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Written question asked by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs: Assistive Technology

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure appropriate assistive technology is made available in mainstream schools to assist those with Special Educational Needs.

Answer

The department is committed to supporting the effective use of assistive technology to help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) achieve and thrive in mainstream education. We recognise that assistive technology can play a key role in removing barriers to learning, and many education settings are already using it for this purpose, as well as to build confidence, independence and promote greater inclusion.

We are supporting settings to make informed decisions about assistive technology and increase confidence. For example, we have invested over £1.6 million to pilot assistive technology lending libraries in 30 local authorities, enabling up to 3,800 mainstream settings to trial products with pupils before purchasing.

Training on assistive technology is included in the mandatory Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework from September 2025, and the NPQ for special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) includes content on how it can support teaching and learning for pupils with SEND. We are also developing introductory assistive technology training materials with sector partners to support effective use in the classroom.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL415
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Special educational needs Assistive technology
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk