SEND Resources and Support for Parents

Every child learns differently, and finding the right resources can make a real difference to their confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Whether your child needs extra help with reading, maths, communication or everyday learning activities, there are plenty of SEND resources available to support them.

In this guide, we'll explore practical learning activities, useful organisations and special educational needs resources to help you support your child at home and at school.

Understanding SEND and your child's learning needs

SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities. It describes a broad range of needs that can affect how children learn, communicate, interact or access education.

Some children may need support with reading, writing or understanding numbers, while others may benefit from adjustments to their learning environment, communication methods or daily routines.

Children with SEND may have needs associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, speech and language difficulties or other conditions. However, children do not need a formal diagnosis to receive special educational support at school.

Every child's experience is different, which is why finding resources that suit their individual strengths, interests and needs is so important.

If you're concerned about your child's development or progress, speaking with their teacher or school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) can be a helpful first step.

SEN or SEND?

You might come across the terms SEN and SEND when looking for information about your child's education.

SEN stands for special educational needs and refers to children who need additional or different educational support because of a learning difficulty or disability.

SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities. It's a broader term commonly used when discussing support and services for children and young people with additional educational needs and disabilities.

Both terms are still widely used, particularly in schools and educational resources. The most important thing is understanding what support is available and how to access it for your child.

How do I know if my child needs additional learning support?

Every child develops at their own pace, and finding certain aspects of learning difficult doesn't necessarily mean they have special educational needs. However, you might notice that your child regularly finds particular activities challenging, such as:

• Understanding or remembering instructions

• Developing reading, writing or number skills

• Communicating their thoughts or understanding others

• Managing sensory experiences in learning environments

• Staying engaged with activities or organising tasks

• Managing emotions or coping with changes to routines

These experiences don't automatically indicate SEND, but they may be worth discussing with your child's teacher or SENCO. You don't need to wait for a formal diagnosis to ask about additional support. Your child's school can help you explore what adjustments or resources might be beneficial.

Practical SEND learning resources for children

There are lots of ways to make learning more accessible, engaging and enjoyable. The best SEND learning resources are often those that help children practise skills in ways that feel manageable and rewarding.

Here are some useful resources and activities to explore.

Visual learning resources

Visual resources can help children understand instructions, remember information and follow routines.

You could try:

• Visual timetables showing the day's activities

• Picture cards to explain instructions or routines

• Colour-coded checklists for completing tasks

• Illustrated stories to support reading comprehension

• Number lines, diagrams and charts for maths activities

Visual resources can be particularly helpful for children who find verbal instructions difficult to follow, although their usefulness will depend on each child's needs.

Sensory and hands-on learning activities

Learning doesn't always need to involve sitting at a desk or completing worksheets.

Hands-on activities can give children opportunities to explore ideas through movement, touch and play.

For example:

• Use building blocks or counters to practise counting and simple calculations.

• Try letter tiles or magnetic letters to explore spelling.

• Use playdough to form letters, shapes and numbers.

• Explore measuring and fractions through baking.

• Introduce matching games, puzzles and sorting activities.

Choose activities that suit your child's sensory preferences, as some materials or experiences may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming.

Reading and communication resources

Children who find reading, writing or communication challenging may benefit from resources that present information in different ways.

These could include:

• Audiobooks and read-aloud stories

• Books with clear layouts and accessible text

• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools

• Picture-based communication resources

• Story sequencing cards

• Word games and vocabulary activities

Libraries, schools and specialist organisations may be able to recommend accessible reading materials and communication tools for your child's needs.

Digital SEND resources

Educational technology can offer additional ways for children to engage with learning. Depending on your child's needs, you might explore interactive educational games, digital flashcards, reading accessibility tools or apps that help organise routines.

When choosing digital resources, look for clear instructions, adjustable difficulty levels and accessibility features. It's also worth checking whether a resource is suitable for your child's age, interests and learning needs before introducing it.

At Explore Learning, we created our own smart learning technology: Compass. This award-winning tool adjusts continually to match your child’s needs, with audio support and accessibility built in.

Ways to support your child's learning at home

Alongside specialist SEND resources, small changes to everyday learning activities can help children feel more comfortable and confident.

1. Create a comfortable learning environment

Find a space where your child feels safe and ready to learn.

