School Prospectus
Creative Learning For young Minds
Bonniebell & Friends
Primary School Prospectus
Bonniebell & Friends is an inclusive neurodiversity education programme
designed to help primary schools build understanding, empathy, belonging, and practical support for all learners. Through stories, characters, music, discussion and interactive activities, children learn that every brain learns differently.
Our Mission
To help schools move beyond labels and create environments where every child feels seen, understood and valued.
What We Offer
• Whole-class lessons
• Assemblies
• Neurodiversity awareness workshops
• Teacher CPD training
• SEND and inclusion resources
• Character-led learning through Bonniebell & Friends
Programme Themes
• Every Brain is Different
• Understanding Feelings
• Sensory Superpowers
• Learning Our Way
• Friendship and Belonging
• Celebrating Differences
Benefits for Pupils
• Increased empathy and understanding
• Improved emotional literacy
• Greater inclusion and belonging
• Positive attitudes towards difference
• Practical self-regulation strategies
Benefits for Staff
• Greater confidence supporting neurodivergent learners
• Practical classroom strategies
• Stronger inclusive practice
• Resources ready to use in class
CPD Training
Recognise, Don't Label
Topics include:
• Understanding neurodiversity
• Hidden needs and masking
• Sensory differences
• Emotional regulation
• Inclusive classroom practice
Suggested Delivery Options
Bronze: Assembly and resource pack
Silver: Half-day pupil workshops and staff session
Gold: Whole-school programme including CPD, classroom resources and follow-up support
Why Bonniebell & Friends?
The programme focuses on experiences rather than diagnoses, helping children understand and celebrate human differences while supporting the needs of neurodivergent learners.
Bonniebell & Friends Numeracy Framework
A Character-Based Numeracy Resource Aligned to Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
Proposal for Schools and Education Departments
Overview
Bonniebell & Friends is a character-based numeracy framework designed to support Early Level learners through visual, concrete and story-based approaches to mathematics. The framework uses familiar characters as memory anchors to develop number sense, counting, sequencing, place value, addition and subtraction.
Educational Rationale
Many children, particularly neurodivergent learners and those requiring additional support, benefit from concrete and visual approaches before abstract mathematical symbols are introduced. Each character represents a number and becomes a bridge between quantity, meaning and mathematical notation.
Character Number Structure
0 Mama Bell, 1 Alpis, 2 Daddy Cow, 3 Betsey, 4 Lona, 5 Brownie Bug, 6 Reeva Deva, 7 Althol, 8 Dougal, 9 Old Uncle Lorn, 10 Grandma Bell.
Number Village and Place Value Concept
After learning numbers 0–10, children move into teen numbers through the Grandma Bell House concept. Grandma Bell represents ten. Visiting characters create teen numbers: 10 + Alpis = 11, 10 + Daddy Cow = 12, 10 + Betsey = 13 and so on. The model then extends into tens and ones, supporting place value understanding.
CfE Experiences and Outcomes
MNU 0-02a, MNU 0-03a, MNU 0-11a and MNU 0-20a are supported through counting, sequencing, comparing quantities, addition, subtraction and pattern
Progression Pathway
Meet the characters; sequence characters; match characters to quantities; count forwards and backwards; build teen numbers; develop place value; apply addition and subtraction through stories.
ASN and Neurodiversity Support
The framework supports learners through visual representation, storytelling, repetition, structured routines and reduced cognitive load. Character-based learning promotes confidence, engagement and emotional connection to mathematics.
Conclusion
Bonniebell & Friends offers an innovative, inclusive and scalable approach to numeracy aligned with Curriculum for Excellence and suitable for mainstream, ASN and early years settings.
recognition.
Bonniebell & Friends Maths Structure (CfE)
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Focus: Early Level / First Level Numeracy and Mathematics
Purpose: Build confidence with number recognition, counting, ordering, matching, movement, and problem solving.
Daily Lesson Routine
1. Introduce It — Bonniebell: Show the number, shape or maths idea.
2. See It — Alpis: Children find the number on a grid, number line, card, trail or picture.
3. Build It — Lona: Children make the number using counters, cubes, playdough, stones or ten frames.
4. Move It — Athol: Children hop, clap, gallop, step or beanbag-count the number.
5. Find It — Reeva Diva: Children complete a hunt, missing number task, puzzle or problem.
6. Talk About It — Lona: Children explain: Is it more than? Is it less than? What comes before/after? How do you know?
Character Roles
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Alpis — Counting & Number Recognition
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Bonniebell — Number Sense & Understanding
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Athol — Movement Maths & Sequencing
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Lona — Shapes, Sorting & Explaining
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Reeva Diva — Problem Solving & Imagination
Resource Sections
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Number Trails: 1–10, 1–20, missing numbers
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Number Grids: 1–100 with character supports
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Hidden Number Hunts
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Sensory Maths activities
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Movement Maths activities
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Challenge Cards