Access to practical lessons

Adaptations and adjusted resources for DT, Science, Food Tech, PE extra-curricular activities.

Design Technology

  • Use tactile methods to check measurements (e.g., hand across upright wood). This enhances spatial awareness and accuracy.

  • Mark wood with a scriber or black pen to improves visibility of measurement lines.

  • Use pre-cut measuring sticks secured with Blu Tack or clamps to support consistent and independent measuring.

  • Provide additional task lighting and trays with contrasting bases to improve visibility and helps organise materials.

  • Use magnets to organise small items to prevents loss of equipment.

  • Offer one-to-one support for sawing with guides and hand-over-hand assistance to ensure safety and builds confidence with tools.

  • Use sanding blocks instead of wheels as this provides better control and reduces risk.


 

Science

  • Use high-contrast lab equipment (e.g., beaker rims, test tube racks) to improve visibility and identification of tools.

  • Use syringes for accurate liquid measurement to enhance precision and control.

  • Mark syringes with tactile indicators to support independent measuring.

  • Use rubber bands to indicate liquid levels to provide a tactile reference point.

  • Provide contrasting cards for collecting powder to improve visibility and reduce spillage.

  • Add food colouring to clear liquids to enhance contrast for easier observation.

  • Use Wikki Stix for tactile diagrams and graphs to supports understanding of visual data through touch.


 

Food Technology

  • Use glass measuring jugs for better visibility to enhance clarity when measuring liquids.

  • Provide tactile measuring sticks or Braille-marked tools to support accurate measuring through touch.

  • Use colour-coded chopping boards and utensils to aid identification and promote safe food handling.

  • Offer alternatives to knives (e.g., scissors, auto choppers, slicers) to reduce risk and supports independence.

  • Use microwave for heating pre-measured liquids to simplify heating tasks safely.

  • Use colanders and safe draining methods to support safe handling of hot liquids and food.

  • Mark utensils with tactile indicators (e.g., elastic bands) to aid identification and orientation.

  • Use tactile methods to check food readiness to enhance independence and confidence in cooking.

  • Provide accessible tools for peeling and measuring to support safe and effective food preparation.

  • Allow glazing with fingertips for tactile feedback to encourage sensory engagement and precision. 


 

PE & extra-curricular sports

  • Purchase specialist sports equipment to enable safe and accessible participation.

  • Invite sports specialists to run inclusive sessions to provide expert-led activities tailored to diverse needs.

  • Focus on skill-building over full team games to encourage confidence and personal progress.

  • Provide access to a fitness centre when PE is inaccessible to ensure continued physical activity in a safe environment.

  • Offer dressing/undressing practice to build independence and prepare learners for PE routines.

  • Apply for extra funding to support participation to secure resources and support for inclusive PE provision.

Resource Description Pricing Stage
Positive Eye Top Tips Sheets Top Tip Sheet - Adaptations in Practical lessons Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
JCQ - Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments Access and adaptations Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Thick/dark lined exercise books Sight Loss Charity website Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Large print maths equipment Web Page - Guidance (maths) Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Adapted PE equipment Web Page - Guidance (adapting PE) Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
RNIB- sport and fitness Advice and guidance - sprots and fitness Free Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Davies Sports: Play, Learn, Compete | Davies Sports Home page for purchasing Sports resources Paid Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Handi Life Sport - Sports, Recreation & Rehabilitation Equipment for blind sports Paid Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
British Blind Sport See Sport Differently | British Blind Sport Web Page - British Blind Sport Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
School Games Website, advice and guidance Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Modification Guidance Web Page - Guidance (class) Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Positive Eye Top Tips Sheets Web Page - Guidance (adaptations) Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Leeds for Learning resources Visual Impairment Team (VIT) | Leeds for Learning Home Page Leeds VI Team Free Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Resources for children with Multiple disabilities and vision impairments (MDVI) Home page - See Ability Free Primary, Secondary, Post 16
Make It Easier To See – Simple Ideas to help people with cerebral visual impairment and brain based visual problems Support for Cerebral Vision Impairment Free Primary, Secondary, Post 16