Some children prefer a quiet area with fewer distractions, while others may find movement, background sounds or sensory tools helpful. Ask your child what makes learning easier for them and adapt the space where possible.

2. Break activities into smaller steps

Long instructions or complicated tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. Try breaking activities into shorter stages, with clear instructions and opportunities to pause.

For example, rather than asking your child to complete an entire worksheet, you could focus on a few questions at a time.

3. Use everyday activities to practise skills

Learning opportunities are everywhere, and they don't always need to feel like schoolwork.

Cooking can introduce measuring and fractions, shopping can encourage counting and budgeting, and reading together can help develop vocabulary and comprehension.

Choose activities your child already enjoys to make practising new skills feel more natural.

4. Offer different ways to learn

Children may find some ways of accessing information easier than others.

You could experiment with pictures, spoken explanations, practical demonstrations or written instructions to see which approaches are most useful.

Give your child opportunities to show what they understand in different ways, too.

5. Build in breaks and flexibility

Some children benefit from shorter activities with regular breaks. Rather than following a rigid schedule, consider your child's energy levels, attention and comfort.

A flexible routine can help you balance learning with play, rest and other activities.

6. Celebrate progress

Recognising your child's effort can help build confidence and motivation.

Celebrate achievements that matter to them, whether that's finishing a story, trying a challenging activity or asking for help when they need it.

Progress doesn't always happen in a straight line, and every small step is worth recognising.

7. Encourage your child to communicate their needs

Helping children recognise and communicate what they find difficult can build confidence and independence.

Encourage your child to tell you when they need help, a break or a different explanation. For children who find verbal communication challenging, visual prompts, pictures or other communication tools may be useful.

Make sure they know it's okay to ask questions and that needing additional support is nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Where to find special educational needs support

Finding reliable information can make navigating SEND support feel less overwhelming.

There are several organisations and services offering free advice, guidance and special educational needs resources for families.

Your local council's SEND Local Offer

Every local authority in England must publish a SEND Local Offer, explaining the education, health and social care services available for children and young people with SEND in its area.

Your council's Local Offer may include information about:

• SEND support in schools

• Local activities and community groups

• Health and therapy services

• Parent support networks

• Specialist education services

• Advice on accessing additional support

To find yours, search online for "[your local authority] SEND Local Offer".

Contact

Contact is a UK charity supporting families with disabled children.

It provides practical advice, information and opportunities to connect with other parents facing similar experiences.

Families can explore guidance on education, benefits, health and everyday challenges.

IPSEA

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) offers free information and advice about SEND law in England.

Its resources can help parents understand their children's educational rights, including support in school and Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans.

SENDIASS

SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support to children and young people with SEND and their parents or carers.

These services can help families understand education processes, communicate with schools and navigate local SEND support.

You can find your local service through your council's website or SEND Local Offer.

National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society provides information and guidance for autistic people and their families.

Its resources cover education, communication, sensory differences and everyday experiences.

British Dyslexia Association

The British Dyslexia Association offers information and resources for people with dyslexia, including guidance for parents and educators.

Families can explore advice about literacy, learning adjustments and supporting children at school and at home.

Working with your child's school to access SEND support

Your child's school can be an important source of special educational needs support.

If you're concerned about their learning or development, arranging a conversation with their teacher or SENCO can help you understand what support is already available and what might be helpful next.

Here are some questions you could ask:

• What are my child's strengths, and where are they finding things difficult?

• What adjustments or resources are currently being used?

• Are there learning activities we could try at home?

• How will we review their progress?

• Are there any local services or organisations you recommend?

Keeping communication open can help you and your child's school work together.

You may also find it useful to share examples of activities, routines or resources that work well at home.

Finding additional SEND resources and guidance

Finding the right resources can take time, particularly when your child's needs change as they grow.

Start with the activities and tools that match your child's current interests and challenges, and don't feel you need to introduce everything at once.

You can also explore our free learning resources for additional educational activities and guidance to support learning at home. These are general learning resources rather than specialist SEND materials, so choose the ones that suit your child.

If you're looking for more information about how Explore Learning approaches maths and English support for children with additional learning needs, visit our SEND support page.

Remember: There's no single resource or approach that works for every child. What matters most is finding support that recognises their strengths, responds to their needs and helps them feel confident as they learn.