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How to make worksheets easier to access Small presentation changes can remove barriers that have nothing to do with the skill being practised — for example, a maths learner struggling because text is small and crowded.
Ages 5+ (rough guide)
Level Guidance
Subject Accessible & SEND-friendly
Time 10 minutes to read
Format Online + printable 1 Learn it2 See it worked3 Try it online4 Print it5 Check your answerBefore you start
Who it's for and what to know first None. Written for parents, carers, teachers and adult learners.
Size: print at 125–150% or choose larger-line paper. Most printers offer ‘Fit to page’ or custom scale. Space: cover or cut the page so only one or two questions show at once. Colour: some people find cream or pastel paper, or a coloured overlay, more comfortable. It helps some, not all. Fonts: clear sans-serif fonts, left-aligned text and 1.5 line spacing are widely recommended for dyslexia-friendly materials. Instructions: one step per line, with a tick box for each. Read them aloud if needed. Answering: allow pointing, saying the answer, using number cards or a scribe. The skill is the goal, not the handwriting. These are general suggestions. Individual needs vary; follow any advice from the learner's school, SENCo or specialist. Worked example 1
A 9-year-old with dyslexia finds a 20-question times-table sheet overwhelming. Print at 140% on cream paper. Fold so 5 questions show at a time. Let them say answers for half the questions while an adult writes. Celebrate each block of 5. Answer: Same practice, far less overload.
Try it online · print it · check it
Practice questions Guidance · ages 5+
Making worksheets accessible Name Date
Choose the best adjustment for each situation.
1. Text looks too small and crowded. Adjustment? 2. A learner loses their place on a busy page. Adjustment: fewer questions visible or colour? 3. Writing is slow but maths is strong. Could they say answers aloud? (yes/no) 4. Which alignment is easier to read for many dyslexic readers: left or justified? 5. Instructions are long and confusing. Should you split them into numbered steps? (yes/no) Choose the best adjustment for each situation.
1. Text looks too small and crowded. Adjustment? larger print 2. A learner loses their place on a busy page. Adjustment: fewer questions visible or colour? fewer questions visible 3. Writing is slow but maths is strong. Could they say answers aloud? (yes/no) yes 4. Which alignment is easier to read for many dyslexic readers: left or justified? left 5. Instructions are long and confusing. Should you split them into numbered steps? (yes/no) yes Making the work easier when only the presentation needed changing. Changing everything at once so you cannot tell what helped. Last reviewed: 25 September 2026
