Silly Scott Home Schooling Blog
Children’s Entertainer Portsmouth Silly Scott has listed online educational resources to help with home schooling your children during the current coroniavirus covid-19 pandemic.
These websites have been identified by some of the country’s leading educational experts and offer a wide range of support and resources for pupils of all ages.
The list includes subject-specific resources for:
- English
- maths
- science
- PE
- wellbeing
- Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
English
This initial list of English resources is based on recommendations from English Hub schools and trusted teachers.
Reading, especially for primary age children, is critical to their educational development and something that families can do together.
Some publishers are making their catalogues available for free. Schools should check what is available for the books used in their schools
English: primary
Phonics
Schools should seek advice from their phonics programme provider about resources that are available to support remote phonics learning at home. For example, Read Write Inc. (RWI) has made video content freely available online.
DfE’s validated phonics programmes are:
- Floppy’s Phonics Sounds and Letters
- Jolly Phonics
- Letterland Phonics
- Letters and Sounds (supplemented by closely matched and fully decodable books)
- Phonics Bug
- Phonics International
- Read Write Inc.
- Sound Discovery
- Sounds-Write
However, some schools will use programmes not on this list.
English Hub schools are developing resources for schools that use Letters and Sounds.
Audible
Website: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: all children’s audiobooks are available for free while schools are closed.
Registration: not required
Authorfy
Website: https://authorfy.com
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: access to masterclasses on texts from a range of authors, including videos from the authors and activities linked to novels.
Registration: is required
BookTrust
Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, including fiction and non-fiction. Family activities are included in the ‘Home Time’ section.
Registration: not required
Classroom Secrets
Website: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/free-home-learning-packs/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs which cover a range of subjects, including reading and writing.
Registration: not required
Elevenses with the World of David Walliams
Website: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: one free audio book reading is available to listen to every day.
Registration: not required
English Mastery
Website: https://www.englishmastery.org/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource books providing 8 weeks of activities.
Registration: not required
Literacy Shed
Website: https://www.literacyshedplus.com/en-gb/browse/free-resources
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs with tasks based on video clips on YouTube.
Registration: not required
Love Reading 4 Kids
Website: https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, covering fiction and non-fiction.
Registration: not required
Pobble 365
Website: https://www.pobble365.com/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a new image is published each day as a basis for creative writing. Story starters, questions and drawing ideas are provided.
Registration: not required
Poetry by Heart
Website: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: a wide selection of poetry covering different topics
Registration: not required to view poems, but it is required to access teaching resources.
Purple Mash
Website: https://2simple.com/purple-mash/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: free during the school closure period. Each week, a selection of daily activities is produced on different subjects, including comprehension and grammar.
Registration: is required
Storytime with Nick
Website: https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/help-during-school-closure/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: available from Monday 20 April. Films of well-loved stories read by Nick Cannon, a trained actor, teacher and trainer.
Registration: not required
The Children’s Poetry Archive
Website: https://childrens.poetryarchive.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an archive of spoken poetry recordings. Children can listen to poems read out loud.
Registration: not required
The Day newsletter
Website: https://theday.co.uk/subscriptions/the-day-home
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a daily newsletter for parents and carers at home with children, helping to enrich learning with real-world knowledge and skills.
Registration: is required
English: secondary
Audible
Website: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: all children’s audiobooks are available for free while schools are closed.
Registration: not required
English Mastery
Website: https://www.englishmastery.org/
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: downloadable resource books providing 12 weeks of activities covering writing and poetry.
Registration: not required
English and Media Centre
Website: https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/publications/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: downloadable resources covering a range of texts for key stage 3. GCSE resources are categorised by examination board.
Registration: not required
Pobble 365
Website: https://www.pobble365.com/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: a new image is published each day as a basis for creative writing. Story starters, questions and drawing ideas are provided
Registration: not required
Poetry by Heart
Website: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: A wide selection of poetry covering different topics.
Registration: not required to view poems, but it is required to access teaching resources.
Seneca
Website: https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Age+Group=GCSE&Subject=English+Language
Key stages: key stage 4
Description: a range of downloadable resources covering the GCSE curriculum, categorised by examination board.
Registration: not required
The Children’s Poetry Archive
Website: https://childrens.poetryarchive.org/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: an archive of spoken poetry recordings. Pupils can listen to poems being read aloud.
Registration: not required
The Day newsletter
Website: https://theday.co.uk/subscriptions/the-day-home
Key stages: key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5
Description: a daily newsletter for parents and carers at home with children, helping to enrich learning with real-world knowledge and skills.
Registration: is required
Maths
This initial list of maths resources is based on recommendations from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and maths teachers.
Some maths publishers are now making their offers to schools free or providing free trials. Schools already using a trusted or familiar maths package should continue to do so.
Maths: primary
Hamilton Trust (home learning section)
Website: https://www.hamilton-trust.org.uk/blog/learning-home-packs/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs with teacher guidance. A week’s worth of resources is provided for each year group.
Registration: not required
Mathematics Mastery
Website: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/free-resources
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils.
Registration: not required
Nrich
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a range of activities. Some are interactive and some are to be completed offline. Activities are categorised by age range.
