Calling all educators! Daisy Education invites you to join their FREE online International Reading Conference, taking place on 9th, 10th and 11th June 2026.

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of evidence-based reading strategies, explore innovative ways to raise attainment, and inspire reading for pleasure, learning and life?

Secure your spot today

Host TV personality and education expert Baasit Siddiqui will be joined by renowned literacy experts and EdTech innovators, including Andrew Ettinger (Director of Education at the National Literacy Trust), in this three-day event that will explore how to:

• Cultivate a strong, sustainable reading culture.
• Accelerate reading progress and student motivation.
• Harness adaptive technology to support digital reading strategies.
• Discover practical, innovative approaches to improve reading outcomes.

Whether you’re in primary or secondary education, this conference is designed to provide actionable insights you can take straight back to the classroom.

“The IRC was exceptionally well organised, with a great balance of research, classroom practice and engaging discussion.” – IRC25 Attendee

Can’t attend live? No problem — register today to access all session recordings on demand.

For schools across the UK, the weeks after Easter and before GCSE exams often reveal an uncomfortable reality. Attendance patterns shift, behaviour changes, and some pupils who seemed stable earlier in the year begin to disengage.

As students approach the transition from Key Stage 4 to Key Stage 5, these warning signs become particularly significant. The post-16 landscape places increased academic and emotional demands on young people. If gaps in learning, attendance issues, or wellbeing challenges are left unaddressed, they can quickly escalate once they move into their chosen Level 3 pathways.

That is why timely intervention is so important. The period before and immediately after Easter provides a crucial window for schools to identify students who may struggle with the transition to Key Stage 5 study and provide support before those challenges become entrenched.

The Hidden Risks of the Transition to Key Stage 5

Moving from Key Stage 4 into Key Stage 5 is one of the most significant transitions in secondary education. Pupils move from a structured, familiar school environment to more specialised, independent pathways, with A-Level and Level 3 courses that demand deeper subject knowledge, stronger study habits, and greater personal responsibility.

For some learners, this transition can highlight issues that were previously manageable, from increasing absenteeism to behavioural difficulties or significant knowledge gaps.

Left unexamined, these challenges can quickly affect Key Stage 5 outcomes and long-term destinations. Early intervention allows schools to address these challenges proactively, helping pupils rebuild confidence and develop the skills they need before the pressure of GCSE exams and further education fully takes hold.

Acting Quickly When Support Is Needed

One of the biggest barriers schools face when supporting vulnerable pupils is speed. When a young person is struggling, and the countdown to exams is on, support needs to be put in place immediately. Flexible alternative provision can play a vital role in this process, providing schools with rapid, high-quality support when it is needed most.

Academy21 provides DfE–accredited online alternative provision to support pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 5 who face barriers to learning. Importantly for schools responding to urgent needs, students can be enrolled within 48 hours, and we have a range of targeted GCSE programmes for specific needs.

Supporting Pupils Before GCSE Exam Pressure Builds

Academy21’s Key Stage 4 provision focuses on reinforcing core knowledge that pupils need to successfully pass their exams. Students participate in small-group, fully live lessons delivered by UK-qualified teachers experienced in supporting learners with diverse needs. Lessons are interactive and adaptive, helping rebuild confidence while reinforcing key subject knowledge. Plus, students have 24/7 access to all lesson recordings and materials for exam revision.

Alongside academic learning, students also benefit from pastoral support and additional supporting content and activities. We have an extensive range of wellbeing courses, from one-to-one mentoring to anxiety management workshops, which can be critical for pupils whose difficulties are linked to anxiety or mental health challenges.

A Flexible Partner for Schools

Academy21 works collaboratively with schools, multi-academy trusts, and local authorities to provide flexible solutions tailored to each student’s circumstances.

Provision can be short-term (as short as one week) or long-term (a full academic year). Learning can take place in school, at home, or in specialist settings, using only a computer and an internet connection.

Schools also benefit from detailed progress monitoring through the Academy21 mentor portal, which tracks attendance, engagement, and academic progress.

Intervening Now for a Stronger Start to Key Stage 5

The transition into Key Stage 5 study is too important to leave to chance. Timely intervention can transform a student’s trajectory, turning disengagement into renewed confidence and ensuring that learners begin their post-16 journey ready to succeed.

By working with flexible partners such as Academy21, schools can respond quickly, provide targeted support, and help every pupil start their Key Stage 5 journey on the strongest possible footing.

0800 2088210
contact@academy21.co.uk
academy21.co.uk

Managing and sustaining learning devices can become increasingly complex. From accessibility and maintenance to energy efficiency and environmental impact.

