What is the Coloured Overlay Assessment Pack?

The Coloured Overlay Assessment Pack is a complete school-based screening kit that helps staff identify whether a pupil's reading difficulties are linked to visual stress, and whether coloured overlays could help. It is designed for use by SENCOs, teaching assistants, and classroom teachers, with no specialist training required. The pack supports assessment of pupils who may have dyslexia, visual stress (sometimes called Meares-Irlen syndrome), or general visual processing difficulties that affect reading.

How it helps in school

Visual stress can cause words to appear to move, blur, or shimmer on the page, which makes reading tiring and slow. This pack contains two full sets of 16 coloured A5 overlays, so staff can test a pupil's response to each colour using the included reading tests, which are provided in two font styles across eight font sizes. Early identification means schools can put the right support in place quickly, rather than waiting for an external referral.

For schools

• Whole-school assessment tool that can be used repeatedly across different pupils and year groups without needing to buy additional test material.
• Photocopiable recording sheets make it straightforward to keep a paper record for each pupil assessed, supporting SEN provision mapping and the graduated approach.
• Template letters to parents and employers are included, saving staff time when reporting assessment outcomes and recommendations.
• Presented in a sturdy D-ring binder, so the pack stays organised and durable through repeated use in a busy SEN office.
• Suitable for use across primary and secondary settings, from EYFS through to post-16 provision, wherever a pupil shows signs of visual reading difficulty.

Supporting pupils with dyslexia and visual stress

For pupils with dyslexia, visual stress is a commonly co-occurring difficulty, and identifying it early can make a real difference to reading fluency and confidence. For pupils with visual stress specifically, even without a dyslexia diagnosis, the assessment can reveal that a simple coloured overlay reduces visual discomfort and improves reading speed. The pack draws on gold-standard, peer-reviewed research into visual stress interventions, giving staff confidence that the assessment method is evidence-based rather than anecdotal.

The pack includes background information on visual stress symptoms and treatment options, along with a bibliography and web links, so staff who are new to this area can build their understanding alongside carrying out the assessment itself.

Getting started

The pack includes a full, easy-to-follow assessment instruction manual, so staff can begin assessing pupils straightaway. It is a practical, one-off purchase that a school can use again and again as new pupils are identified as needing support.

• Two full sets of 16 A5 coloured overlays (32 overlays in total) housed in sturdy punched zip pockets, allowing side-by-side colour comparison during assessment.
• Reading test pages provided in two font styles across eight font sizes, so assessments can be matched to a pupil's current reading level.
• Full, easy-to-follow assessment instruction manual written for non-specialist staff, including teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants.
• Information booklet covering visual stress symptoms and treatment options, giving staff background context alongside the practical assessment.
• Photocopiable recording sheets for keeping an ongoing written record of each pupil's assessment.
• Template letters to parents and employers, ready to adapt and send once an assessment is complete.
• Bibliography and web links to the underlying peer-reviewed research on visual stress and coloured overlays.
• Sturdy D-ring presentation binder to keep all materials organised for repeated use.
• Whole-school resource suitable for use with pupils from EYFS through to post-16.
• Part of a range recognised with the Education Resources Awards SEN Resource of the Year 2014 (School Edition).

• Screens for both dyslexia and visual stress in one pack. Staff can assess whether a pupil's reading difficulty is linked to visual stress, which commonly co-occurs with dyslexia.
• No specialist training needed. The instruction manual is written for teachers and SENCOs, not just specialist assessors, so any school can carry out the assessment straightaway.
• Reusable across the whole school. Photocopiable recording sheets and two full sets of 16 overlays mean the pack supports repeated assessments year after year.
• May support exam access arrangements. Where an assessment identifies an established need, coloured overlays may be used in exams at the discretion of the exam centre, in line with current JCQ regulations.
• Built on peer-reviewed research. The assessment method draws on gold-standard scientific research into visual stress interventions, not informal observation alone.

What's in the Box

• 2 x sets of 16 A5 coloured overlays (32 overlays total) in punched zip pockets
• 1 x reading test booklet (two font styles, eight font sizes)
• 1 x assessment instruction manual
• 1 x information booklet on visual stress symptoms and treatment
• Photocopiable recording sheets
• Template letters to parents and employers
• Bibliography and web links sheet
• 1 x D-ring presentation binder

Care and Cleaning

Wipe overlays clean with a soft, dry cloth. Keep paper materials and the binder away from moisture.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Accessibility Notes

The assessment manual is written specifically for non-specialist staff, with clear step-by-step instructions. Recording sheets are photocopiable, allowing repeated use without needing to purchase replacement pads.

Safety and Age Suitability

Intended for use by school staff carrying out assessments with pupils, rather than for independent pupil use. Contains overlays and paper components; adult supervision is recommended during assessment.

• What is the Coloured Overlay Assessment Pack used for?
  It is a school assessment kit used to identify whether a pupil would benefit from coloured overlays due to visual stress or dyslexia. Staff test a pupil's reading using 16 different overlay colours and record the results using the included reading tests and recording sheets.
• Is this suitable for assessing dyslexic pupils?
  Yes, this pack is suitable for assessing pupils with dyslexia, particularly where visual stress is suspected alongside their reading difficulty. Visual stress commonly co-occurs with dyslexia, and this pack helps staff establish whether a coloured overlay improves reading comfort and speed.
• Does this help identify visual stress in pupils?
  Yes, identifying visual stress is the core purpose of this pack. It includes 16 coloured overlays and reading tests in two font styles and eight sizes, allowing staff to see whether a particular colour reduces a pupil's visual discomfort while reading.
• Do I need specialist training to use this pack?
  No, the pack is designed for use by non-specialist school staff, including teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants. It includes a full, easy-to-follow assessment instruction manual so staff can begin assessing pupils without additional training.
• What year groups or ages is this pack suitable for?
  This pack is suitable for whole-school use, from EYFS through to post-16 provision. The included reading tests cover two font styles across eight font sizes, so assessments can be matched to different reading levels and ages.
• Can coloured overlays identified through this assessment be used in exams?
  Exam use is decided by the pupil's exam centre in line with current JCQ regulations. Coloured overlays may be permitted as an access arrangement where a pupil has an established need and uses the overlay as part of their normal way of working, subject to the centre's discretion.
• How many pupils can be assessed with one pack?
  The pack can be used to assess an unlimited number of pupils over time, since the recording sheets are photocopiable and the overlays and manual are reusable. It is designed as a lasting whole-school resource rather than a single-use kit.