Raising performance, promoting inclusion & supporting SEND in Early Years with technology

Burnt Ash Primary School is located in the heart of London. Students come from a range of different backgrounds and bring a variety of learning styles, knowledge and experiences to the classroom. 31% of the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds whose first language is not English, and 28% of the students have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  

Despite the diverse range of students, the school still strongly cares about achievement for all. The teachers are dedicated to create a curriculum and environment to capture each student’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Each student is treated as an individual with their own talents and targets. 

The challenge

Improving technology in early years

The school wanted to improve technology provision in early settings to better align with the early years curriculum. In summer 2017, nearly 80% of the students in early years were below expected learning levels, due to lack of engagement and independence in learning.

The need

Flexible technologies

During the Bett 2018 show the school was searching for technologies to promote independence and interaction in early years. They found standard technologies unsuitable for the students as they often lack flexibility, don’t allow for the use of personal content and are often too expensive.

The solution

Technology to support problem solving and collaboration skills

Burnt Ash found the solutions offered by i3-Technologies differed from other suppliers. They are more imaginative, engaging and above all flexible.

The school introduced the i3LIGHTHOUSE interactive floor projector, a tramper-proof solution that is very suitable for early years. Teachers can use any software or game and adapt the usage to any class, making it extremely versatile.

While working with the i3LIGHTHOUSE the students show more engagement and independence as they learn to develop problem solving and collaboration skills. With easy access to custom games to improve specific skills, they are always on track with their learning.

Active and personal learning

Right after Bett 2018, Burnt Ash was declared the winner of the iMO-LEARN digital classroom pack contest organized by i3-Technologies.

iMO-LEARN is a cube for active learning designed to promote active movement in the classroom. In the following months the teachers received professional trainings to get to know iMO-LEARN, with its analog and digital features, and a hands-on training on how to use it in their class to make lessons more active and dynamic.

Students with SEND respond really well to the iMO-LEARN. It helps them get a firmer grasp of the subject matter by bringing different subjects into practice. It is a fact that students learn better and more efficiently when they are personally and actively involved in lessons.

This is even more true for students with SEND or learning disabilities. Moreover, by getting started with the iMO-LEARN they learn to practice their teamwork skills as they are challenged to work together and accomplish a common goal.

The result

Increased performance & sense of self-achievement

The teachers have noticed that their student’s performance in developing reading, writing & mathematics skills has increased significantly since they started using the interactive solutions from i3-Technologies: in September 2017, 90% of the students were below age expectations, but as of July 2018 only 7% of the students are below age.

However, the number of the students who are above age expectations has increased from 0% to 60%. Although many of the Burnt Ash students come into school from a lower than average starting point, they go on to make excellent progress throughout the school.

They leave the school with good levels in English, collaboration problem solving and social interaction skills.

They are more independent, resilient and confident to tackle the challenges of secondary education.