Executive Function Visual Routine System | 6 Classroom Routines | SEND Whole-Class Support | KS2-KS4

A complete classroom system of six evidence-informed visual routines that reduce executive function load across the whole school day. Wall cards, pupil desk versions, teacher rationale, and a half-term implementation guide.

Every school day asks pupils to perform the same six EF-demanding transitions over and over. Start a lesson. Switch tasks. Work independently. Ask for help. Finish something. Pack up. When any of these is unsupported, load spills into behaviour, relationships, or shutdown. This system makes each one predictable, visible and practised.
Six complete routines, each presented as a two-page spread. Left page: the printable visual card for the wall. Right page: teacher rationale, EF domains loaded, teacher moves, and a pupil desk version. Built on the evidence that predictability, externalisation and fading adult prompts are the foundation of inclusive classroom practice.
What’s included:
• Worked example — a Year 8 English classroom running all six routines across one 55-minute lesson, with teacher reflections
• Routine 01: Start of lesson — enter, equipment, date and title, start task
• Routine 02: Transitions between tasks — hear the signal, finish the sentence, listen to the change, move and begin
• Routine 03: Independent work — read the brief, try step one, use tools, flag if stuck
• Routine 04: Asking for help — name the block, try three things, flag or hand, ask a real question
• Routine 05: Finishing work — check brief, re-read, fix or add, hand in
• Routine 06: End of lesson — hear warning, pack, note homework, tidy and wait
• Implementation guide — how to introduce the routines across a half-term, with a fade-the-prompts matrix
• Wall poster — all six routines at a glance, print A3 for the classroom
How it helps:
• Works Universal and Targeted simultaneously — the whole class benefits while SEND pupils get structured access
• Reduces behaviour incidents at transition points, which are the most common flashpoint for dysregulation
• Builds pupil independence over time by fading adult prompts while the visual stays
• Gives supply teachers and new arrivals an instant way to access your classroom expectations
• Evidences inclusive classroom practice for Ofsted and SLT
Best for: Class teachers, form tutors, SENCos supporting whole-class inclusion, Heads of Year, CPD leads, and anyone looking to embed EF-informed practice at the Universal tier.
Formats: Print-ready PDF. Cards print A4 or A5 for walls, pupil desk versions print four to a page at A6. Wall poster designed for A3.
Tags
visual routines, classroom routines, SEND whole class, executive function, inclusion, behaviour support, classroom management, SENCo CPD, KS2, KS3, KS4, adaptive teaching, universal provision, graduated approach