Freshfield Primary School
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NEW for 2026
Built on a foundation of respect and togetherness, this school combines a holistic educational approach with high academic standards to ensure every child thrives. Following consistently strong Ofsted inspections, the school has leveraged the EdTechhubs programme to further enhnace its curriculum delivery and now serves as a lead practitioner, offering insights to other schools through the Study Tour Framework.
Ethos of Freshfield Primary School
"Freshfield Primary School combines holistic care with high academic standards to ensure a high-achieving environment where every child thrives."
Julie Osbaldeston, Deputy Headteacher
In 2026, Freshfield Primary School continues to combine holistic care with high academic standards.
Following consistent Ofsted success, the school has utilised the EdTech Hubs programme to enhance learning.
Now a lead practitioner, Freshfield shares its digital expertise via the Study Tour Framework.
This commitment to innovation and togetherness ensures a high-achieving environment where every child thrives, setting a benchmark for modern teaching excellence.
What role does technology play in everyday teaching and learning?
At Freshfield, the learner, not the device, comes first.
Technology is used strategically to remove barriers and foster independence, serving as a vital resource that empowers pupils to learn autonomously, especially when staffing is limited.
The school’s core philosophy treats pedagogy as the foundation, using technology to amplify high-quality teaching, retrieval, and feedback. This is paired with a phased approach to the learning environment:
Early Years & KS1: Focuses on autonomy and movement through flexible seating.
KS2: Leverages technology to drive collaborative and self-directed learning.
Inclusion at Freshfield
Special Educational Needs (SEND) provision is the core of Freshfield Primary School. Growing from an 8-place unit to four specialised autism provisions for 29 children, the school uses technology as a vital enabler.
By starting with the child, Freshfield utilises:
Assistive Communication: Tools like the "Grid app," communication boards, and physical buttons allow non-verbal pupils to express needs and regulate emotions.
AI & Customisation: AI adapts complex stories into accessible sensory narratives, while iPads bridge home and school interests to increase engagement.
Inclusive Environments: Classrooms feature "invisible" supports like kick-bands, booths, and neutral sensory spaces to ensure SEN students learn alongside their peers rather than in isolation.
The role of Artificial Intelligence at Freshfield?
At Freshfield, Artificial Intelligence is an "everywhere" tool used daily to streamline operations and enhance learning. It serves two primary functions:
Operational Efficiency: Staff use tools like Gamma AI for newsletters and AI-driven data analysis for attendance trends and governor reporting. This automates routine tasks, giving time back to educators.
Pedagogical Support: In the classroom, AI adapts lesson pace and challenge levels for individual learners. For students struggling with literacy, AI generates visual aids from their ideas, providing a creative bridge to help them develop stronger written work.
How has the EdTech Hubs Programme helped Technology adoption and implementation at Freshfield ?
At Freshfield, leadership-driven change is central to their success. By engaging with LGfL, EdTechhubs, and the LEO Academy, leaders ensure they remain at the "top of their game."
Through networking, conferences, and research by Fiona Aubrey-Smith, the school evaluates and implements cutting-edge national practices.
This proactive engagement allows Freshfield to reflect on their own high standards while staying ahead of technological advancements.
How do you manage the change required?
Freshfield’s leadership team drives a culture of innovation, encouraging staff to take risks and adapt external best practices to fit their unique community.
The school prioritises the learner over the device, viewing technology as a vital tool for improving outcomes rather than a mere "add-on."
By replacing traditional rows with flexible, tech-driven delivery, the school removes learning barriers and empowers pupils to express themselves beyond their typical developmental stages.
How do you use EdTech at school?
Freshfield uses technology and purposeful classroom design to drive inclusion and autonomy through four key zones:
Collaboration Booths: Spaces for group work and peer interaction.
Study Focus Areas: Tech-equipped hubs for independent research and information retrieval.
Study Horseshoes: Zones for focused, one-to-one support from staff.
Independent Stations: Areas where students choose their own tools to build self-reliance.
By using digital aids such as communication grids and voice capture, the school removes learning barriers for students with specific needs while providing more able pupils with the flexibility to extend their learning.
What impact is EdTech having at School?
By replacing traditional rows with flexible, tech-driven delivery, the school removes learning barriers and empowers pupils to express themselves beyond their typical developmental stages.
What next at Freshfield?
Freshfield Primary School is driven by a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on evolving to meet student needs. Currently, the school is prioritising communication support by integrating assistive technology with traditional widget symbols.
By seeking professional inspiration and adapting to the changing landscape of SEND, Freshfield ensures its environment and practice remain at the cutting edge of inclusive education.
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