Six Ways To Spend Your Remaining SEN Budget Before Year-End
As the school year draws to a close, many SENCOs find they still have some of their SEN budget available to spend before the summer holidays. Rather than rushing to use the remaining funds, July is the perfect opportunity to review the past year, consider what you need, and invest in practical resources that will support pupils with dyslexia from the very first day of the new academic year.
The best purchases are those that earn their keep every day in the classroom, helping children become more independent, confident learners. From coloured overlays and reading rulers to writing aids and assistive technology, we’ve put together a practical checklist to help make the most of any remaining SEN budget before September.
1. Top up on coloured overlays
One of the simplest and most cost-effective additions to any classroom is coloured overlays. Many children with dyslexia experience visual stress, which can make words appear blurry, move on the page or become difficult to track while reading, and these overlays help to prevent that, improving reading and comprehension.
Having a range of coloured overlays available means teachers can begin September ready to trial different colours with pupils who struggle with reading. They are inexpensive, easy to store and can be used across multiple subjects, making them a practical investment with an immediate classroom impact.
2. Add reading rulers to every classroom
Reading rulers are another low-cost resource that can make a significant difference. By highlighting one line of text at a time, they help reduce visual distractions and improve tracking, and for children who find it difficult to stay focused while reading, these rulers can increase confidence and reduce fatigue.
3. Refresh your pens, pencils and writing aids
Writing can be physically and mentally demanding for pupils with dyslexia. That is why investing in quality pencils, ergonomic grips and specialist writing aids now means your classrooms will be fully equipped for September.
Consider stocking essentials such as pencil grips for improved comfort and control, ergonomic pencils designed for developing handwriting skills, specialist pens that reduce hand fatigue, and sloping writing boards and supportive classroom accessories. These resources are particularly beneficial when used alongside handwriting practice sheets, helping pupils build confidence and improve letter formation over time.
4. Invest in reading pens and assistive technology
If you have some SEN budget remaining, a reading pen is one of the most practical pieces of assistive technology you can add to your provision, and the C-Pen continues to be a popular choice in schools supporting pupils with dyslexia. It allows pupils to scan printed text and hear words read aloud through headphones or the device's speaker, and for children who struggle to decode unfamiliar words, this can be transformative. Instead of becoming stuck on individual words or relying on adult support, pupils can continue reading independently, maintain their understanding of the text and build confidence in their abilities.
5. Stock up on tinted exercise books
The end of the school year is the perfect time to review your classroom stationery and order supplies ready for September. One simple but highly effective addition is a stock of tinted exercise books. For some pupils with dyslexia and visual stress, bright white paper can make reading and writing uncomfortable, causing text to appear blurry, distorted or difficult to track. Tinted exercise books provide a softer background colour that can make written work more accessible and reduce visual fatigue throughout the school day.
6. Support concentration with fidget resources
Concentration can be a challenge for many children with additional learning needs, but carefully selected fidget toys can help pupils self-regulate and maintain focus during lessons. These products can provide discreet ways for children to channel excess energy without disrupting learning, so having a small selection ready for intervention spaces and calm corners can make a real difference to engagement in September.
Make your remaining SEN budget count
If you are a school looking to get prepared for September, then small, targeted investments can make a significant difference to pupils with dyslexia. From coloured overlays and reading rulers to reading pens, writing aids and tinted exercise books, the most effective resources are those that remove everyday barriers and build independence in real classroom situations.
Explore the full range of dyslexia-friendly classroom resources today, or contact our team to ensure you’re ready to support confident, independent learning from day one of the new school year.