I’m Kate Coldrick, a qualified teacher with over 25 years’ experience across mainstream and specialist settings. My work has included secondary teaching, Functional Skills and GCSE English tutoring, Montessori early years training, and teaching Key Stages 1 to 3 in a specialist ASD residential school. As an autistic teacher and parent of autistic children, I create autism-friendly and neurodivergent-accessible English resources for classroom and home learning.
I’m Kate Coldrick, a qualified teacher with over 25 years’ experience across mainstream and specialist settings. My work has included secondary teaching, Functional Skills and GCSE English tutoring, Montessori early years training, and teaching Key Stages 1 to 3 in a specialist ASD residential school. As an autistic teacher and parent of autistic children, I create autism-friendly and neurodivergent-accessible English resources for classroom and home learning.
Writing Sentences - Entry Level Practice for Functional Skills English
I designed this sentence-writing resource to support learners working at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Functional Skills English. It’s ideal for building writing confidence, sentence control, and grammatical accuracy in a step-by-step way, and it’s especially helpful for learners who need structure, repetition, and clear examples.
What’s included:
Sentence models for each entry level, with simple explanations and example structures;
Targeted writing prompts with space for learner responses.
Practice tasks gradually increase in complexity:
Entry Level 1: one idea per sentence with capital letters and full stops;
Entry Level 2: simple compound sentences using and, but, so, because;
Entry Level 3: complex sentences using when, before, after, unless - with comma guidance.
This resource complements my Progression of Skills in Functional Skills Writing planning tool - or can be used on its own for focused practice.
Format:
✔ Ready-to-use printable PDF
✔ Ideal for one-to-one, classroom or home learning
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
This free sample is taken from my larger resource Animal-Themed Phonics Progression: Multisensory Activities for Reading and Writing. It offers a playful, structured approach to developing early phonological awareness skills using plastic animal toys - ideal for 1:1 support, intervention groups, or home learning.
What’s Included in this free sample:
A clear introduction to the teaching approach and who it supports;
Guidance on how animal toys can be used to develop key literacy skills;
A handy animal list grouped by phonics phase to support planning and differentiation;
Section 1: Identifying and Producing Rhymes – with 3 fully explained activities;
Section 2: Identifying Syllables – including movement-based tasks and visual sorting.
These sample pages demonstrate how phonics instruction can be made concrete, accessible, and fun using familiar toys and everyday materials.
Ideal for:
Learners working at Phase 1 to Phase 4+ of Letters and Sounds;
Children with phonological delays, dyslexia, or speech and language needs;
Neurodivergent learners, including those with autism or ADHD, who benefit from a visual, tactile, low-demand approach.
Why it works:
Multisensory: Children see, touch, name, and move the toys;
Highly engaging: Combines imaginative play with structured skill-building;
Easy to implement: Clear instructions for each activity;
Builds core skills: Supports listening, syllable awareness, and rhyme discrimination.
If you like this sample, the full version includes:
All 10 sections from rhyme to sentence writing;
Over 30 detailed activity descriptions;
A structured progression from early listening skills to phoneme-level spelling.
Also available in my TES shop:
Animal-Themed Phonics Progression – Full Pack
Ideal for tutors, LSAs, SENCOs, and parents looking for a structured intervention toolkit.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
A clear, parent-friendly hand-out explaining dyslexia, phonological awareness, and how children develop the skills needed for reading and writing.
This printable resource helps parents and carers understand what causes literacy difficulties and why phonemic awareness is so important. It outlines the key stages of reading development, explains how auditory processing difficulties can affect progress, and offers practical suggestions for home support.
Includes:
A printable A4 hand-out
Explanation of dyslexia, phonics, and reading development
Clear section on auditory processing and its impact
Developmental sequence of phonological skills (ages 2 to 7)
Home-friendly support suggestions
Perfect for specialist teachers, SENCOs, tutors, and parents, including those who are home educating, who want to support children with reading and spelling difficulties in a clear and informed way.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
This clear, accessible handout helps parents understand how autism can present differently in girls, why these differences mean many girls are missed or diagnosed late, and how to offer the right support at home and school.
