These are interesting times in the world of education. Schools, colleges and universities are preparing today’s tech savvy generation for an unpredictable future, while addressing some of the most pressing challenges ever to shape the education landscape. 
In recent years, teachers and educations boards in the maintained sector have seen their budgets squeezed, with a sharper focus on tightening belts to save time, money and resources. 
ASL Group believe in creating innovative solutions to support teaching and learning, while keeping costs to a minimum.

Building works at North Beckton Primary School in Newham are set to complete in April 2020 and will see investment into the provision for profound and multiple learning disabilities
 
North Beckton Primary School has begun renovation works, which are set to redevelop the heart of the school and demonstrate a widespread commitment to increasing inclusivity.
 
Ongoing building works will see investment into the provision for PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities). The school is working closely with the local borough to provide an inclusive curriculum and facilities.
 

An international team of researchers has developed a method for easily creating textbooks in Braille, with an initial focus on maths textbooks.

Mathematics and science Braille textbooks are expensive and time-consuming to produce, but thanks to innovations developed at the University of Birmingham and institutions in the US, this could soon change.

Smartphones have long-been touted as the enemy of education - is it time this perception was changed? Johnny Warström, CEO and co-founder of interactive presentation platform Mentimeter, argues the case. 

Chewing gum, trading cards, and football stickers: generations of schoolchildren have always had something confiscated by teachers trying to keep their attention on the lesson at hand. Then along came Steve Jobs and now we carry the infinity of human research and understanding in our pockets, all available at the touch of a button - and these are confiscated too. 

Video can bring education to life – By Phillip Perry, Head of UK/Ireland, Zoom Communications

Education has been an essential part of society for thousands of years. It focuses on developing the academic abilities of children, as well as their capability to engage as social beings. While the fundamental benefits of education are the same as they always were, our world is changing and we have to change with it. Today, technology is at the core of everything we do but, unfortunately, not all educational institutions have the ability or resources to offer the enriched programs they wish they could offer, and students could find themselves missing out. 

A special loan for business startups is helping two social entrepreneurs share the joy of sport with people who would usually miss out because of disability.

Sports development expert Richard Szostak, and champion wheelchair racer Louis Speight, have delivered hundreds of inclusive sports coaching sessions since receiving a Start Up Loan from Transmit Startups.

Their social enterprise is called Omnis Circumvado CIC, meaning ‘all-encompassing' in Latin, and runs adapted sport and PE sessions for special education needs schools, community groups and local authorities. Omnis has also developed special programmes including wheelchair skills training and visual impairment awareness training to teach people about sight loss.

In today’s age, learning opportunities for students is forever increasing, whether it’s researching information online, or using the latest software programs and tools. Access to information is becoming easier and easier, thanks to classroom technology highly progressing forward.

Comparing to old traditional times and methods, classroom technology has really advanced making it easier when gaining information. Easily access technology at your fingertips, whether you need any programs, tools or receiving information, all can be done instantly and even when you’re away from the computer, smart phones and tablets are able to provide access on the go for students.

The SMART Board® 6000S series for classrooms, which will be unveiled at Bett this month, is SMART’s first display to include ToolSense™, a unique technology that lets people engage with the board using a new range of tactile objects. The technology adds an extra level of interactivity to the device, particularly beneficial when teaching STEM subjects, or for students with different learning styles.
 

Two schools have been presented with awards for their work supporting pupils with epilepsy. Puss Bank Primary School, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, and Pontypridd High School, in Pontypridd, South Wales have been judged winners of the 2019 Epilepsy Action Awards – in the primary school and secondary school categories respectively.

The Epilepsy Action Awards celebrate the UK’s epilepsy heroes. They recognise and celebrate those who have made a real difference to those with epilepsy in the UK. A total of 11 awards were presented across the country during November, honouring the work and commitment of volunteers, fundraisers, schools, employers and healthcare professionals.

Colour psychology studies how hues can impact the human behaviour. This is vital in an autism specialist unit or school. This is due to senses normally being heightened and behaviours closely monitored by onlooking staff.

As well as supplying low surface temperature radiators, Contour also supply anti-ligature radiator covers which have numerous additional safety benefits. This can make an excellent choice for an autism unit.