The library is an easy-to-use online streaming service that works on any mobile or desktop device (no download required). It offers a huge range of fiction and non-fiction titles, including those for children aged 7 and up.
Listening Books supports the National Curriculum from Key Stage 2 to A-Level. Listening to audiobooks allows children and young people to enjoy the same books as their peers, fostering a greater understanding and enjoyment of literature.
All schools connected to the emPSN network have free access to this resource, which they can share with any pupil with SEND – such as Dyslexia, ADHD, or a visual impairment – or an illness.
To use the service please contact us at support@empsn.org.uk and we will provide you with login details.
Your staff and pupils can then visit www.listening-books.org.uk and sign-in with your username and password.
Once you have logged in, simply search for a book or author in the search box or scroll through the list using the Next button at the bottom of the page. When you’ve found a book you want to listen to;
1. Click on the book cover to load the book to the right of the screen.
2. Press “Listen Now” in your browser to open the book and then press Play.
• Encourage SEND pupils to read around a subject such as the Romans, the Cold War, art theory, migration or economics to make revision more fun.
• Encourage literacy hour, where students with SEND can listen to a story read by professional actors.
• Set up a listening post in the school library for pupils who may need a bit of quiet time during the school day.
The titles offered within the taster service are a selection of the 8000+ audiobooks offered by Listening Books. To find out more about a full organisational membership, please contact Claire at Listening Books directly at cbell@listening-books.org.uk.
Pupil Eligibility
Due to Listening Books’ funding stipulations, the Listening Books resource can only be used with students that have an illness, disability or mental health condition.
Eligible conditions include:
Blindness
Diabetes
SEN/Learning Disability
Dyslexia
ADD or ADHD
Grave’s Disease
CFS
Anorexia
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Autism
Glaucoma
Cystic Fibrosis
Asperger’s Syndrome
Cataracts
Muscular Dystrophy
Arthritis
Cancer
Head Injuries
Manual Dexterity Problems
Down’s Syndrome
Amputations
Cerebral Palsy
ME
Mental Health Conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurological Conditions
Heart Conditions
Paralysis
Paraplegia
Quadriplegia
Polio
Spinal Injuries
Spina Bifida
If you are unsure whether a child or young adult would qualify to use the service, on the basis of a condition that isn’t listed here, please contact our membership team at support@listening-books.org.uk.
