Quick answer: Pastel-coloured whiteboards reduce glare and visual stress for learners with dyslexia, autism, Irlen Syndrome, and sensory processing difficulties. Replacing a bright white board with a soft-toned alternative costs little, needs no specialist training, and supports your obligations under the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act 2010.
Why traditional whiteboards create barriers for some learners
The bright white, high-gloss finish standard on most classroom boards can present real difficulties for pupils with:
- Dyslexia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Irlen Syndrome
- ADHD
- Sensory Processing Disorder
Glare, high contrast, and visual stress can all interfere with a pupil's ability to read from the board, track information across it, and maintain focus. According to the British Dyslexia Association, glare from white backgrounds can significantly reduce reading comfort and performance. The National Autistic Society notes that overly bright or reflective surfaces can cause distress or distraction for many autistic learners.
What pastel whiteboards are and how they work
Pastel whiteboards are dry-wipe boards with soft, tinted writing surfaces. The most common tones are light blue, soft green, warm yellow, and blush pink. These subtle hues reduce the visual intensity of traditional boards, providing a gentler contrast that is easier on eyes that are sensitive to brightness or glare.
Unlike many SEN interventions, pastel boards require no specialist training and no ongoing support. You simply replace an existing board with an accessible alternative. The writing and erasing experience is identical to a standard whiteboard.
Our Chameleon pastel whiteboard range is available in multiple shapes, including sharp-edged, curved, round, and pebble formats, as well as wall-panel configurations for full writing walls. All are non-magnetic by default and available in various sizes to suit classrooms, corridors, break-out areas, and sensory rooms.
The evidence base: colour and learning
Research into colour and cognition points to meaningful differences in how tinted surfaces affect learning:
- Blue backgrounds are calming and can aid concentration.
- Green surfaces are associated with improved reading fluency.
- Yellow tones can support mood and alertness.
- Soft pinks may reduce anxiety and promote a sense of safety.
No single colour works for every pupil, but pastel boards function as a universal design feature: they help many learners without disadvantaging others. This aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which emphasises flexible, low-barrier approaches that work across a wide range of needs.
Meeting your legal duties under UK SEN legislation
Schools in England and Wales have a statutory duty to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. Three pieces of legislation are directly relevant:
The Children and Families Act 2014
Places responsibility on schools to "use their best endeavours" to ensure that children with SEN receive the support they need. Environmental adjustments, including changes to visual display surfaces, fall within this duty.
The SEND Code of Practice (2015)
This statutory guidance stresses inclusive classroom strategies and a graduated approach to SEN support. It states: "Teachers should plan lessons so that all pupils can study every national curriculum subject, ensuring that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving."
The Equality Act 2010
Schools must make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled peers. Replacing a glare-intensive whiteboard is a straightforward, low-cost reasonable adjustment.
Where pastel whiteboards work well
Pastel boards are versatile enough for whole-school deployment, but they are especially effective in:
- SEN and nurture classrooms
- Small group and intervention spaces
- Sensory rooms
- Quiet zones in libraries and corridors
- Whole-class teaching areas prioritising inclusion
If a more permanent, wall-to-wall writing surface would suit your space, our Silk Wall glassboard and Mood Wall glassboard are available in a wide range of colours, including tones suited to calming environments. For a coloured magnetic glass option, see the Premier Coloured Magnetic Glass Wipe Board. All three offer the same glare-reduction benefit as pastel whiteboards, with the added advantages of a glass surface.
Browse the full coloured glassboards collection for a complete overview.
Browse pastel and coloured writing surfaces → whiteboards · glassboards
Free advice, planning, and support
Our team of education specialists can help you choose the right board for your space, whether you are upgrading a single room or planning a new SEN suite. We offer:
- Free site surveys
- Advice on colour selection, layout, and board size
- UK-wide installation
- Fast delivery and dependable service
To discuss your requirements, visit our contact page, call us on 01382 913 913, or email sales@presentationspaces.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Do pastel whiteboards work the same as standard whiteboards?
Yes. Pastel whiteboards use the same dry-wipe surface as standard boards and are erased in the same way. The only difference is the tinted background colour, which reduces glare and visual stress for sensitive learners.
Which pastel colour is best for pupils with dyslexia?
There is no single answer, as individual responses to colour vary. Research and practitioner experience most commonly point to soft yellow and light blue as beneficial for dyslexic learners, as both reduce the high-contrast glare associated with white surfaces. Providing a choice of colour in different spaces is the most inclusive approach.
Are pastel whiteboards suitable for autistic pupils?
Pastel whiteboards can significantly benefit autistic pupils who are sensitive to bright light or high contrast. The softer surface tone reduces visual intensity and can support a calmer, less distracting environment. They are particularly well suited to sensory rooms, nurture classes, and small group intervention spaces.
Can pastel whiteboards count as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act?
Yes. Replacing a high-glare white board with a pastel alternative is a low-cost, practical change that can remove a substantial disadvantage for disabled pupils. It is a straightforward example of a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.
What shapes and sizes are available?
Our Chameleon pastel whiteboard range includes sharp-edged rectangular boards, curved-edge boards, round boards, pebble-shaped boards, and wall-panel configurations for custom writing walls. Sizes vary by product and can be made to measure on some formats.
Can pastel whiteboards be used alongside coloured glassboards?
Absolutely. Schools often pair pastel whiteboards in smaller intervention rooms with coloured glassboards, such as the Silk Wall or Mood Wall, in main classrooms or corridors. Both product families deliver the same glare-reduction and visual-calming benefits, with glassboards offering a more durable, premium finish and optional magnetic surfaces.
