Visual timetables

What is a visual timetable?

A visual timetable is a tool that uses images and symbols to represent the sequence of events or activities, typically in an educational setting. 

Why are visual timetables helpful?

Visual timetables are helpful for several reasons:

• Encouraging Independence: Visual timetables help children and young people understand where they should be and what they should be doing at a given time. By following the timetable, children and young people can become more independent and gain self-confidence in completing tasks on their own.
• Supporting Children and Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): Children and young people with SEND benefit from the clarity and predictability provided by visual timetables. These schedules outline a clear sequence of events, reducing anxiety and helping children and young people feel more prepared for the day. Approaches that are helpful to children and young people with SEND are often beneficial for all.
• Reducing Anxiety and Conflict: Once a visual timetable is in place, children and young people know what's expected of them. This works towards reducing unexpected activities that could cause anxiety. In addition, teachers can simply refer children and young people to the timetable rather than repeating instructions.
• Improving Focus and Concentration: Visual timetables help to keep children and young people on track during the day, reducing confusion about upcoming activities. As a result, they can focus better on learning.

What is the national and Norfolk picture?

There has been a significant increase in the number of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Norfolk. Recent Norfolk INDES data shows that 22.6% of the INDES submissions present an SEMH need. Following from the aftermath of COVID-19, Norfolk identified a 75% increase in referrals into their short breaks service; most of which is understood to be for children with SEMH needs. A visual timetable may support a child or young person with SEMH needs to feel more secure as it makes the day feel more predictable.

How does it work?

Using a visual timetable can be a highly effective way to support children and young people's understanding of daily routines. Here is a guide on how to use a visual timetable effectively:

Create or obtain visual symbols

Start by creating or obtaining visual symbols that represent each activity or part of the day. These can be symbols, photos, or icons that are easily recognisable. It is easier if all visuals are uniform in size and type. The use of a corex board makes it easier for staff to attach Velcro and to find the right space in the classroom. Visuals are preferably laminated to reduce the risk of damage when removing from the board.

Placement

The timetable should be in a place that is easy for children and young people to see, for example at the front of the classroom where most of the teaching takes place (placing the timetable on a low stimulus background with space around it makes it easier to access visually). The timetable should always be on show and placed at an appropriate height for the children and young people it is intended to support.

Introduce the timetable

Introduce the visual timetable to children, explaining each symbol and demonstrating how it will be used throughout the day. The timetable can help children anticipate the sequence of events and teach the concept of what's happening "now" and "next." Staff may benefit from working with colleagues who have already used visual timetables to share knowledge and experience.

Whole day, part day or lesson

Timetables should be adapted to meet the needs of children and young people. Primary schools and some specialist settings may use visual timetables that depict the morning schedule up to lunchtime, with additional visuals added for the afternoon. Secondary schools may benefit from lesson-based visual timetables, including components like introduction, group work, individual work, plenary, and transitions to the next lesson. It is important to note that some children and young people may need smaller chunking of the timetable.

Use it consistently

Consistency is key. Refer to the visual timetable throughout the day or lesson to remind children and young people of the upcoming activities. This helps to establish a routine and reduces anxiety.

Adapt for individual needs

If necessary, create individual timetables for children or young people who may need more personalised support. This can include "Now and Next" boards for immediate upcoming activities.

Involve children and young People

• Arrange symbols in the order of the day, using Velcro or blue tac for easy removal. Encourage interaction by having children or young people remove symbols as activities finish and place them in a designated 'finished' box or bag. Make the removal visible to support transitions. In secondary school, teachers can remove visuals themselves as needed.
• Allow children and young people to manage their own visual timetables (if applicable) by checking what's next and moving the symbols themselves. This promotes independence and organisational skills.

 Prepare for changes

Use symbols for surprises or changes to prepare children and young people for unexpected events. This helps them to cope with deviations from the routine.

Remember, a visual timetable is not just a schedule; it's a teaching tool that can help develop various skills, including memory, organisation, and independence. It's also a way to provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting for many children and young people.

What support do we have in Norfolk?

• For further support please see the Norfolk Steps Bitesize briefing on visual timetables being published soon.
• Norfolk Steps provides training and resources to help schools and settings with early intervention and prevention strategies to support positive behaviour. In addition, Norfolk Steps provide behaviour management techniques to respond to behaviours that challenge and/or harm. Simple Steps to Successful Starts! - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council