The Edtech Podcast

Todays Episode In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa is joined by Harri Davies, UK Head of Growth at Imovem, to explore how careers guidance needs to evolve for a generation growing up in the fourth industrial revolution. Harri shares Imovem's mission to support young people, including those not in education, employment or training, by helping them build confidence, understand their strengths, and see a wider range of future possibilities. The conversation explores how too many students are still placed into narrow boxes — academic or practical, university or apprenticeship, traditional career or alternative path — and why this no longer reflects the reality of today's changing world of work. Together, Philippa and Harri discuss the role of AI in helping young people map their interests, passions, personality and learning preferences to future career pathways. Harri explains how Imovem's careers copilot uses personalised insights, live labour market data, and access to thousands of potential roles to help students connect what they are studying now with the lives and careers they may want to build. The episode also looks at the pressures facing teachers, careers leads and parents as they try to support young people through an increasingly complex landscape of apprenticeships, university routes, emerging industries, portfolio careers and AI-driven change. Harri highlights the importance of making careers information more accessible, engaging and practical, while giving teachers richer insight to support meaningful one-to-one conversations. This is a timely conversation about aspiration, agency, social impact and future skills. It asks how education can move beyond outdated assumptions about success and instead help every young person explore who they are, what they care about, and where they might thrive. About the Guest Harri is a fractional education leader with experience spanning social mobility, EdTech and upskilling young people. A former lawyer, in his role as UK Head of Growth at imovum, he works with schools to navigate increasingly complex career pathways. His work explores how psychology and emerging technology can help pupils feel confident about their future. Head of Growth for imovum: an AI co-pilot for students aged 13-18, used by 100,000 pupils across the UK, Middle East and India Worked with young people for 8 years: building their confidence and coaching/mentoring them to secure best in class graduate/junior city careers Guest Lecturer at Oxford International Education Group - simplified neuroscience for 15-17 year olds paired with AI co-pilot demonstration Keynote speaker and panellist at legal industry events sponsored by Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman NED at University of Bristol, launching the future of work series 'Building a Company of 1' to help students with post graduate prospects as portfolio workers Find them at imovum LinkedIn imovum Instagram Harri LinkedIn Harri Instagram

Episode Summary In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, we explore how schools, families and EdTech providers can better support children's wellbeing, inclusion and safety in an increasingly digital world. Louise Dawson shares insights on inclusive education, personalised learning, safeguarding, data protection and the importance of belonging and connection in every learning environment. She highlights how technology can support diverse learners when implemented strategically, with clear policies, strong teacher preparation and a community-wide understanding of digital responsibility. Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President of Linewise, joins the conversation to discuss student wellbeing, screen time, digital distractions, cyberbullying, AI chatbots and the growing challenges schools and parents face in managing children's online lives. He explains how Linewise supports schools and families with tools that help monitor, manage and guide technology use, while reducing friction between children, parents and educators. Together, these conversations explore a vital question for education today: how do we ensure technology empowers learning, protects children and strengthens connection, rather than creating greater risk, distraction or exclusion? Action Items Review and update safeguarding policies to reflect current EdTech use, AI risks and digital wellbeing concerns. Ensure data protection and privacy principles are embedded into EdTech procurement and implementation. Develop a whole-school strategy for technology use that includes inclusion, safeguarding, teaching and learning, and parent engagement. Provide staff training on classroom technology management, digital distractions and emerging AI-related risks. Support parents with practical tools and guidance for managing screen time at home. Create opportunities for families, schools and students to discuss healthy digital habits together. Use data trends to identify early signs of harmful online behaviour, cyberbullying or wellbeing concerns. Embed digital literacy into the curriculum so students understand both the opportunities and risks of technology. Key Topics Digital wellbeing and student safety Inclusive education and personalised learning Safeguarding and data protection in EdTech Screen time management at home and school Digital distractions and classroom management AI chatbots, cyberbullying and emerging online risks Parental involvement in digital safety