Responding after the education secretary announced plans for a £23m investment in testing new technology, including AI ed-tech for children with SEND, at the Bett UK conference, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Technology which helps create inclusive classrooms, removing barriers to learning and improving engagement and motivation,  can be valuable, especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“While AI may offer new possibilities when it comes to assistive technology, it’s important that these tools are tested thoroughly in collaboration with schools before being rolled out, and that teachers receive high-quality training on using them safely and effectively.

“One of the biggest challenges is the variability of access to technology, and the government must ensure that as well as investment in training, there is sufficient funding for hardware and software for all schools so that pupils everywhere can benefit.”