Supporting SEN Learners with Colour: The Power of Pastel Whiteboards in Inclusive Classrooms
Creating an inclusive, accessible learning environment isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement for schools across the UK. For learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly those with dyslexia, autism, sensory processing difficulties or visual stress, something as simple as the colour of a whiteboard can make a meaningful difference.
At Presentation Spaces, we offer a full range of pastel-coloured whiteboards designed to support inclusive teaching. With their calming hues and glare-reducing surfaces, these non-magnetic boards offer a low-cost, high-impact way to improve access and engagement for all learners.
Why Traditional Whiteboards Don’t Work for Everyone
While whiteboards are a staple in most UK classrooms, the bright white, high-gloss finish can create real barriers for some learners. Pupils with conditions such as:
- Dyslexia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Irlen Syndrome
- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Disorder
…often struggle with glare, visual stress, or contrast issues. This can lead to difficulties reading from the board, tracking information, and maintaining focus.
According to the British Dyslexia Association, glare from white backgrounds can significantly reduce reading comfort and performance. Meanwhile, the National Autistic Society notes that overly bright or reflective surfaces can cause distress or distraction for many autistic learners.
What Are Pastel Whiteboards?
Pastel whiteboards are dry-wipe boards with soft, tinted writing surfaces in colours like light blue, soft green, warm yellow, and blush pink. These subtle hues reduce the visual intensity of traditional boards, providing a gentler contrast for learners who are sensitive to brightness and high glare.
Unlike some SEN tools, pastel boards don’t require any special training or ongoing intervention. They simply replace existing boards with a more accessible alternative – making them one of the easiest, most cost-effective inclusion upgrades you can make in a classroom.
Designed with SEN in Mind
Our Pastel Whiteboard Range has been created to support schools in delivering inclusive teaching in line with UK legislation and educational best practice. Key features include:
- Soft pastel tones for improved readability
- Non-reflective surface to reduce glare and eye strain
- Available in multiple shapes and sizes to suit classrooms, corridors, break-out areas and sensory rooms
Meeting Your Legal Duties Under UK SEN Law
Schools have a statutory duty to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This duty is clearly outlined in several key documents:
The Children and Families Act 2014
This Act places responsibility on schools to “use their best endeavours” to ensure that children with SEN get the support they need.
Read the Children and Families Act 2014
SEND Code of Practice (2015)
This statutory guidance highlights the importance of inclusive classroom strategies and a graduated response to SEN support.
“Teachers should plan lessons so that all pupils can study every national curriculum subject, ensuring that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving.”
Download the SEND Code of Practice
The Equality Act 2010
Schools must make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled pupils are not placed at a disadvantage.
Evidence-Informed Benefits of Colour for Learning
There’s a growing body of research suggesting that colour plays a significant role in how we absorb, retain, and process information. For SEN learners in particular:
- Blue backgrounds are calming and can aid concentration
- Green surfaces are thought to improve reading fluency
- Yellow tones can help with mood and alertness
- Soft pinks may reduce anxiety and promote a sense of safety
While not every pupil will benefit in the same way, pastel boards can be a universal design feature that supports many learners without disadvantaging others.
Where Can Pastel Whiteboards Be Used?
Pastel whiteboards are incredibly versatile. Some popular applications include:
- SEN and nurture classrooms
- Small group or intervention spaces
- Sensory rooms
- Quiet zones in libraries or corridors
- Whole-class teaching areas where inclusion is a priority
Explore the Full Product Range
We offer seven beautiful, SEN-friendly options in the pastel whiteboard collection:
- Chameleon Sharp – A clean-edged pastel board designed for maximum writing clarity in soft tones.
- Chameleon Sharp Wall – Wall-mounted for fixed-position clarity in shared spaces or classrooms.
- Chameleon Curve – Rounded edges make this a soft, friendly addition to any inclusive classroom.
- Chameleon Custom Whiteboard Wall – Create an entire pastel whiteboard wall to suit your space.
- Chameleon Curve Wall – Combines the gentle curves with wall-mounted functionality.
- Chameleon Pebbles – Pebble-shaped pastel boards ideal for calming or creative zones.
- Chameleon Round – A circular board design perfect for sensory or breakout spaces.
Supporting Your School’s Inclusion Goals
Choosing pastel whiteboards is a small change – but one that shows a big commitment to inclusion, accessibility and pupil wellbeing.
They can be installed with minimal disruption, require no training to use, and align neatly with the principles of universal design for learning (UDL). Plus, they support your obligations under the SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act.
Free Advice, Planning and Support
If you’re not sure which board is right for your space, we’re here to help. Our team of education specialists offers:
- Free site surveys
- Advice on layout, colour selection and board size
- UK-wide installation
- Fast delivery and dependable service
Final Thoughts
Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With pastel whiteboards, you can make a meaningful improvement to classroom accessibility and help every learner feel comfortable, calm, and ready to engage.
Whether you’re upgrading a single room or designing a new SEN suite, we’d love to help you choose the right solution.
👉 Explore our pastel range today
📞 Need guidance? Call us on 01382 913 913 or email us anytime.
