Across LEO Academy Trust schools, inclusion is a fundamental principle of our Learning, Excellence, and Opportunity ethos. Every teacher is a teacher of SEND and every leader is a leader of SEND which is intrinsic to everything we do at LEO Academy Trust.

Our Trust’s vision is that Technology for Learning will enable children, staff, and parents to enhance their teaching and learning. Effective use of technology for learning will be demonstrated when children are more engaged in their learning, can independently select the appropriate resources, and as a result of utilising technology for learning,
children’s outcomes and experiences are enriched and enhanced.

The use of technology across the Trust has been of great benefit to including all children in learning, especially those with SEND. Using digital tools has increasingly become a  powerful aid in maths lessons, both for teachers to better help those who would have previously been outside of a mainstream maths lesson keep up with their peers, and also for the children to have more autonomy over their maths learning and how they represent their understanding.

One way we create more equitable learning environments is by having universally designed technology to all LEO pupils. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that aims to remove barriers to learning, meaning it is inclusive for everyone. All LEO schools use ‘techquity’ which is about using technology specifically to help lower or close barriers to learning. ‘Techquity’ helps LEO give pupils the conditions they need to be successful.

Janet Goring from Equals Online recently spoke with LEO's Director of Maths, Natasha Dolling, and was impressed with how we are using technology within LEO Academy Trust, to create an inclusive maths classroom. 

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