take greater ownership of their learning.
Jack Clarke
Mini Whiteboards for Schools: A Buying Guide for Teachers and SBMs
Mini whiteboards are one of the most widely used classroom resources in primary schools because they enable every pupil to participate, respond and practise ideas in real time. Commonly used in maths, phonics, spelling and formative assessment activities, they support active learning while reducing paper consumption. Choosing the right size, quantity and accessories helps schools maximise both educational impact and long-term value.
Natalie McMunn
Reading for Pleasure in Primary Schools: Resources and the National Year of Reading 2026
Reading for pleasure is increasingly recognised as one of the most important contributors to children's literacy development, vocabulary growth and long-term educational success. The DfE's National Year of Reading 2026 places reading for pleasure at the centre of school improvement, encouraging schools to create environments where children choose to read, talk about books and develop positive lifelong reading habits. The right resources, spaces and opportunities can play a significant role in making this happen.
Rachel Pangburn
Christmas Craft Ideas for Primary Schools
Christmas craft activities can support creativity, fine motor development and cross-curricular learning throughout primary school. From simple EYFS making activities to more detailed Key Stage 2 projects, seasonal crafts provide opportunities for pupils to develop artistic techniques, explore materials and create meaningful work linked to the DfE Art and Design National Curriculum. The most successful Christmas projects balance creativity, practicality and classroom reality.
Jack Clarke
Coloured Card and Black Card for Schools: Weights, Sizes and Quantities
Coloured card and black card are among the most widely used creative resources in primary schools, supporting displays, art projects, model making and cross-curricular learning. Choosing the right card weight, sheet size and ordering quantities helps schools balance creativity with cost-effectiveness while ensuring classrooms always have suitable materials available when needed.
Rachel Pangburn
Sketchbooks for Schools: Which Size for Which Age?
The best sketchbook size depends on pupils' age, confidence and the type of artwork being created. Younger children generally benefit from larger formats that encourage exploration and mark-making, while older pupils often require additional space to develop ideas, experiment with techniques and record artistic progress. Choosing the right sketchbook helps support progression within the DfE Art and Design National Curriculum and allows pupils to build a meaningful record of their creative journey.
Jack Clarke
Sugar Paper for Schools: Colours, Sizes and Quantities
Sugar paper remains one of the most widely used classroom resources in UK schools because it supports everything from art and displays to collaborative learning and curriculum projects. Available in a wide range of colours and sizes, it is a versatile and cost-effective resource for primary schools. Choosing the right formats and ordering appropriate quantities helps schools reduce waste, improve value and ensure classrooms remain well stocked throughout the year.
Carla Bonner
Art and Design in Primary Schools: KS1 and KS2 Curriculum Resources Guide
Art and Design is a statutory subject within the primary curriculum, helping pupils develop creativity, technical skills and cultural understanding. The DfE Art and Design National Curriculum requires children to produce creative work, become proficient in a range of artistic techniques and learn about great artists, craft makers and designers. Choosing the right resources helps schools deliver these requirements effectively while supporting progression from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2.
Jack Clarke
Green, purple and red pens for schools: marking and self-assessment explained
Colour-coded marking systems help pupils understand feedback, take ownership of improvements and make progress visible over time. While green, purple and red pens each serve different purposes, the real value lies in creating a consistent approach that helps pupils engage actively with learning rather than simply receiving feedback.
Jack Clarke
Air Dry Clay for Schools: Everything Teachers Need to Know
Air dry clay is one of the most versatile modelling materials used in primary schools because it allows pupils to create permanent sculptures, models and artwork without requiring a kiln. Suitable for EYFS through to Key Stage 2, it supports creativity, fine motor development and hands-on learning across multiple subjects. When used correctly and stored properly, air dry clay offers an accessible, curriculum-friendly alternative to traditional pottery clay.
Jack Clarke