Building calm, confidence, and independence at Harrington Nursery School

I’m the lead teacher and SENDCo at Harrington Nursery School. When I first tried Widgit Online, my reaction was simple: Wow! Absolute game changer! It makes creating resources to support all of our children and staff quick and simple, while opening up a wide range of new possibilities for materials we can use across the nursery.

We use Widgit Symbols and resources to support non-verbal children, those with communication difficulties, as well as those with English as an Additional Language. Widgit Online has allowed us to create continuity across the setting. Every member of staff uses the same symbol-supported materials, from lanyards and flashcards to stickers and visual timetables, helping children to recognise and use symbols independently as part of their daily routines. It’s wonderful to be able to support children at every level, for example, helping more able children become familiar with symbols and signs so they can support peers who find communication more challenging.

Now, Widgit Online is a key part of our inclusive toolkit. We use it to create:

• Staff lanyards
• Picture timetables
• Reward stickers
• Reminder flashcards
• Family day prompt sheets
• Now and Next / choice prompts
• Resource labelling
• Children’s name stickers and labels
• Routine reminders

Since introducing Widgit Online, we’ve seen clear and positive changes across the nursery. Children are more engaged and enjoy using the symbols to support their peers, for example, during snack time or for handwashing. Many enjoy using the staff lanyards, which feature symbols on one side and corresponding signs on the other, finding this both fun and calming.

As the children have become more familiar with the symbols, they’re able to predict the day’s routine and understand expectations. This has created a calmer, more organised environment, improving focus and helping children feel more secure. Their growing understanding of routines and behavioural expectations has also supported their mental health and wellbeing, creating a more positive, settled atmosphere throughout the nursery.

If I were to recommend Widgit Online to another nursery, I’d say it’s incredibly easy to use, a real time-saver, and offers endless flexibility. You can quickly produce resources that support SEND, EAL, and reluctant communicators, giving every child the chance for their voice to be heard. The ability to upload photos alongside symbols really extends its use, and the sticker function alone saves us hours of formatting time.

I consider Widgit Online an invaluable resource in our nursery. Since using it, I’ve recommended it not only to many other education professionals but also to staff in care homes, hospitals, and community support services. I simply wouldn’t want to be without it.

For Harrington Nursery, Widgit Online has become much more than a teaching aid; it’s a foundation for communication, inclusion, and calm across the entire setting.