Implementing Widgit Online to support learning across the Romero Catholic Academy

Addressing key challenges

Initially, we adopted Widgit Online to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and EAL, as highlighted in the programme’s marketing materials. However, we quickly discovered that its benefits extended well beyond these groups. Widgit Online proved invaluable for supporting all learners, particularly as schools adapted to the challenges following the pandemic.

To ensure its success, all staff participated in a tailored training session led by a Widgit Education Specialist. This hands-on guidance not only introduced the platform’s features and resources, but also inspired immediate confidence among staff. Many teachers began integrating Widgit into their teaching practices as early as the next day.

Implementation across the trust

The roll-out of Widgit Online began with four of our seven primary schools. Following the appointment of an Inclusion Lead, the programme expanded to include all schools within the MAC, including our secondary school.

“We have quickly seen the impact of using a consistent approach in our visual structures across the MAC. Our staff are also becoming more confident in using Widgit across the curriculum to make the learning more accessible. So much so that lessons have already become more inclusive because of this. Now that we use Widgit MAC-wide, our staff are sharing resources across schools to reduce each other's workload, too.”

– Hannah Gibson, Strategic Lead for SEND

Today, the use of Widgit Symbols is a cornerstone of our SEND Fundamentals Offer.

Practical applications in the classroom

Widgit Online is now deeply embedded in our schools’ daily practices, enhancing our offering in the following key areas:

• Environment: labelling rooms, spaces, resources, and materials, creating a more accessible and inclusive learning environment.
• Curriculum support: introducing and reinforcing key vocabulary across all subjects, especially for early years and younger pupils.
• Writing and oracy: supporting pupils in structuring their ideas and expressing themselves confidently.
• Engagement: posing questions, providing reminders, and scaffolding learning in an interactive and meaningful way.
• Daily practice: using a visual timetable based on Widgit Symbols, ensuring consistency across the MAC.

Training and ease of use

One of the key advantages of Widgit Online is its intuitive design. With pre-made templates and resources readily available, the platform has reduced teacher workload significantly. The bespoke training we received further streamlined the adoption process, equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence needed to maximise the programme’s potential.

Key benefits

The impact of Widgit Online has been transformative across our schools. The software helps us to:

• Make communication accessible to all pupils, reducing barriers to learning.
• Enhance vocabulary acquisition and oracy skills.
• Build confidence and support engagement across the curriculum.
• Lighten the workload for teachers, allowing them to focus more on teaching and less on preparation.

Recommendation and advice

We wholeheartedly recommend Widgit Online to other MACs / trusts and schools.

To ensure successful implementation, we advise:

1. Providing bespoke training to staff to build confidence and familiarity with the software.
2. Integrating Widgit into the core offer for SEND and other key areas to ensure consistent use.
3. Leveraging templates and shared resources to maximise efficiency and minimise workload.

“We have found using a consistent approach with Widgit across all our primary schools invaluable. Purposeful, well-planned resources adapted for learning to make abstract concepts accessible – or a visual timetable created for individuals, groups or classes – means that as they move through their journey in school, they easily adapt as the curriculum becomes more demanding.

“We have also introduced Widgit Symbols within our secondary school, so pupils with additional needs can easily transition to the curriculum as it is very familiar. It is also used in departments to support students with EAL and lower reading ages to access the vocabulary they need.”

– Helen Quinn, CEO