Registration: not required
Numberblocks
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-with-maths
Key stages: early years foundation stage and key stage 1
Description: videos for numeracy development designed for children aged 0 to 6. There are fun activities that can be applied to everyday life and play.
Registration: not required
Top Marks
Website: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group.
Registration: not required
White Rose Maths (home learning)
Website: https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents. New material is being released each week.
Registration: not required
Maths: secondary
Bowland Maths Resources
Website: https://www.bowlandmaths.org.uk/
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: downloadable assessments on a range of subjects, including sample answers and assessment tips.
Registration: not required
Corbett Maths
Website: https://corbettmaths.com/contents/
Key stages: key stage 4
Description: a range of videos and downloadable questions categorised by topic and predicted grade.
Registration: not required
Hegarty Maths
Website: https://hegartymaths.com/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: interactive activities including videos and questions. Teachers can track student progress and tailor next steps
Registration: requires school registration
Integral
Website – Core maths: https://amsp.org.uk/teachers/core-maths/resources
Website – A level maths: https://amsp.org.uk/news/free-resources-190320
Key stages: key stage 5
Description: teaching and learning materials for level 3 core maths, A level maths and A level further maths.
Registration: requires school registration
MangaHigh
Website: https://www.mangahigh.com/en-gb/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: interactive maths resources, including topic-specific questions and games that allow teachers to track student progress and set activities.
Registration: requires school registration
Mathigon
Website: https://mathigon.org/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: interactive maths resources that allow teachers and parents to track student progress and set activities.
Registration: not required
Maths Kitchen
Website: https://mathskitchen.com/topics
Key stages: key stage 4
Description: an interactive GCSE revision website. Resources are categorised by topic, including video lessons and practice questions.
Registration: not required
Mathematics Mastery
Website: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/free-resources
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils.
Registration: not required
Nrich
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: a range of activities. Some are interactive and some are to be completed offline. Activities are categorised by age range.
Registration: not required
Nrich Core Maths
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/12524
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: games and puzzles as well as mathematical-thinking and problem-solving questions. Content is categorised by topic and age group.
Registration: not required
Nrich ‘Solving Together’ project
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/solvingtogether
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: this is a project that provides activities for parents and carers to try with children.
Registration: not required
Sparx
Website: https://sparx.co.uk/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: a virtual classroom which supports teachers in building and running lessons as well as tracking pupil progress.
Registration: requires school registration
STEP Support Programme
Website: https://maths.org/step/welcome
Key stages: key stage 5
Description: the STEP Support Programme is offered by the University of Cambridge to help university applicants develop their advanced mathematical problem-solving skills and prepare for STEP mathematics exams. Assessments are downloadable.
Registration: not required
Top Marks
Website: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group.
Registration: not required
Underground Maths
Website: https://undergroundmathematics.org/
Key stages: key stage 5
Description: a range of interactive tasks and questions linked to the A level maths and further maths curriculums.
Registration: not required
White Rose Maths (home learning)
Website: https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
Key stages: key stage 3
Description: presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents. New material is being released each week.
Registration: not required
Science
This initial list of science resources is based on recommendations from learned societies, including:
- the Association for Science Education (ASE)
- The Royal Society
- the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
- the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- the Institute of Physics (IOP)
These resources link closely to the national curriculum, however there are many other resources supporting enrichment and practical activities available on the societies’ websites and elsewhere.
Science: primary
BBC Bitesize
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: interactive resources covering the primary science curriculum.
Registration: not required
STEM Learning
Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-science
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: an online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.
Registration: is required for some resources
Science: secondary
BBC Bitesize
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: interactive resources covering the key stage 3 and key stage 4 science curriculums. Includes separate sections for biology, physics and chemistry.
Registration: not required
Institute of Physics (IOP)
Website: https://spark.iop.org/supporting-schools-and-colleges-during-covid-19
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: a set of articles and resources designed to support teachers who are teaching remotely.
Registration: not required
Isaac Physics
Website: https://isaacphysics.org/
Key stages: key stage 4 and key stage 5
Description: online problem-solving activities and regular live video tuition to support teachers and students. The content focusses on physics but also covers some maths and chemistry.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Website: https://edu.rsc.org/remote-teaching-support
Key stages: key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5
Description: a set of articles and resources designed to support teachers who are teaching remotely.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
STEM Learning
Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/curated-collections/secondary-and-level-science-0
Key stages: key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5
Description: an online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.
Registration: is required for some resources
Physical education (PE) and physical activity
This initial list of physical education (PE) and physical activity resources is based on recommendations from:
- the Association for Physical Education (afPE)
- Public Health England (PHE)
- Sport England
- the Yorkshire Sport Foundation (YSF)
These resources will help young people to get the daily 60 minutes of activity recommended by the UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in fun ways.
All the resources listed here are for activities designed to be carried out indoors or, if available, a garden.
Children and young people can go outside for one form of exercise a day, such as:
- a walk with members of their household
- a run with members of their household
- a cycle with members of their household
Outdoor exercise should be carried out locally.
