An ambition from government to tackle challenges in education with technology, as revealed by Bridget Phillipson’s appearance at the Education World Forum today 19th May has been welcomed by IRIS Software Group, a technology provider that supports more than 12,000 UK schools.
The Education Secretary announced that the Department for Education will invest more than a million pounds to test the Edtech being used in schools and colleges. It plans to look at how tools, including AI, can improve things like staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity.
Simon Freeman, Managing Director, Education at IRIS Software Group, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Department for Education taking a global lead on challenges like AI in the classroom. But what’s even more vital is the ambition to apply technology to the everyday pressures schools face, which range from resource constraints to admin burdens. Real change happens when innovation improves the daily experience of teachers, supports staff, and ultimately helps every child thrive. That’s where technology can make the biggest difference.
“In particular, technology’s impact on SEND provision can’t be understated and is one area worth examining. Nine in 10 school leaders say securing SEND funding is challenging, with two in five agreeing that a lack of special educational needs co-ordinators is disrupting their SEND provision*. Technology can streamline lengthy SEND funding applications, giving schools a better chance of accessing funding while releasing time to better support students.
“Many schools continue to report data in paper-based filing or desktop spreadsheets too. That creates a significant time drain when answers are needed to simple queries around attendance, punctuality, attainment or safeguarding – impacting staff workloads and pupil outcomes. Digitalised reporting methods can reduce paperwork while saving valuable time – making a major difference to pupil and staff outcomes at a national level.”
Over 12,000 UK schools and academies use IRIS, with four million parents and guardians using IRIS apps to connect with their children’s school; 300 million messages are delivered between schools and parents each year. Last year, IRIS partnered with PAGS, a SEND management tool that helps SENCOs and teachers to assess, plan appropriate support strategies, and track the progress of students with additional needs. Crucially, using PAGS can dramatically cut the amount of time required to gather the evidence for an EHCP application.
