iPad accessibility creates equal opportunities for all at Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

At the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, we are committed to fostering an environment where every child has equal opportunities to thrive academically and socially. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy serves as the cornerstone of this commitment, guiding our actions to create an inclusive learning environment.

Recognising the transformative potential of technology in education, our Learning Futures initiative aligns seamlessly with our overarching EDI strategy, reinforcing our dedication to equitable access to technology and inclusive learning through adaptive technologies.

Needed for some, useful for all

A key reason for selecting iPad as our chosen hardware is because it is built to be accessible from the ground up. This means that children with additional needs, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) can thrive within their learning at school and home.

In the new Early Career Framework (ECF)/Initial Teacher Training (ITT) guidance, it states teachers should ‘provide opportunity for all pupils to experience success by making effective and judicious use of specialist technology to support pupils with SEND’ and to learn that ‘technology, including educational software and assistive technology, can support teaching and learning for pupils with SEND’.

This builds on the Education Endowment Foundation’s (EEF) ‘Five-a-day’ principle that high quality teaching benefits students with SEND.

Wioletta Klimczak, EAL co-ordinator at West Coventry Academy, hailed the impact of iPad in making a huge difference to EAL learners in lessons and at home.

She said: “iPad provides the ability to instantly translate text, spoken language and even handwritten notes, helping EAL students understand instructions, assignments, homework and classroom discussion more effectively.

“By quickly translating unfamiliar words or phrases, iPad enables EAL learners to grasp concepts more easily and participate actively in classroom activities, which promotes success and builds students’ self-confidence.

“Integrating the power of translation on iPad for EAL learners at West Coventry Academy enables students to be fully engaged in the learning process; ultimately leading to improved academic performance and English language proficiency.”

Year 11 student Samir, who joined the school this academic year, said: “Having my iPad with me in lessons allows me to take a picture of the PowerPoint immediately and translate the whole text into my home language. I can participate more in classroom discussions or group work as I have a better understanding of the context and I feel part of the class.”