Eastington Primary School: technology enabled learning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities

In 2021 The Sedbury Trust provided funding to Eastington Primary School, supporting the purchase of iPads for use by their pupils with additional needs.  The school team were delighted with the positive difference this provision has made, “The iPads have been up and running for nearly a term and, wow, haven’t we seen the benefits! Not only did the iPads aid some of our most vulnerable pupils with their online learning during lockdown at the beginning of the year, but they are also proving to be an invaluable tool for pupils who need extra support within the classroom too.”

There are many ways the iPads are being utilised: Pupils are able to access learning apps that are specific to their needs and ‘My Plan’ targets.  This allows them to be independent learners and also to provide an alternative way of learning that is fun, interactive and engaging.  Pupils are able to log on to apps that may help develop their reading, spelling and maths skills, for example, without the support of an adult.  This is developing pupils’ confidence and giving them a really positive ‘can do’ approach to learning.  Another way the iPads are being used are as an alternative way of communication-allowing pupils the chance to record their ideas in creative ways where normally the written word would be a challenge for them.  As a result, children are developing their self-esteem in subjects they would, before, have been reluctant to engage in.

Eastington Primary School are constantly looking at how they can use technology more widely across the school and for a range of purposes.  They feel this funding has increased pupils’ thirst for learning in a way that allows them to be more confident and independent, not only supporting pupils in accessing the curriculum and with consolidating key aspects of learning (as a result enabling them to make great progress), but also clearly having a positive impact on the self-esteem of SEND pupils.

Child using iPad creative commons image from Unsplash