The government has announced that up to 4,000 schools will benefit from funding for assistive technology as part of the SEND system for children with additional learning needs.
£1.7 million has been earmarked to create “lending librarires” of assistive devices like dictation software, communication tablets and reading pens. Local schools will be able to borrow from the “library”, sharing the devices with other schools in the area to trial a range of devices that could meet their pupils needs.
The libraries will be set up in 32 local authorities and implement a “try before you buy” model for schools to test out which methods work best for their pupils’ needs before dedicating a large upfront sum for them.
The devices, including reading pens which can scan text and read it aloud, dictation tools which convert spoken word into text, and tablets which leverage images to help non-verbal pupils communicate, will help to support students with a wide range of SEND’s, including dyslexia, autism and ADHD.
The government claims that schools which have introduced some form of assistive technology and increased staff training for additional needs have seen major improvements, with 86 per cent of school staff believing that they had a positive impact on behaviour and 89 per cent witnessing greater confidence among pupils.
Speaking on the investment, Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell said: “We’re committed to reforming the SEND system to break down barriers to learning and achieve excellence everywhere for every child.
“Assistive technology can play a key role in this and unlocks learning for so many children – so that attention difficulties, communication issues or struggles with literacy don’t stand in the way of children learning with their friends at their local school.
“We’re committed to driving inclusivity across all schools and this pilot is a brilliant step towards making that happen, supporting teachers and giving all children the tools they need to achieve and thrive.”
The implementation of assistive technology is also intended to free up teacher and support staff to allow them to “focus on what they do best”, face-to-face-teaching.
The news comes after the government announced on 20th June, as part of the Fair Funding Review, that it will keep local councils’ extensive £5 billion SEND deficits off their books for a further two years.
It forms a wider range of investments aimed at improving education infrastructure, including £25 million to upgrade wireless networks and £20 million to deliver fibre connection upgrades to support online teaching and provisions.
The local authorities involved in the trial will be announced prior to the start of the next school year.
Featured image via Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.