In this Q&A, LapSafe® shares insights on how schools can navigate classroom technology more efficiently, with a focus on sustainability, smart charging, and best practices in device management.

Q: Technology is now at the heart of modern classrooms. What do you see as the biggest challenge schools face when integrating technology?

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring devices are consistently available, charged, and ready for use. Many schools have invested heavily in laptops, tablets, and other digital tools, but managing these resources efficiently, without increasing workload for IT teams or stretching budgets, is a significant hurdle.

Sustainability is another concern. Technology can increase energy usage and contribute to electronic waste if not managed properly. Without clear strategies in place, schools may experience higher operational costs and a growing carbon footprint. This makes smart, sustainable device management essential.

Q: Sustainability is a key topic for schools. How can they ensure their use of technology is more eco-friendly?

There are several ways schools can reduce their environmental impact while still providing robust digital learning opportunities:

1. Smart Charging Solutions
   Using intelligent charging ensures that devices draw only the power they need. This reduces energy waste, extends battery health, and lowers long-term costs.
2. Efficient Device Management
   Structured storage, charging, and security ensure devices last longer and reduce the need for early replacements, helping minimise electronic waste.
3. Responsible Procurement and Disposal
   Choosing durable, repairable technology and using certified recycling programmes ensures devices have a longer life cycle and are disposed of responsibly when no longer needed.

Q: Energy efficiency is a major concern for schools. How can they reduce energy costs when using classroom technology?

Optimising charging practices is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Many schools still rely on ‘round robin’ charging, where devices charge one after another, wasting energy and often leaving some devices undercharged.

By contrast, simultaneous smart charging enables all devices to charge together in the most energy-efficient way possible.

Automated power management ensures devices only charge when required, helping prevent overcharging and unnecessary electricity use. Schools can also benefit from choosing low-energy charging and storage solutions designed specifically to support sustainability goals.

Q: Many schools struggle with device longevity. How can they extend the life of their classroom technology?

How devices are stored, charged, and used plays a key role in determining their lifespan. A few best practices include:

• Avoiding Overcharging
  Over-charging shortens battery life. Smart charging systems automatically stop supplying power once devices reach full charge.
• Choosing Appropriate Storage
  Devices should be stored horizontally in secure yet accessible cabinets or trolleys. When updates are required, choosing models with thermostatic control or built-in fans helps prevent overheating.
• Routine Maintenance & Updates
  Keeping devices updated and regularly maintained prevents slowdowns and hardware stress. Encouraging good user habits, such as correct shutdown procedures and careful handling, also makes a measurable difference.

Q: With sustainability becoming a key focus, what should schools look for when investing in new technology?

When planning new investments, schools should consider solutions that offer longevity, efficiency, and easy ongoing management. Key areas to look for include:

• Energy‑Efficient Charging
  Solutions that use intelligent power management help reduce operational energy use.
• Durability & Build Quality
  Robust products reduce the need for frequent replacements and deliver long-term value.
• Device Compatibility
  Flexible systems that work with multiple device types support future-proof planning.
• Sustainability Credentials
  Manufacturers that prioritise responsible materials, production methods, and recyclability contribute to more eco-conscious procurement.

Making informed choices helps reduce costs, extend device lifespans, and support wider sustainability strategies.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see technology evolving in schools?

Future classroom technology will increasingly emphasise automation, sustainability, and flexibility. We expect to see:

• Advanced Smart Charging & Energy Management
  Integrated energy-saving technologies will become standard as schools work towards net-zero goals.
• More Sustainable Procurement Practices
  Schools and colleges will focus on repairability, upgradeability, and recyclability over frequent replacement.
• Greater Use of Cloud-Based Solutions
  Reduced reliance on physical infrastructure will lower hardware waste and simplify device management.

The aim is for technology to support learning effectively while staying environmentally responsible and cost-efficient. Schools that adopt smart management practices today will be well-positioned for the future.

www.lapsafe.com
sales@lapsafe.com
0800 130 3456

By Jon Burnitt – National Sales Manager Sports & Education for Gerflor GBI Ltd

The quality of an indoor sports sheet vinyl floor can give specifiers a sporting advantage, with a key function of sports flooring being to help protect players from injury and enhance their athletic performance. A sports floor surface is arguably the most important element of a sporting facility to its players, and to those who design, build and manage indoor sports premises (whether this be in the education, leisure, fitness market), their requirements high on the agenda is the need for a high quality and sustainable sports flooring that consistently delivers the comfort, safety and performance aspects that are so crucial to everyone taking part in sport.

