Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Thousands of children with SEND to benefit from assistive tech, published on 27 June 2025, which local authorities will receive that funding.

Digital assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that includes any device, software or system used to support individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). When used effectively, AT can play a vital role in supporting pupils with SEND to achieve and thrive in mainstream education.

That is why we are investing over £1.6 million to pilot assistive technology lending libraries through the SEND and alternative provision Change Programme. In participating areas, this will allow up to 3,800 mainstream schools to borrow and trial technology on a temporary basis, to identify the right products to support their pupils.

The local authorities that will be participating in the trial of assistive technology lending libraries are:

• Bedford
• Bradford
• Brighton and Hove
• Calderdale
• Central Bedfordshire
• County Durham
• East Sussex
• Enfield
• Gateshead
• Gloucestershire
• Hartlepool
• County of Herefordshire
• Islington
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Leicestershire
• Luton
• Manchester
• Oldham
• Portsmouth
• Rochdale
• Rutland
• Shropshire
• Stockton-on-Tees
• Swindon
• Telford and Wrekin
• Trafford
• Wakefield
• West Sussex
• Worcestershire