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SEND support: Dual coding - Use of visuals and words

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6-11 year-olds 'The Village'

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for EAL and multilingual learners

Image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background

Independent learning • small-group teaching • differentiation in class • high interest, low level reading support

For 6-11 year-olds

11-16 year-olds 'The Islands'

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for EAL and multilingual learners

Image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background

Independent learning • small-group teaching • differentiation in class • high interest, low level reading support

For 11-16 year-olds

Post-16/adults (Community Village)

Blended vocabulary, language structure and reading programme for ESOL and multilingual adult learners

Supporting school community members with their integration into school community life!

High interest, low level reading - image as the language of instruction for learners of ANY language background.

AssessEP

Across Cultures English Proficiency Assessment (AssessEP) is an easy assessment to administer, suitable for learners aged 7+ through to adult.

EAL Consultancy

A virtual consultancy process at your own pace and at a time convenient for you aiming to provide staff with the skills and resources needed to successfully support language learners within the demands of the curriculum and of a multilingual world.

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Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist

Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Dual coding, developed by Allan Pavio, is a teaching method that combines different types of stimuli to support students to learn and remember information. It is particularly beneficial for learners with special educational needs. An example might be combining words with pictures or audio with text.

Tip or Idea: Start with an image and ask students to explain in their own words what they mean or flip it around and provide students with a word and ask them to draw or create their own image.

Free resource to help you with this activity: Dual coding is key to the Learning Village programme. Try using our exercise resources to see how the combination of images and words can help your learners.

SEND support: Working with students and families

Created: Mon 16th Jun 2025

It is widely recognised that young people and their families should be at the heart of their educational journey. The phrase “nothing about us without us” simply and powerfully reflects the need to include young people and their families in decisions that affect them. Pupil voice can provide crucial insights into the needs of young people with SEND. Parents can also provide a valuable overview of a child’s needs, strengths, and challenges. Using these insights to guide learning opportunities can enhance engagement, enjoyment and, ultimately, progress.

SEND support: Learning to learn

Created: Wed 13th Nov 2024

We all learn in different ways. Helping your students to identify what works best for them is really important. Do they prefer visual aids, make links with existing learning or use movement and actions to help them remember things? Identifying their own personal preferences and effective practices will benefit lifelong learning and help your students to succeed.

SEND support: Assistive Technology

Created: Tue 2nd Jun 2026

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in education, by removing barriers to learning, especially for students who face challenges in traditional classroom settings. It is becoming a greater priority within education.

For the first time, the UK’s Department for Education plans to include training on assistive technology for all new teachers. There is a vast range of assistive technology from mobility aids to communication tools and visual aids.

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