The fundamental importance of the role of indoor sports floorings to environments like clubs, gyms, sports halls, leisure centres and multi-use facilities can therefore not be underestimated, regardless of whether they are low-impact or elite performance sports locations. This also extends to educational establishments like schools, colleges and universities where long-term injuries to the bones, joints and ligaments of budding athletes, especially those still growing, could cut short a potential sporting career.

Clearly aesthetics, acoustics, hygiene, resistance to wear, easy maintenance and good indoor air quality are key factors to sports venues. But when it comes to reducing the risk of injury, minimising the severity of an injury should it occur, and helping to prevent both short and long-term impact injuries, then the choice of sports flooring is critical.

www.gerflor.co.uk

Howden education division’s 2026 Pupils Wellbeing Prize is now open! For the second year running, the competition gives schools the opportunity to win up to £10,000 to provide funding to support the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils.

How can the prize money be used?

It’s up to you to choose how your school wishes to spend the prize money, but here are a few examples:

• Mindfulness and relaxation spaces: create quiet areas for reflection, sensory rooms, or nature-inspired zones.
• Peer support networks: train mental health ambassadors to support fellow pupils.
• Outdoor activity programmes: develop activities or challenges that promote physical activity, team-building, and connection with nature.
• Sports and fitness: purchase equipment or sports kits, provide training, or mental health support.
• Art/music and wellbeing: fund installations, drama performances or music sessions/instruments to boost self-esteem and reduce stress.

How to enter

Simply complete the application form and explain in a few words the challenges your school is facing and how the prize money would be used to ease those challenges and support the mental health and wellbeing of your pupils. You have until 18 July to enter your school. Enter here.

Hear from one of our 2025 winners

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xRqMrlw0MU

More about Howden

Howden is the 5th largest employee-owned business in the UK, and one of the largest insurance groups in the world. The specialist education division provides tailored insurance, risk management, and wellbeing solutions to the education community. We currently support over one million young people with their mental health and wellbeing through their school, college, university, or student accommodation provider.

You can find more information on our wellbeing services for schools here https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/education/student-and-pupil-wellbeing or, to get in touch with the team, email pupilwellbeing@howdeninsurance.co.uk

This principle is increasingly reflected in recent government guidance and curriculum documentation. The Curriculum and Assessment Review (Department for Education, 2025) highlights the need for climate and sustainability education to be clearer, better sequenced and firmly rooted in subject knowledge, particularly within science.

At White Rose Science, we address this challenge through our Sustainability blocks, which are embedded across the schemes of learning. Each year group includes two Sustainability blocks that are carefully linked to the preceding block. This ensures that sustainability learning is not an add-on, but a planned opportunity for pupils to apply newly taught scientific knowledge in meaningful contexts.

By revisiting sustainability issues through different scientific lenses as pupils progress, understanding is built gradually and securely. As the Sustainability blocks draw directly on prior learning, content is simplified and cognitive load reduced. Furthermore, teachers are clear about which knowledge is being applied and why particular contexts have been chosen, ensuring learning remains purposeful and focused.

At AKS Lytham, a White Rose Champion School, sustainability is taken beyond the core White Rose Science Sustainability blocks and developed into a whole school framework for action.

This includes a Climate Action Plan and a Green Team that brings together pupils from Reception to Year 13 alongside staff. These additional structures show the aspirational way schools may choose to extend sustainability work. In classrooms, teachers use scientific knowledge from the White Rose Science Sustainability blocks to provide children with the foundations so they can be confidently involved in the decision-making. Together, they apply skills and understanding through practical sustainability projects.

Left: Green Team (Eco club members) with some of their objectives.

‘Our Green Team formulate a variety of initiatives each year and they are always well backed by our community. As teachers, we also map out opportunities to embed sustainability into the curriculum. It is noticeable to see how much the children’s understanding of sustainability has flourished over this time.’
Mr Adam Worthington
Prep School Science Coordinator, AKS Lytham

For example, pupils identified issues with food waste and packaging and collaborated with staff to design new recycling routines. Although these changes initially took time to embed, they are now part of everyday school life, reinforcing the idea that sustainable choices are both achievable and habitual.

Right: Using leftover fruit from dinner time to create flavoured water.

Because this work builds directly on prior knowledge, pupils are able to focus on reasoning, evidence and impact rather than grappling with unfamiliar scientific ideas. Sustainability is therefore experienced not as an additional expectation, but as an integral part of how science connects to the real world.