Written in plain language, it covers:
Why girls are often overlooked in autism diagnosis
How masking and camouflaging work, and their emotional cost
Differences in sensory processing between girls and boys
Common signs of autism in girls
Practical strategies to support autistic girls at home and in education
Useful contacts for further help
A short “Further Reading” section summarising key research
The guide draws on up-to-date research, including studies on sensory processing, social motivation, and diagnostic bias, and presents it in a way that is parent-friendly and easy to share with families.
Perfect for:
Parents and carers seeking to understand autism in girls
SENCOs and teachers who want to support parents with clear information
Neurodiversity-affirming practice in schools and community settings
This handout is part of my series of parent guides on neurodiversity, designed to support understanding, communication and confidence.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
A free teaching resource on simple, compound, and complex sentences for Functional Skills English writing skills in classroom teaching, tutoring, or home learning. Includes a visual guide, sample worksheet with answers, and extracts from teacher and parent/carer guidance to show how the full pack builds sentence structure skills.
This free sample is a taster of my full Sentence Types Teaching Pack, designed to help learners confidently identify, construct, and use sentence types. It’s suitable for Functional Skills English learners (Entry Level 2 to Level 2) and for home education.
In this free download you’ll get:
An extract from Teacher Guidance to see how the resource supports Functional Skills writing skills.
An extract from the Parent/Carer Guide – explaining sentence types without heavy grammar jargon.
The Sentence Types Visual Guide – clear, colour-coded examples plus a blank template for practice.
Worksheet 1: Label & Identify – Parts A & B, with sample answer key.
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The activities are simple to follow, with clear instructions and examples, making them ideal for classroom teaching or at-home support.
If you find this useful, you can get the full pack with 4 complete worksheets, games, answer keys, and Functional Skills mapping in my TES shop.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 Reading Practice Exam Paper – a complete mock assessment on the theme of Travel and Holidays, designed to mirror the format of official exams.
This practice paper provides three original texts with comprehension questions and a full mark scheme, giving learners realistic preparation for their Entry 3 Reading assessment.
Text 1: A holiday agency leaflet (8 marks)
Text 2: An article about the benefits of seaside holidays (9 marks)
Text 3: A library notice about a free travel advice session (7 marks)
Questions target E3.8–E3.12 of the DfE subject content, covering:
Extracting main points and details from straightforward texts;
Identifying the purpose of texts and intended audience;
Understanding the meaning of words in context;
Using organisational features to locate information.
Why this resource?
Closely matches the style and mark weighting of official Entry Level 3 exams (24 marks in total);
Builds learner confidence with both short-answer and multiple-choice questions;
Clear, uncluttered layout designed to support neurodivergent learners and those who benefit from accessible formatting.
This resource is ideal for:
Functional Skills tutors preparing learners for Entry 3 Reading exams;
Learners wanting extra practice with answers included;
Classroom revision or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my blog.
Discover more resources and guidance on my website.
Developed specifically for the English Functional Skills Entry Level 3 Reading exam, this resource contains:
Text A: Informative guide on how to get involved in community volunteering;
Text B: Friendly letter describing a volunteering experience at a community garden;
Text C: Personal advice article on the benefits of volunteering and how to find opportunities.
Including questions 1–17 and a full mark scheme, this resource offers:
A clear structure and language level ideal for Entry Level 3 learners;
A mix of text formats for assessing different reading skills (informational, transactional, personal);
Question types that align with Ofqual expectations for EL3 (detail retrieval, vocabulary in context, purpose analysis).
This resource:
Is a ready-to-print PDF - no preparation time required;
Covers key assessment objectives: comprehension, language understanding, inference, purpose;
Perfect for mock exams, classroom assessments, or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Developed specifically for the English Functional Skills Level 1 Reading exam, this resource contains:
Text A: Promotional leaflet about a local Community Skills Fair;
Text B: Informational email with key guidance for attendees;
Text C: Forum discussion where visitors share their experiences of the event.
