At Green Fold School in Bolton, a single switch press, a glance, or a tiny movement can unlock a world of communication and learning. Using HelpKidzLearn’s Games and Activities, students with PMLD and autism engage in new ways - building independence, making choices, and finding their voice. But how does it work in practice? Let’s take a look.
With a commitment to inclusion and a deep understanding of each child's unique way of interacting with the world, Green Fold is a place where every small achievement is celebrated. Using HelpKidzLearn’s Games and Activities, teachers like Caitlin McNiven are transforming the way students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and autism engage with their education.
Green Fold School is a maintained special school for children aged 4-11 with a wide range of complex educational needs. Part of the Orchards Federation, Green Fold has created an inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is supported to reach their full potential. Recently recognised with the School of Sanctuary Award (2024), the school is known for its dedication to providing a welcoming space for all students, celebrating diversity, and developing a true sense of belonging. With over 150 pupils across four sites, Green Fold ensures that each learner - whether in the PMLD department or autism cohort, receives personalised support. Their approach is all about meeting children where they are and providing the right tools to help them grow.
For over five years, Green Fold School has been using HelpKidzLearn Games and Activities as an integral part of their teaching. The software provides accessible, engaging, and interactive learning experiences tailored to different student needs. During our visit, we saw students using switch access, eye-gaze, and touch screens to engage with activities in their own unique ways. Some were developing early cause and effect understanding, while others were progressing towards choice-making and communication. Caitlin enjoys how engaged children are. “When I’ve done number lessons, previously some children haven’t engaged very well - but when we put on HelpKidzLearn Games and Activities , ‘5 Little Monkeys’ number song the children jump up straight away for their turn and touch the screen and then they stand and watch it play.”
At Green Fold, teachers are highly attuned to the subtle ways students express their engagement. Many children with PMLD communicate through small but significant movements, and HelpKidzLearn provides an interactive way to encourage their responses. Seeing these responses, no matter how small, is a breakthrough for educators working with children who have limited means of expression. Over time, students who once only watched the screen begin to press switches, anticipate events, and even make choices - clear signs of learning and progress.
A major goal at Green Fold is to give students the ability to make choices - a crucial skill for developing independence. Teachers support this in different ways: • Some children use printed thumbnails of games and point to their choice. • Others with limited motor skills are given two hands with different options, responding by looking or gesturing. Caitlin explains the excitement this builds: “You see the anticipation - they become vocal, move excitedly, and they know what’s coming next. That moment of choice is so powerful.”
One of the most heartwarming aspects of using HelpKidzLearn is how it helps students connect with their teachers and peers. The software doesn’t just engage them in activities, it encourages social interactions. Even children who struggle to express themselves find ways to show their excitement and connection, whether through eye movements, finger twitches, or vocalisations.
HelpKidzLearn is more than just a set of digital activities, it’s a tool that empowers children to engage, communicate, and progress at their own pace. A huge thank you to Green Fold School for welcoming us and sharing their incredible work. Watching the dedication of teachers like Caitlin and the enthusiasm of the students was inspiring. Their approach ensures that every child, no matter their ability, has a way to learn, engage, and be heard, which is exactly what inclusive education should be.