It is clear that sustainability and climate education will be strengthened further when the refreshed national curriculum is introduced from Spring 2027 (DfE, 2025). Science will play a central role in developing pupils’ understanding of environmental systems and human impact, supported by clearer expectations and improved sequencing.

The White Rose Science Sustainability blocks provide a strong foundation for this work. Designed to grow alongside curriculum developments, they ensure that sustainability remains firmly rooted in scientific understanding and enquiry. By focusing on clarity, progression and purpose, they help pupils not only learn about sustainability, but understand how their science learning connects to the world they live in and the future they will help shape.

https://whiteroseeducation.com/

Managing devices in schools is no longer a side task; it’s a critical operation. With hundreds of laptops and tablets in circulation every day, ensuring they are secure, charged, and ready for use can quickly overwhelm staff. Manual processes waste valuable teaching time and create unnecessary costs, making efficient device management essential for any modern learning environment.

The Challenge of Manual Device Management

Manually managing a fleet of devices is time-consuming and inefficient. Teachers often find themselves tracking down equipment or troubleshooting devices, reducing valuable teaching time. For IT teams, the task is equally demanding: ensuring devices are secure, charged, and returned while maintaining accountability.

The Solution: Automated Device Loaning

LapSafe® Smart Lockers provide an innovative solution to these challenges. By automating device loans, schools can streamline operations and free up time for staff. These self-service lockers allow students and staff to borrow and return devices securely at any time, without supervision. Devices are charged while stored, ensuring they are always ready for use. Integration with existing systems gives IT teams full visibility, including who borrowed a device and when it was returned.

Key Benefits of Smart Lockers

• Timesaving: Teachers and IT teams reclaim hours previously spent on manual distribution.
• Enhanced Accountability: Full audit trails reduce the risk of lost or damaged equipment.
• Increased Security: User authentication ensures only authorised individuals access devices.
• Fully Charged Devices: Automatic charging minimises downtime and keeps lessons running smoothly.
• Scalable and Flexible: Suitable for schools of all sizes, from small inventories to large fleets.

Introducing Envoy: The Ideal Entry Point

For schools taking their first step into smart locker technology, LapSafe®’s Envoy offers an affordable and flexible solution. Envoy delivers all the core benefits, automated loans, charging, and audit trails, without the complexity of manual tracking. It’s the perfect starting point for schools looking to modernise their device management.

Embrace the Future Today

As education continues its digital transformation, efficient technology management is no longer optional; it’s essential. LapSafe®’s smart locker solutions not only solve everyday challenges but also create a seamless, tech-enabled learning environment.

Discover more at www.lapsafe.com or call 0800 130 3456.

Daisy Education’s Spring Book Review Competition invites students to get creative while developing their writing skills through reading. Three winning schools will receive a book bundle worth up to £100 for their library, and winning students will receive a certificate and trophy to celebrate their achievement.

How to get involved

Entering is simple:

1. Encourage your students to write a book review using our KS2 or KS3/4 template.
2. Submit entries via our website by 26th April 2026.

Winners will be announced on 30th April 2026.

The competition is open to all schools.

About Daisy Education

At Daisy Education, we believe in empowering every child to achieve their best. That’s why we’re inviting all students to take part – whether they use DreamBox Reading Plus or not.

Daisy Education is home to DreamBox Reading Plus, the adaptive online reading development programme designed to improve fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. It personalises learning for each student, helping both developing and advanced readers build confidence and accelerate progress.

Supporting the National Year of Reading 2026

The Spring Book Review Competition forms part of the Daisy Education Reading Project, which aims to strengthen reading practice, build students’ confidence and make reading a meaningful part of life beyond the classroom.

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, Daisy Education will be working with schools throughout the year to provide free activities, challenges and resources for staff and students.

Free four-week pilot offer

Schools new to Reading Plus can also take advantage of a free pilot to explore how the programme supports reading development.

Request your free four-week pilot today and discover how the programme’s personalised reading support can engage and motivate your students.

Request your free pilot here.

Currys Business has helped Oak Activities, an alternative education provider for young people, simplify its technology purchasing and ongoing IT support, enabling over 100 staff to work more efficiently across multiple sites. Through expert advice, flexible payment options and hands-on service, Currys Business has become a trusted partner, helping Oak Activities control costs while focusing on delivering high-quality education and support. 

As a growing business, Oak Activities needed a technology provider that could simplify the purchasing process with guidance on the right technology solutions at cost-effective prices. Before working with Currys Business, Oak Activities relied on a wide array of partners and retail channels, which resulted in inconsistent pricing and service levels and limited choice for the company’s specific needs.