Children and young people should always follow the latest official advice on social distancing, which means making sure that they and their parent or carer stay more than 2 metres from others (including friends and other family members).
PE and physical activity: primary
Boogie Beebies
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvsc
Key stages: early years foundation stage
Description: videos that get younger children up and dancing with CBeebies presenters.
Registration: not required
Disney 10 Minute Shakeups
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: 10-minute activities based on Disney films that count towards a child’s 60 active minutes per day.
Registration: not required
Super Movers
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos which help children move while they learn. They support curriculum subjects, including maths and English.
Registration: not required
#ThisIsPE
Website: https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/thisispe-supporting-parents-to-teach-pe-at-home/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos delivered by teachers focussing on the PE curriculum which are accessible on YouTube.
Registration: not required
PE and physical activity: secondary
Fitness Blender
Website: https://www.fitnessblender.com/
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: videos featuring a range of exercises and workouts. You can choose exercises by: degree of difficulty, type, gender and whether equipment is needed or not.
Registration: not required
#ThisIsPE
Website: https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/thisispe-supporting-parents-to-teach-pe-at-home/
Key stages: key stage 3 and key stage 4
Description: videos delivered by teachers focussing on the PE curriculum which are accessible on YouTube.
Registration: not required
Mental wellbeing
This initial list of mental wellbeing resources is based on the recommendations of trusted partners.
It is designed to provide guidance on how to support the wellbeing of children and young people being educated remotely.
Many organisations already working with schools will be able to provide remote support, and schools are encouraged to discuss what ongoing support might be available during this time.
Mental wellbeing: primary
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
Registration: not required
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Registration: not required
Children’s Commissioner
Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus.
Registration: not required
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
The Child Bereavement Network
Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.
Registration: not required
Mental wellbeing: secondary
BPS
Website: https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-blogs
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Registration: not required
Children’s Society
Website: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/coronavirus-information-and-support
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: information and support on different aspects of mental health and wellbeing.
Registration: not required
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Registration: is required
Rise Above
Website: https://riseabove.org.uk/topic/my-mind/
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: videos with tips on gaining confidence, dealing with anxiety and coping strategies from other young people.
Registration: not required
The Child Bereavement Network
Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx
Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.
Registration: not required
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
This initial list of SEND resources has been developed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity and is based on the recommendations of:
- trusted organisations
- charities
- multi-academy trusts
- special education headteachers
We encourage parents, teachers and schools to explore beyond this list to identify what support is best for their children and pupils with SEND.
SEND: apps and games
(Apps must be downloaded onto a compatible device)
Brain Parade
Website: http://www.brainparade.com/products/see-touch-learn-free/
Description: a visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
HelpKidzLearn
Website: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Description: a collection of games and resources designed for a range of educational needs and stages. It includes provision for school closure.
Sensory App House Ltd
Website: https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/
Description: a range of apps are available for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) or Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). All are interactive and many do not require significant coordination abilities.
Visuals2Go
Website: https://www.visuals2go.com/
Description: an all-in-one app created to support people with communication and learning difficulties. For verbal and non-verbal learners.
SEND: resources for teachers
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/media/11160/supporting-schools-and-colleges.pdf
Description: a downloadable guide to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption.
Registration: not required
Do2Learn (USA)
Website: https://do2learn.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources grouped by theme. Themes include: social skills, songs and games, and picture cards.
Registration: not required
Inclusive Teach
Website: https://inclusiveteach.com/free-printable-sen-teaching-resources/
Description: downloadable teaching resources to support pupils with SEND.
Registration: not required
PMLD thematic units – from the Northern Ireland Curriculum
Website: http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/curriculum_microsite/SEN_PMLD_thematic_units/index.asp
Description: comprehensive guidance on themed activities for learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). A full sensory curriculum is offered.
Registration: not required
Priory Woods School
Website: http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/page/?title=Resources&pid=3
Description: resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SEND teachers. The resources include apps and programmes.
Registration: not required
SEND Gateway
Website: https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/whole-school-send/find-wss-resources/nqt-videos.html
Description: A range of SEND guidance videos created in collaboration with the Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY) in addition to many other experts within the sector. Aimed at Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs).
Registration: not required
SENict Activities
Website: https://www.ianbean.co.uk/senict-members-resource-portal
Description: downloadable activities aimed particularly at Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) learners.
Registration: not required
SEN Teacher
Website: https://www.senteacher.org/
Description: downloadable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities.
Registration: not required
Speech and Language Kids
Website: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/free-speech-language-resources/
Description: a range of education and therapy resources for speech and language problems. A podcast is also available on iTunes for verbal and non-verbal children.
Registration: not required
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Website: https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/
Description: a range of downloadable resources to support blind and visually impaired pupils.
Registration: is required
UCL Centre for Inclusive Education
Description: a guide to help parents adjust to remote learning by providing advice and links to resources.
Registration: not required
Other resources
There are other resources available. BESA’s LendEd website and the EdTech Impact website, for example, include varied resources that teachers already use and rate within the websites.
These have not been verified by DfE’s educational experts but we have included them on the list because they also cover other areas of the curriculum that are not covered above.