Including Questions 1–15 and a full mark scheme, this resource offers:
A clear structure and language level ideal for Level 1 learners;
A mix of text types for assessing different reading skills (promotional, informational, reflective/personal);
Question types that align with Ofqual expectations for Level 1 (detail retrieval, vocabulary in context, organisational features, fact vs. opinion, comparison).
This resource:
Is a ready-to-print PDF - no preparation time required;
Covers key assessment objectives: comprehension, inference, understanding of tone, structure and purpose;
Perfect for mock exams, classroom assessment, or independent revision.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 Reading Practice Exam Paper – a complete mock assessment based on the DfE subject content, ideal for learners preparing for Entry Level 3 exams.
This brand-new practice paper mirrors the format and style of official Functional Skills Entry 3 Reading assessments. It provides three original texts on the theme of Healthy Living and Fitness, each with comprehension questions and a full mark scheme.
Text 1: A gym leaflet (8 marks)
Text 2: An article on the benefits of walking (10 marks)
Text 3: A college notice about healthy eating workshops (8 marks)
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Questions target E3.8–E3.12 of the DfE subject content, covering:
Identifying main points and details in straightforward texts
Understanding the purpose of texts
Using context to find the meaning of words
Recognising organisational features (e.g. headings, bullet points)
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Why this resource?
Realistic practice in the same format as live exams
Helps learners build confidence with both short-answer and multiple-choice questions
Clear layout with consistent formatting, accessible for neurodivergent learners and those who benefit from uncluttered design
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This resource is ideal for:
Functional Skills tutors preparing learners for Entry Level 3 Reading exams
Learners wanting self-study practice with answers included
Revision sessions in class or at home
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For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 Reading Practice Exam Paper – a full mock assessment on the theme of Community and Volunteering, created to mirror the format and style of official Entry Level 3 Reading exams.
This practice paper contains three original texts with comprehension questions and a full mark scheme, providing learners with realistic preparation for their Functional Skills English Entry 3 Reading assessment.
Text 1: A community leaflet promoting a Clean-Up Day (8 marks)
Text 2: An article on the benefits of volunteering (11 marks)
Text 3: An internet forum post with replies about volunteering (7 marks)
Questions assess the full range of E3.8–E3.12 DfE subject content, including:
Identifying and extracting main points and details;
Understanding the purpose and audience of straightforward texts;
Using context to work out word meanings;
Recognising organisational features such as sections, headings and bullet points.
Why this resource?
Closely follows the layout and mark weighting of official exam papers;
Builds learner confidence with a variety of question types, including multiple choice, short answer, and True/False tasks;
Clear, uncluttered design makes it accessible for neurodivergent learners and those who benefit from straightforward formatting.
This resource is ideal for:
Functional Skills tutors supporting learners preparing for Entry 3 Reading exams;
Learners who want extra practice with answers included;
Classroom teaching, revision sessions, or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my blog.
Discover strategies and resources for neurodivergent learners on my website.
Developed specifically for the English Functional Skills Entry Level 3 Reading exam, this resource contains:
Text A: Informative leaflet on everyday animal care;
Text B: Formal complaint letter about cat food;
Text C: Personal advice article on volunteering at an animal rescue centre.
Including questions 1–17 and a full mark scheme, this resource offers:
A clear structure and language level ideal for Entry Level 3 learners;
A mix of text formats for assessing different reading skills (informational, transactional, personal);
Question types that align with Ofqual expectations for EL3 (detail retrieval, vocabulary in context, purpose analysis).
This resource:
Is a ready-to-print PDF - no preparation time required;
Covers key assessment objectives: comprehension, language understanding, inference, purpose;
Perfect for mock exams, classroom assessments, or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Developed specifically for the English Functional Skills Entry Level 3 Reading exam, this resource contains:
Text A: Informative leaflet encouraging people to enjoy local parks;
Text B: Formal complaint letter about poor park conditions;
Text C: Personal advice article on taking part in park activities and community events.