Working with Currys Business has provided consistent pricing and local support that has enabled Oak Activities to reduce admin time, avoid unplanned spend and confidently scale its technology as the organisation grows.

Ashley Parmenter and the team at Currys Business Peterborough, understanding the specific needs for Oak Activities, stepped in and recommended a refurbished laptop solution that balanced performance, reliability and value for money. Partnered with reliable delivery options, this  helped Oak Activities equip staff quickly without unnecessary upfront costs.

“The overall value and personalised experience were what made me choose Currys Business,” said Tom Milner, Managing Director at Oak Activities. “The team gave us impartial advice, competitive pricing, and a reliable service that supported our growth.”

Oak Activities now sources everything from phones to domestic appliances through Currys Business, leaning on the team’s expertise for the implementation of new services and systems.

“Our role was to make technology one less thing for the Oak Activities team to worry about,” said Ashley Parmenter, Business Customer Manager. “Through quick delivery, flexible payment options, refurbished solutions and installation support, we’ve helped improve day-to-day operations while keeping costs under control.”

“Looking ahead, we’ll be working closely with Oak Activities as it continues to grow, to scale its technology infrastructure and ensure staff have access to the right tools at the right time.”

Tom Milner concluded: “In one sentence, Currys Business is now a critical technology partner for us. The team is always responsive, easily accessible, straightforward to work with, and consistently recommend the right solutions for our needs and budget.”

To find out more about Currys Business and how it can support your organisation, visit: https://business.currys.co.uk/

The Everyday Classroom Essential

Every teacher knows the whiteboard marker is a quiet classroom hero. It’s there for last-minute reminders, brainstorming sessions, and those “aha!” moments when a concept finally clicks. When your marker works as hard as you do, teaching feels just that little bit easier, and that’s where STAEDTLER Lumocolor whiteboard markers truly shine.

Designed With Teachers in Mind

STAEDTLER Lumocolor markers are trusted by educators as every detail is designed around the realities of daily classroom use. The ink flows smoothly and evenly, making writing feel effortless. Visibility is another key advantage, as Lumocolor markers deliver strong, vibrant colour that stands out clearly against whiteboards, ensuring students can easily read what’s written no matter where they are sat in the classroom. Just as importantly, the ink wipes away cleanly without leaving stubborn shadows or ghosting, so boards stay fresh and ready for the next lesson.

A standout feature teachers truly appreciate when it come to Lumocolor markers is DRY SAFE technology. With DRY SAFE, Lumocolor markers can be left uncapped for days without drying out, perfect for busy classrooms where distractions are part of daily life. Whether a marker is accidentally left open on a desk or passed between students during group work, it’s ready to write when you pick it up again. Fewer dried out markers mean less waste and one less thing for teachers to worry about.

Supporting Sustainability in Schools

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus in education, and STAEDTLER is committed to helping schools make more responsible choices. Lumocolor whiteboard markers are made from 97% recycled plastic, reducing their impact on the environment without compromising on performance. Lumocolor markers are also refillable, helping extend product life and cut down on unnecessary waste, It’s a small change that can make a meaningful difference.

Introducing the New Lumocolor Classpacks

To make classroom organisation simpler STAEDTLER has introduced a range of new Lumocolor classpacks, designed specifically for school environments. Whether you’re managing a single classroom or coordinating supplies across a whole department, these packs help take the stress out of restocking.

The 48 marker packs offer the perfect combination of quantity, colour variety, and classroom practicality. Each pack is available in both bullet and chisel tip and comes in all black as well as assorted colours which consists of red, blue, green, and black markers, four essential colours that support effective learning. Using colour to separate topics or organise information helps students visualise concepts and retain learning more easily, especially during fast-paced lessons. STAEDTLER also offers 200 bullet tip marker packs in all black, which are ideal for exam rooms, staffrooms, and classrooms where simplicity is key.

A Small Tool That Makes a Big Difference

With Lumocolor whiteboard markers and the new classpacks, STAEDTLER continues to support teachers and education professionals with reliable, flexible solutions that keep ideas flowing and classrooms running smoothly. From smooth, high-visibility writing to flexible classpack options and a strong commitment to sustainability, STAEDTLER Lumocolor whiteboard markers tick all the boxes. They support clear communication, encourage organised learning, and help schools make smarter, more sustainable choices. For teachers and education professionals looking for dependable tools that keep up with the pace of the classroom, Lumocolor markers are a simple choice that make a lasting impact.

www.staedtler.co.uk