Inclusive Learning at LEO Academy Trust
About
The LEO Academy Trust serves over 5,00 pupils throughout the London Borough of Sutton.
Formed in 2015, the Trust has 650 staff spread across ten sites, and values learning, excellence, and opportunity for all. This is driven by the shared goal to give every child a first class education.
A Texthelp Partnership
- LEO Academy Trust use Read&Write and OrbitNote to support all their pupils.
- The use of Texthelp tools has led to an increase in student independence and confidence in reading and writing.
- Texthelp has been one of LEO's main partners since the beginning of their 1:1 devices program
An inclusive approach to education
Since 2018, Phillip and his team have embarked on their digital strategy journey. The team at LEO adopted a 1-1 devices programme, initially focusing on equipping children with essential digital skills. However, they soon discovered the transformative impact of Chromebooks in fostering inclusivity within classrooms.
Their desire to expand this impact led them to explore tools benefiting both teachers and pupils. They began leveraging free inbuilt accessibility tools within Chromebooks, which proved remarkably powerful in fostering an inclusive learning environment across all ten sites within the Trust.
Recognising the need for a more integrated approach, they aimed to provide seamless access to these tools across various websites and platforms. This quest for integration led them to partner with Texthelp and deploy Read&Write and OrbitNote across all their 5,000+ devices.
Since this collaboration, Texthelp tools significantly aid the Trust in supporting all their pupils.
"We wanted to really shift that focus from the technology being screwed to the wall and being in the hands of the teacher, and put it into the hands of the children themselves."
Independent learners
Texthelp tools have made a significant impact on promoting independence among pupils within the Trust. Observing classrooms at LEO, it's apparent that students are empowered to choose and utilise a range of tools based not only on their needs but also their preferences.
This approach not only ensures access to vital resources such as Read&Write and OrbitNote but also grants them the autonomy to employ these tools effectively. Consequently, a learning environment is fostered where children can confidently navigate their educational journey, supported by tools that best suit their learning styles and requirements.
"By giving children access to a whole range of tools that can support them with all kinds of different needs and preferences, children are more able to access learning in a way that's meaningful to them."
Student spotlight
Texthelp tools and the technology available to the children are enabling them to tailor their learning experience to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Teachers have reported being able to cover more lesson content while allowing children to progress at their own pace, resulting in fewer dispondent students.
While our tools are helpful to all, we know that they are necessary for some. That’s why we love hearing stories like this from LEO Academy Trust.
Freddy, Year 6 Pupil
"If we didn't have Read&Write or OrbitNote or Chromebooks in general, I would dread to come to school every day.
"I'm not great at looking at a whole piece of text and I sometimes get overwhelmed. So, things like Screen Mask help me to chunk it down into smaller sections.
"Things like voice to text, which is one of my favourite tools, has really helped me to get my ideas down and I think it's necessary for people like me, but it helps everyone."
Discover Texthelp tools
To discover more about Read&Write and OrbitNote, or to receive a demo, fill in the form and one of our Inclusive Technology Specialists will contact you.