Dear CENMAC Community,

As we start February and fast approach the half term, I’m sure many are pleased to be putting January behind us. Technology is beginning to get into the homes of those who need it, but we still hear of many families who are either sharing resources or have a lack of data for connecting into lessons. Links for accessing free data and computers:
  

• Increasing data allowances on mobile devices to support disadvantaged children - Get help with technology - GOV.UK (education.gov.uk)  
• Get help with technology - GOV.UK (education.gov.uk) 

Children are at an advantage when they have the technology at home to access online resources. As we return to school and students play catch up with learning, let us ensure every child within a family has the digital resources to continue learning within their home.  
 

Here is a link to charities helping to receive and donate laptops  

• BBC - Give a laptop 

February also brings us Children’s Mental Health Week and Safer Internet day, both so important as we move forward in supporting children through their experiences of the last year and face the challenges that online learning brings us. Keep an eye on our weekly blogs and website for information and resources to support both these areas.  

Have a lovely half-term when it arrives.

Kathryn Stowell
Head of CENMAC
CENMAC Blog: cenmac.com/news

What can technology be used for in the home?
 

Teaching Assistant Award | February 2021

In our work supporting students with assistive technology, we meet some amazing teaching assistants who we would like to acknowledge. The extra work and the skills of these individuals have a huge impact on their students' learning.

 

Congratulations to Phyllis Whitehead, February 2021 Teaching Assistant Award

Phyllis Whitehead of Furzdown Primary

'My favourite part of my job as a TA is getting to work so closely with a child and therefore getting to learn so much about the child I work one-to-one with. Though it can be challenging, most of the time there's a lot of fun to be had in the role. It's very rewarding to hear that my input is helping the child and enabling them to work to the best of their potential with some extra support. 

Thanks for naming me TA of the month!'

I also have a keen interest in Specific Learning Difficulties and I am a qualified Specialist Practitioner in Dyslexia, working towards becoming a specialist assessor.  

Technology has been a fundamental part of my journey throughout therapy, and I am an advocate of utilising technology to develop children’s communication and learning skills.  

I am excited to be part of the CENMAC team and looking forward to combining the skills and knowledge I have gained in speech therapy, dyslexia and technology to ensure pupils are receiving the best support, helping them to reach their full potential. 

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Follow Sarah Ezekiel on Twitter
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• Rainforest Coding – a new updated version is available now, with students learning to use Scratch coding techniques in a series of fun games and adventures. If a student supported by CENMAC wishes to trial the use of the software, do ask your CENMAC link for a login code. 

• Free Text to Speech Online with Natural Voices (naturalreaders.com) for students (and adults) who prefer listening to reading, this website is a must - simply drop your text into the box and pick from one of the voices to read it aloud to you. This differs from many text to speech services, as there are more human-like voices to choose from.