Technology as a support for diverse learners Teacher preparedness and strategic EdTech implementation Community, belonging and connection in digital education Using data to identify harmful trends and support intervention Collaboration between schools, parents and EdTech providers Guest Names Louise Dawson - Louise Dawson Professional and Management Development Training www.louisedawson.com Harrison Parker, Executive Vice President, Linewise https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-parker-02951921 Linewise: https://www.linewize.com/ Key Frameworks and Concepts Universal Design for Learning Data Protection Principles Digital Safeguarding Screen Time Management Digital Literacy Parent-School Partnership AI Risk Awareness Whole-School EdTech Strategy Chapter Outline 00:00 – Introduction to Inclusive Education and Digital Wellbeing Setting the scene for a conversation about EdTech, inclusion, safeguarding and student safety. 03:06 – The Role of EdTech in Supporting Learning Louise Dawson explores how technology can support diverse learners and enable more personalised learning experiences. 05:48 – Challenges in Implementing Technology in Classrooms Discussion around teacher confidence, strategic planning and the risks of poorly implemented EdTech. 08:36 – Teacher Preparedness and EdTech Integration Why training, clarity and purpose matter when introducing technology into learning environments. 11:23 – Data Protection and Safeguarding in EdTech Exploring the importance of safeguarding, privacy and accountability in digital education. 14:14 – The Importance of Community and Connection Louise reflects on belonging, inclusion and the role of relationships in supporting young people. 17:03 – Navigating Technology Use at Home How schools and families can work together to support healthy technology habits. 20:16 – Introduction to Harrison Parker and Linewise Harrison shares his journey into education and the mission behind Linewise. 23:17 – The Evolution of Technology in Education How classroom technology has changed and what this means for students, teachers and parents. 27:47 – Digital Distractions and Screen Time Challenges Exploring the impact of phones, apps and always-on access on learning and wellbeing. 30:10 – Classroom Management and Technology Integration How schools can manage devices in a way that supports teaching rather than creating friction. 32:23 – Empowering Parents with Technology Why simple, practical parental tools are essential for creating healthier digital boundaries. 34:17 – Positive Trends in Student Behaviour How monitoring and management tools can help reduce harmful events and support earlier intervention. 38:00 – AI, Cyberbullying and Emerging Online Risks The rise of AI-generated harm, voice replication, chatbots and new safeguarding challenges. 43:42 – Future Directions in EdTech and Child Safety The need for collaboration between families, schools, policymakers and technology providers. Resources UAE Law on Digital Safety – https://example.com/uae-digital-safety-law Inclusive Education Strategies – https://amazon.com/inclusive-education-strategies EdTech Safeguarding Guidelines – https://example.com/edtech-safeguarding

Sky, Storytelling, AI and the Future of Youth Education with Nishy Lall In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa is joined by Nishy Lall, a strategic senior leader with over 15 years' experience shaping large-scale social impact, youth engagement, digital equity and inclusion programmes across the UK, Europe and the US. Nishy leads Sky's youth and social impact work, helping young people fulfil their potential through digital access, creativity, storytelling and real-world industry experiences. Through initiatives such as Sky Up Academy Studios, The Edit, and wider Sky youth programmes, she shares how Sky is opening doors into media, technology and creative careers for young people who may not otherwise see those pathways as available to them. This conversation explores how immersive media experiences, AI, creative technology and industry partnerships can help young people build confidence, communication skills, digital literacy and a stronger sense of belonging. From creating news reports in professional-style studios to using tools such as Adobe Express for storytelling challenges, Nishy explains how Sky's programmes support both teachers and learners by connecting curriculum, creativity and future skills. At the heart of the episode is a powerful message: opportunities shape futures. When young people are given access to the right environments, tools and encouragement, they can begin to see themselves differently — not as a finished article, but as someone with agency, curiosity and potential. Episode Summary Nishy Lall from Sky joins The EdTech Podcast to discuss how Sky's youth programmes are helping young people build confidence, skills and aspirations through digital media, AI, creative technology and real-world industry experiences. The conversation explores Sky Up Academy Studios, where young people step into studio environments, take on production roles, create their own news reports and experience the power of storytelling from script to screen. Nishy also shares the impact of The Edit, Sky's schools-based storytelling challenge developed with Adobe, which gives young people access to creative tools and the opportunity to explore themes such as climate change, diversity, mental health, wellbeing and media literacy. Philippa and