5 ways tech can help solve the SEND crisis in UK schools

The SEND funding crisis is arguably the most pervasive issue affecting the UK education system in modern times. 

Recent Tes analysis of government data found 1,673,205 pupils in English schools have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - almost a fifth of the school population, and a 31.2 per cent increase since 2016. Additionally, the number of school pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has risen by 180,000 or 71% between 2018 and 2024. As a result, nearly 5% of pupils now have EHCPs.

In a desperate attempt to ensure SEND pupils are sufficiently supported, councils have accumulated staggering special educational needs spending deficits - with the Guardian finding at least 12 have forecast accumulated deficits of more than £100m, running as high as £312m, when the debts have to be settled in a year’s time.

Despite this rise in funding, in October, the National Audit Office reported that while over the past decade spending on SEND has risen 58 per cent to £10.7 billion, this has not led to better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

With huge deficits in special educational needs budgets and many children going without much needed support, teachers and policymakers alike are struggling to find a solution to this growing crisis.

From personalised learning and assistive technology to enhanced accessibility, effective use of tech can help alleviate the strain on children’s wellbeing. 

Here are five ways EdTech can help solve the SEND crisis.

Delivery of personalised learning

Every child has a distinct learning style and pace, and for many SEND students a personalised learning approach is crucial in ensuring unique needs are met. Mainstream lessons may be unsuitable for SEND students for a number of reasons:

• The environment itself - bright lights, loud noises, and large class sizes can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing issues, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD. This can lead to distress, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating. For students with wheelchairs and mobility issues, the physical layout of the classroom may also not accommodate their disability.
• The learning content - many mainstream classrooms follow a standard curriculum with a set pace that may not benefit children who require additional time or alternative teaching methods. SEND students may struggle to keep up or feel left behind.
• The structure of the lesson - teachers in mainstream settings often have large class sizes and limited time to provide tailored support for each student. SEND students may need additional support and assistance from teachers.

Digital tools can be highly effective at meeting these individual requirements. When it comes to specific conditions, educational apps and digital platforms can deliver tailored educational experiences accordingly.

For example, tools like Microsoft Immersive Reader allow for individualised reading and comprehension support, helping students engage with content at their own pace.

Assistive technologies

Assistive technology in education refers to a range of tools, devices, software, and equipment that are designed to support and enhance the learning experience of students with disabilities or learning challenges. These technologies aim to remove barriers to education and provide students with equal access to educational opportunities.

Examples of assistive technology include:

• Speech recognition software - speech-to-text technology converts spoken language into written text and is particularly beneficial in classrooms for students who struggle with writing or typing, enabling them to easily translate their thoughts into written form.
• Text-to-speech technology - converts written text into spoken words, making it a useful tool in education. It can support students with dyslexia by enabling them to complete reading assignments more easily. Additionally, it benefits students who struggle with verbal expression, allowing them to write down their ideas and have the software read them aloud.
• Screen readers - this technology transforms written content into audio by reading the on-screen text aloud to students. Designed specifically for students with visual impairments or blindness, it offers advanced features beyond those of standard text-to-speech software.
• Assistive listening - a number of assistive listening systems can be used to help people who are hard of hearing or deaf. The systems usually use a microphone attached to the teacher, coupled with a transmission technology to bring the sound to the user more efficiently. It often improves the effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants. 

Novatia is now a proud member of the British Assistive Technology Association - through our ICT in education services, we’re dedicated to providing accessible learning for all.

Enhanced accessibility

For students with physical disabilities and mobility problems, the classroom layout and typical structure of the learning environment can pose significant challenges to their learning. 

For SEND students, EdTech plays a crucial role in breaking down geographical and logistical barriers, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn and participate in classroom activities. 

Remote learning provides a flexible alternative to in-person education, making it easier for students to access specialist teaching, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling from home. This approach can be particularly beneficial for families in rural or underserved areas. However, remote learning depends largely on a school’s ability to provide robust cloud computing software that enables accessibility from anywhere; educational institutions that are not up-to-date with their ICT strategy may struggle with this.

Another form of tech that can benefit SEND students is VR and AR. For example, through VR headsets and augmented reality students with mobility issues can experience the thrill of climbing Mount Everest in a virtual environment. It’s worth noting that due to its increasing popularity, the costs of VR/AR technology is decreasing - making these immersive tools more affordable for all.

Aiding communication

For pupils receiving SEND support, speech, language and communication needs are most common, with a quarter of SEND students identified in this category. 

Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps, equipped with features such as picture symbols and text-to-speech functionality, empower non-verbal individuals to communicate effectively with their peers and educators. These tools serve as invaluable aids in breaking down communication barriers and encouraging inclusive classroom environments where every voice is heard and valued.

The power of data-driven insights

With schools and local authorities under immense financial pressure, technology can help optimise resource allocation. AI-driven analytics can assess demand patterns, predict future needs, and recommend efficient distribution of funding, staff, and specialist support. 

For example, cloud-based data management systems can track and manage EHCPs effectively, in addition to increasing communication between parents, teachers and professionals to enable a more coordinated effort to support SEND students.

Integrating tech solutions like this into schools’ digital strategies is a vital step towards promoting digital accessibility and inclusion for all students.

But we know it’s not always that simple. If you have big questions about how your school can utilise tech to help support SEND pupils, it might be time to seek external support.

At Novatia, we specialise in providing IT solutions to schools and MATs across the country. We’ve worked with countless educational institutions to ensure their digital strategies accommodate children with a wide range of specialist needs and requirements. From helping schools meet DfE Digital Accessibility Standards to undergoing data audits, we know what it takes to guarantee your IT approach is up-to-date.

We also assist schools in designing for SEND needs and requirements. A recent example of this is our work at Hill View School, a new 5-16 co-educational special free school, established within The Oak Partnership Trust, to cater to the unique needs of children with speech, language, communication and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Novatia supported effective integration of digital technologies into the physical design of the teaching and learning spaces, improving the learning experience for all.

For more information on our services, please contact us today.