Including questions 1–17 and a full mark scheme, this resource offers:
A clear structure and language level ideal for Entry Level 3 learners;
A mix of text formats for assessing different reading skills (informational, transactional, personal);
Question types that align with Ofqual expectations for EL3 (detail retrieval, vocabulary in context, purpose analysis).
This resource:
Is a ready-to-print PDF - no preparation time required;
Covers key assessment objectives: comprehension, language understanding, inference, purpose;
Perfect for mock exams, classroom assessments, or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Developed specifically for the English Functional Skills Level 1 Reading exam, this resource contains:
Text A: Promotional webpage for an eco-adventure holiday camp;
Text B: Visitor information and camp rules;
Text C: Personal review of a trip to the eco-adventure holiday camp.
Including Questions 1–15 and a full mark scheme, this resource offers:
A clear structure and language level ideal for Level 1 learners;
A mix of text formats for assessing different reading skills (promotional, informational, personal);
Question types that align with Ofqual expectations for Level 1 (detail retrieval, vocabulary in context, organisational features, purpose, comparison).
This resource:
Is a ready-to-print PDF - no preparation time required;
Covers key assessment objectives: comprehension, vocabulary understanding, inference, fact vs. opinion, purpose;
Perfect for mock exams, classroom assessments, or independent study.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Functional Skills English Level 2 Writing Pack: Audience and Purpose – uncluttered, logical and especially suitable for neurodivergent learners.
I created this resource to support learners preparing for Functional Skills English Level 2 Writing, with a particular focus on audience and purpose. At this level, students need to show that they can adapt their writing style, structure and tone depending on who they are writing for and why.
This pack includes:
Clear explanations of what audience and purpose mean, with worked examples to model how writers adapt their language and structure.
Identifying tasks using short extracts, where learners match the text to the correct audience and purpose.
Three extended tasks where students plan and write leaflets for different audiences (young children, students and elderly tourists), supported by planning grids.
Images of Exeter to stimulate ideas, with guidance on how to select details depending on the audience.
A student writing checklist linked to the Level 2 requirements, helping learners review their own work and build exam confidence.
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The resource uses Exeter as an example, but it can be easily adapted for students’ own hometown or any location that feels relevant. To make this flexible, the download includes both a PDF and a fully editable Word document, so you can change the texts and images to suit your learners.
This resource has been designed with neurodivergent learners in mind. It has an uncluttered layout, consistent formatting, clear explanations, and a logical structure that guides students step by step through the activities. The clean presentation reduces cognitive load and helps learners focus on the essential skills they need to develop.
This is a complete, ready-to-use pack that develops the skills learners need for the writing exam while making audience and purpose clear and accessible.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Functional Skills English Level 1 Writing – 25 Unit Workbook (127 pages)
This 127-page workbook covers everything learners need to prepare for the Functional Skills English Level 1 Writing exam. I have written it to take students step by step through the skills required, with clear explanations, guided practice, and exam-style tasks. All the examples and activities are set in realistic, relevant contexts so learners can see how the writing skills apply in everyday and workplace situations.
The layout is uncluttered and consistent, making it especially supportive for learners who are neurodivergent.
What’s inside
25 structured units covering sentence-level skills through to extended writing (note that the preview files contain a watermark that is not included on the full version of the workbook)
A clear and consistent format in each unit: why the skill matters, short practice, Quick Try activities, an extended writing task, and a self-check.
Exam-standard model texts written in the 200–250 word range, so learners know what is expected.
Real-world contexts such as workplace emails, housing repairs, community events, holiday bookings, and formal letters.
A comprehensive appendix with a Grammar Toolkit, Connectives Bank, Writing Checklist (based on exam criteria), Proofreading Guide, and Strong vs Weak writing comparisons with activities.
A personal progress tracker to encourage reflection after each unit.
How it can help
I designed this workbook to save teachers planning time while giving learners structured practice to build confidence. It can be used in classrooms, for one-to-one tuition, or for independent study.
My aim is to provide a complete, all-in-one writing resource that prepares learners thoroughly for success at Level 1.
For more Functional Skills resources and blog posts on inclusive education, visit my website.
Progression of Skills in Functional Skills Writing – Editable Planning Tool (Entry Level 1 to Level 2)
I created this resource as a practical planning tool for teachers delivering Functional Skills English Writing from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2. It’s designed to help you see the full progression of writing skills across the levels, with clear objectives, example tasks, and suggested word counts that reflect the national subject content and assessment requirements.
What’s included:
A fully editable Word document so you can adapt it to suit your learners and teaching style;
A PDF version for quick reference or printing;
Writing objectives mapped out step by step from Entry 1 to Level 2;
Sample activity ideas for each step, linked to likely exam-style tasks;
Guidance on sentence structures, text types, and grammatical expectations;
Approximate word counts to support lesson planning and learner confidence.
I use this framework myself when planning Functional Skills delivery, and I’ve designed it to work flexibly, whether you’re building a full scheme of work or just targeting particular gaps in learners’ skills. It’s especially useful for tutors working in FE, adult learning, AP, or home education settings.
Includes:
✔ Editable Word document (DOCX)
✔ Printable/reference PDF
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Animal-Themed Phonics Progression: Multisensory Activities for Reading and Writing
This comprehensive resource offers a structured, step-by-step progression of phonics and early literacy activities using plastic animal toys as manipulatives. Designed for one-to-one tuition, intervention groups, or home learning, this pack supports the development of key reading and spelling skills through highly engaging, multisensory play.
What’s Included:
Full introduction explaining how the approach supports early literacy and neurodivergent learners
10 progressive sections covering:
Identifying and Producing Rhymes
Identifying Syllables
Identifying Initial Sounds
Identifying Final Sounds
Identifying Medial Sounds
Phoneme Segmentation
Blending Phonemes
Deleting and Manipulating Sounds
Linking Sounds and Letters
Segmenting and Spelling
Over 30 detailed animal-themed activities with clear guidance for delivery
Tips for implementation with children working at Phase 1–4+ of Letters and Sounds
Animal name lists grouped by phonics phase and syllable count
Who is it for:
Tutors, LSAs, and teachers delivering targeted phonics support
SENCOs and intervention specialists
Parents supporting children at home
Learners with phonological difficulties, dyslexia, or speech and language needs
Neurodivergent children who benefit from tactile, movement-based, or visual learning
Why it works:
Builds from early listening to phoneme-level spelling
Uses concrete manipulatives to anchor abstract phonics concepts
Encourages oral rehearsal, visual discrimination, and motor engagement
Easily adapted to suit a range of abilities and attention spans
Includes activities that are oral-only, tactile, or writing-based depending on the learner’s stage
This is a flexible, research-informed toolkit that brings phonics to life through structured, playful interactions. Ideal for EYFS, KS1, and SEND settings.
Also available: a free taster version featuring sample activities from Sections 1 and 2.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
A complete teaching resource on simple, compound, and complex sentences, ideal for Functional Skills English writing skills in classroom lessons, tutoring, or home education. Includes visual guides, scaffolded worksheets, interactive activities, teacher notes, parent/carer support, and full answer keys, mapped to the curriculum for Entry Level 2 through Level 2 learners.
I created this Sentence Types Teaching Pack to give learners a clear, structured way to understand, identify, and confidently use different sentence types. It works equally well for home education, small group work, and targeted interventions.
Inside you’ll find:
Teacher Notes & Guidance – step-by-step explanations with examples, teaching tips, and ideas for differentiation.
Parent/Carer Guide – friendly explanations without heavy grammar jargon, so anyone can support learning at home.
Sentence Types Visual Guide – clear colour-coded examples and a blank template so learners can build their own sentences.
4 fully scaffolded worksheets covering:
– Identifying sentence types and labelling subjects, verbs, and clauses.
– Rearranging complex sentences using “Snap and Swap”.
– Building better sentences with sentence frames and prompts.
– Fixing sentence errors (fragments, run-ons, and comma splices).
Interactive games and activities for hands-on grammar practice.
Functional Skills Mapping Guide – shows exactly how each activity supports the official standards at every level.
