Tech libraries with reading pens and speech tools to assist children with SEND

Up to 4,000 schools will have access to assistive technology like reading pens, iPads and speech-to-text tools to support pupils with special educational needs.

Teachersacross around 32 local authorities will be able to go to “lending libraries” in their area to borrow and trial a range of devices to suit their pupils’ needs.

The libraries will be stocked with a range of tools, including reading pens to scan text and read it aloud, dictation tools which convert spoken word into text, and tablets which use images to help non-verbal pupils communicate.

Schoolswill also benefit from a “try before you buy” approach, allowing them to assess the impact of different devices for students before making an investment.

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The first-of-its-kind pilot, backed by £1.7million, is expected to free up teachers’ time and support a wide range of needs, including dyslexia, autism and ADHD.

Today’s announcement comes as official data on Thursday showed the number of children with Education Health and Care plans (EHCPs) has increased by 11% to 638,700.

An EHCP is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Too many children are not having their needs identified at an early enough stage, creating a vicious cycle of overwhelmed local services and children’s support needs escalating to crisis point.”

Speaking about the “lending libraries”, school standards minister Catherine McKinnell said Labour was “committed to reforming the SEND system”

“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,” she said.

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