North West EdTech Hub
Preparing for a Successful September
22nd June 2022

On the 22nd June 2022, LGfL and the North West EdTech Hub (featuring senior leaders and lead practitioners) discussed how to prepare for a successful September start using technology.

The agenda for the session focussed on Preparing for a Successful September and included the following members of the North West EdTech Hub:

Rewind on demand  - click on the questions below to watch that part of the broadcast

1. What can schools do to prepare for a successful September start?  

'We learned that children not physically being able to be in the classroom didn't necessarily mean that they were absent. So as we move forward, we have some children absent for a period of time (because they're in hospital for surgery) but we've seen them dialling into lessons from hospital beds. Taking part, going out for break time on an iPad and still being with the friends and keeping that social side of it and children openly telling us that that impacts positively on their mental wellbeing as well. They can continue learning and they can continue socialising when normally they'd be quite isolated.'  

Neill Oldham, Headteacher - Highfurlong School

2. How can we consolidate on the gains made during remote learning ?

'I think for me, it was about breaking through the pain barrier, not giving up so early! So, if you did find teething problems, which you will when you're first testing it out, or for those members of staff in the department who have been teaching for 20 odd years, that they give it a go and you carry on because the benefits will be there eventually, you've just got to get through it and push through.'


Abi Hewson, Teacher of English - Ribblesdale School

3. What can schools do before the end of the summer term to prepare?

'It is about identifying a problem or a need that already exists within that department or Year Group and then looking at how a simple solution using technology can really have an impact with that problem or that issue that you've got.'

Paul Edge, Deputy Headteacher - Ribblesdale School

4. What can 'Communities of Practice' achieve?

'Allowing people to come in and see you action; you can't underestimate the power of that. And I think that peer to peer support is a little bit of a mirror for some people, sort of acting as a critical friend, but at the same time supporting and empowering them to move on to the next stages'


Paul Edge, Deputy Headteacher - Ribblesdale School

On the 23rd June, Headteacher Jill Wright at Whitefield Primary School was asked her advice on how to prepare successfully for September using technology already in school.

5. How can we make the most of what we already have in school?

'Look at your devices, look at what you've got, look at how you want to use them, but look at them in terms of your curriculum - you might need to redistribute them.

Talk to your staff: When do you use these devices? How does it work? Look at the timetables. Look at who's using what and where. How can we be more effective with our use of technology? Where is it used? Who is using it? And are there any children who specifically need certain tech that we need to move around? I think that's really important and not just to leave things where they are, just because they've always been there'


Jill Wright, Headteacher - Whitefield Primary School