Full answer keys for every worksheet.
Perfect for building confidence, improving writing accuracy, and supporting learners to progress in Functional Skills English. All activities are clear, accessible, and adaptable – no clutter, no unnecessary jargon.
For ideas on how I use this resource in 1:1 and intervention settings, visit my website.
Save 50% when you buy this bundle compared to purchasing the four resources individually!
This bundle brings together four carefully designed resources to support the teaching of Functional Skills English Writing from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2. Perfect for tutors, teachers and support staff, the pack is mapped to the official subject content requirements and is designed to build skills progressively, while remaining clear and accessible for all learners.
Included in this bundle:
Progression of Skills in Functional Skills Writing – Editable Planning Tool (EL1 to L2)
– A comprehensive planning guide that clearly shows how writing skills develop across the levels, making it easy to track learner progress and plan next steps.
English Functional Skills – Writing: Sentence Types Teaching Pack (EL2 to L2)
– A visual and structured approach to teaching simple, compound and complex sentences, helping learners gain confidence with sentence variety and accuracy.
English Functional Skills - Writing - Audience and Purpose
– Practical activities to help learners understand how to adapt tone, structure and language to suit different audiences and purposes, a key requirement at Level 1 and Level 2.
Writing Sentences – Entry Level Practice for Functional Skills English (EL1 to EL3)
– Step-by-step sentence writing practice with clear models, explanations and prompts, helping learners build confidence, accuracy and control as they progress from simple sentences at Entry Level 1 to compound and complex sentences at Entry Levels 2 and 3.
Why this bundle?
Save 50% on the individual prices of the resources.
Covers the full writing progression from Entry Level 1 up to Level 2.
Aligned with Functional Skills subject content and assessment requirements.
Editable planning tool and ready-to-use teaching packs save time in preparation.
Clear, uncluttered layouts make the resources especially suitable for neurodivergent learners.
Ideal for use in colleges, training providers, or one-to-one tuition.
With this bundle, you’ll have everything you need to deliver engaging, structured and effective writing lessons that build skills, confidence and exam readiness - at half the price!
Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English – Practice Paper Bundle (6 Papers, 62% Saving)
This bundle brings together six of my Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English Reading practice exam papers. Each paper follows the style and structure of the official exam, with accessible formatting and uncluttered layout to support learners, especially those who are neurodivergent.
By purchasing the bundle, you save 62% compared to buying the resources separately.
Included papers:
Practice Paper 1 – Caring for Animals
Covers pet care advice, a complaint letter about pet food, and tips from a rescue centre. Builds skills in identifying purpose, extracting information, and understanding vocabulary in context.
Practice Paper 2 – Volunteering in the Community
Includes a guide to volunteering, a personal letter about helping at a community garden, and a reflective article on why volunteering matters. Develops reading for detail and recognising different text types.
Practice Paper 3 – Local Parks
Explores the uses of local parks, a complaint letter about poor maintenance, and a set of personal tips on enjoying outdoor spaces. Supports reading for main points, purposes, and practical information.
Practice Paper 4 – Health and Fitness
Features a gym leaflet, an article on the benefits of walking, and a student email about healthy eating workshops. Reinforces identifying key details, organisational features, and persuasive language.
Practice Paper 5 – Holidays and Travel
Presents a travel agency leaflet, an article on the benefits of seaside holidays, and a library notice about a free travel advice session. Helps students practise scanning, skimming, and interpreting information across contexts.
Practice Paper 6 – Community Action
Centres on a community clean-up day leaflet, an article about the benefits of volunteering, and an online forum discussion on volunteering experiences. Strengthens skills in recognising tone, extracting key details, and comparing text purposes.
Why choose this bundle?
6 full Entry Level 3 practice papers;
Clear mark allocations and question targets;
Consistent, neurodivergent-friendly layout;
Suitable for classroom teaching, interventions, and 1:1 tutoring;
Excellent preparation for the Functional Skills Reading assessment.
For more Functional Skills resources and blog posts on inclusive education, visit my website.