Nishy discuss the role of AI in education, the importance of ethical and responsible use, and why young people should be supported to see technology as an enabler rather than a replacement for human creativity. They also explore digital equity, inclusion, teacher support, lifelong learning, creative career pathways and the importance of helping every young person feel that they belong in future-facing industries. Key Themes Sky's youth and social impact work Nishy shares how Sky's social impact programmes are designed to help young people fulfil their potential through digital access, creativity and future skills. Sky Up Academy Studios The episode explores how students visit immersive studio spaces, take on roles such as presenter, editor, director and camera operator, and create their own media content linked to curriculum themes. Digital equity and access Nishy describes digital equity as fairness — ensuring young people have access to tools, experiences and environments that allow them to express themselves and discover new possibilities. AI, creativity and responsible use The conversation explores how young people are already engaging with AI, why prompt literacy and critical thinking matter, and how AI can support ideation and storytelling when used responsibly. Creative technology and career pathways Sky's programmes help students understand the range of roles within media, broadcast, film, storytelling and creative technology, opening up pathways they may never have previously considered. Supporting teachers and curriculum learning The discussion highlights how media production can bring subjects such as history, geography, English, climate education and online safety to life in new and memorable ways. Belonging, confidence and inclusion Nishy shares examples of young people thriving in studio environments, including those who may struggle in traditional classroom settings, and explains why confidence and belonging are central to long-term impact. Chapter Markers 00:00 Introduction to Nishy Lall and Sky's youth impact 02:30 Sky Up Academy Studios: a hands-on industry experience 03:18 Building teamwork, communication and digital literacy 05:07 AI in education and young people's digital confidence 06:20 Inspiring creativity and confidence in young learners 08:01 Inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for all 09:23 The fourth industrial revolution and youth readiness 10:53 Real-world careers: from studio experience to industry pathways 13:20 Using media to teach history and other curriculum subjects 15:21 Supporting diverse learners and students with additional needs 18:50 Earth Day, World Book Day and meaningful media projects 21:39 Media literacy and responsible content creation 22:55 AI, creativity, ethics and prompt literacy 25:26 The future of work and lifelong learning 28:34 Sky's role in digital innovation and education 35:01 Building confidence, aspiration and belonging 37:24 Partnerships, industry collaboration and authentic learning 42:01 Preparing educators for a changing digital world 44:14 Creating opportunities for all young people 45:35 Closing reflections and future outlook 46:13 Empowering youth through creative education 46:43 Why digital equity matters 47:08 Community, engagement and the role of EdTech Guest Bio Nishy Lall is a strategic senior leader with over 15 years' experience shaping large-scale social impact, youth engagement, digital equity and inclusion strategies across the UK, Europe and the US. She brings extensive board and non-executive experience, deep governance expertise and a strong track record of financial leadership, including oversight of multi-million-pound budgets and complex programme portfolios. Nishy is recognised for influencing national conversations on skills, inclusion and media literacy, and for building high-value partnerships across industry, education and the technology sector. She is an award-winning change-maker, recognised as Asian Women of the Year 2020 — Social & Humanitarian, Drum Awards Change Maker of the Year 2022, and We Make Change Top 100 Change Leader 2025. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishy-lall-61b91415/ Resources and Links Sky Up – The Edit: https://www.skyup.sky/the-edit Sky Up Academy Studios: https://www.skyup.sky/academy-studios Access All Arts: https://accessallarts.skyarts.uk/ Sky Group on X: https://x.com/SkyGroup Adobe Creative Cloud: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html

Episode Overview In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, we bring together three educators who have moved beyond using AI—to actively creating with it. From building bespoke tools and secure large language models to designing simple, classroom-ready solutions, this conversation explores what it means to be an educator–creator in an AI-driven world. Chris Loveday shares how his college has developed over 20 AI-powered agents to support both operational efficiency and student experience, including a fully safeguarded internal large language model designed with education-specific guardrails. His work highlights critical themes of digital equity, safeguarding, and the importance of keeping humans firmly in the loop. Aaron Patching brings a practical, classroom-level perspective—demonstrating how teachers can use tools like Canva and low-code platforms to solve everyday challenges. From interactive recall quizzes to real-time navigation tools for parents' evenings, he shows how small, purposeful innovations can have a big impact on workload and engagement. Dan Comber explores how AI can transform static school resources into dynamic, interactive experiences. From chatbot-powered policy access to rethinking how students and parents engage with key information, his work focuses on accessibility, communication, and embedding AI into school culture—not just as a tool, but as part of how systems operate. Across the conversation, a shared message emerges: successful AI integration in education is not about the technology itself, but about solving real problems, building staff confidence, and maintaining a strong ethical and human-centred approach. The episode also tackles key challenges, including staff training, sustainability, data privacy, and the need for clear governance. Whether you're just starting out or already experimenting, this episode offers practical insights, honest reflections, and a powerful reminder—AI in education isn't something happening to us, it's something we can actively shape. Chris Loveday: linkedin.com/in/chris-loveday-5b712622b/ Aaron Patching: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-patching/ Dan Comber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-comber-teacher/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 02:50 Creating Bespoke AI Solutions 05:48 Student-Centric AI Tools 08:46 Empowering Educators with AI 11:24 Innovative Approaches to Teaching 14:20 Bridging the Gap with AI 14:49 Overcoming Resistance to AI 16:54 Interactive Learning with AI 20:03 The Future of AI in Education 25:51 Building Effective Data Systems in Education 27:02 Exploring AI's Role in Education 29:26 Engaging Staff with AI Technology 31:49 Implementing AI in the Classroom 33:13 Educating Students on AI Literacy 35:31 The Importance of Continuous Training 37:46 Practical Tools for Teachers 41:42 Sustainability and AI in Education 45:36 Advice for Educators Embracing AI 52:22 NEWCHAPTER Resources AI and Education Steering Panel - https://aieducation.org Canva - https://www.canva.com Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com Google AI Tools - https://ai.google/

#322: Safeguarding in the Age of AI: Who's Responsible? In this engaging conversation, Sponsored by Hachette Learning Academy, Laura Knight discusses her extensive experience in education and her focus on integrating technology effectively within the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech, addressing not only the pedagogical aspects but also the emotional and social well-being of students. The discussion delves into the challenges of safeguarding in the digital age, the significance of scenario-based learning, and the ongoing debate surrounding screen time and digital engagement. Laura advocates for a shift in educational practices to better prepare students for the complexities of the digital world, highlighting the need for self-regulation, digital literacy, and a collaborative effort between parents and educators. The conversation concludes with insights from Laura's white paper, which outlines three key pillars for fostering digital responsibility in children: capability, conscience, and courage. Key Takeaways Laura Knight emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech. Safeguarding in the digital age is a shared responsibility among educators and parents. Screens themselves are neutral; the focus should be on the content accessed. Teaching self-regulation and digital literacy is crucial for young people. Generational differences impact how technology is perceived and used. The need for change in educational approaches is urgent and necessary. Digital ecosystems significantly influence children's learning and relationships. Peer support among parents can enhance digital literacy discussions. The three pillars of digital literacy are capability, conscience, and courage. Education must prepare children to thrive in a digital world with integrity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laura Knight and Her Work 02:55 The Holistic Approach to EdTech 06:12 Navigating Safeguarding in the Digital Age 09:04 The Reality of Cyber Attacks in Schools 12:03 The Debate on Screen Time and Digital Engagement 17:49 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Digital Spaces 25:04 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting 28:01 The Generational Gap and Digital Disempowerment 30:12 Addressing the Digital Divide: Strategies for Change 36:54 Early Conversations: Building Foundations for Digital Literacy 37:51 Synthetic Intimacy: The Dangers of AI Relationships 45:22 Educating for Digital Life: The Three Pillars of Capability, Conscience, and Courage Laura Knight Linkedin Hachette Learning and Professional Development Overview Hachette Learning Professional Development combines an established and expansive suite of books, guides, courses, and community opportunities that empower educators to take ownership of their teaching practice. The Professional Development includes Teaching WalkThrus, Hachette Learning Academy, Teacher Training Webinars, and, as of July 2025, Hachette Learning Professional Development Publications, formerly John Catt. For more than 60 years, John Catt has established itself as a highly regarded professional development publisher, earning the trust and loyalty of thousands of teachers around the world. Bringing all Hachette Learning Professional Development under one umbrella is a testament to our evolving mission to serve educators worldwide.

The Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode. Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers. In this episode: The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI's future How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform Strategies for effective AI governance within schools Addressing ethical considerations and safeguarding student data Insights from Rita's extensive background in curriculum design and school leadership Practical frameworks for responsible AI deployment The emotional and social implications of AI for students and teachers Emerging trends and future scenarios in AI-driven education The importance of teacher agency, resilience, and human-centered values in AI integration Resources and tools to support schools in developing AI literacy Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to AI and education's ethical landscape 00:31 - Rita Bateson's background and expertise 01:14 - Sustainability challenges posed by data centers in Ireland 01:53 - The environmental impact of AI models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI 02:18 - The importance of teaching students discernment in AI use 02:57 - Developing language around AI ethics and evaluation stations 03:45 - Balancing AI benefits with energy consumption concerns 04:38 - Faith in human feedback and the value of teacher-student relationships 05:17 - The role of school leadership in modeling responsible AI behaviors 05:34 - Sustainability and energy considerations in AI-generated content 06:22 - Risks and opportunities in AI dependency 07:21 - The transformative potential of AI in assessment and workplace readiness 07:50 - Leadership guidance in AI strategy and governance 08:18 - Integrating AI governance into school policies 08:49 - Rita's background in curriculum development and assessment 09:40 - The evolution of AI debates in education 10:22 - Challenges of misinformation, hallucinations, and bias 11:20 - Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity risks for schools 11:48 - Protecting student identities and images with responsible data use 12:23 - Teaching digital literacy and algorithmic immunity 13:01 - Embodiment, experiential learning, and non-screen-based AI education 13:51 - The importance of digital and AI strategies aligning 14:18 - Key leadership advice: Invest in understanding AI 14:41 - Reimagining opportunities for professional growth 15:58 - The power of cautious optimism and reflection 16:53 - Celebrating uniqueness and human voice amidst AI proliferation 17:07 - Encouraging productive struggle and resilience in students 18:14 - Clear rules and deliberate use of AI in classrooms 18:48 - Rita's book: scenarios, experiments, and case studies in ethical AI use 19:15 - Sentiment analysis, micro-moments, and voice recognition in AI 20:11 - Potential of world models and immersive environments 20:50 - Opportunities for specialized subjects and student-led world-building 22:23 - Preparing students with digital literacy for future skills 23:41 - Balancing sustainability and responsible use in AI deployment 24:46 - The importance of evaluation and teacher agency 25:56 - Resources: free AI courses and tools from Ablama Learning 26:44 - The significance of protecting and amplifying educators' voices 27:12 - Historical perspective: Dublin's intellectual legacy and innovative spirit 27:44 - Closing thoughts: the role of educators in safeguarding sacred texts of knowledge 28:02 - Final words and gratitude Resources & Links: Ablama Learning - AI Literacy Resources Free AI courses Hachette Learning Academy Books from Hachette Learning by Rita Bateson Connect with Rita Bateson: LinkedIn This episode spotlights how responsible leadership, grounded in ethics and sustainability, can steer the future of AI in education. Embrace the opportunities while safeguarding our planet and student futures.

Summary This conversation delves into the critical topic of online safety for children, featuring insights from experts in the field. The discussion covers the impetus behind the Online Safety Act, the roles of organizations like Ofcom and LGfL, and the importance of empowering parents and schools to foster safe online environments. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by technology, including AI, and emphasizes the need for continuous communication between parents and children regarding online safety. Takeaways The Online Safety Act was prompted by tragic incidents involving children. Empowering parents and schools is crucial for online safety. Children's experiences online often differ from their parents'. Continuous communication about online safety is essential. Technology is an integral part of children's lives today. AI poses new risks that need to be addressed. Schools should engage parents creatively in online safety discussions. Risk assessments are vital for companies serving children. Children need to be educated about the risks of online content. Regulators must hold companies accountable for user safety. key topics Legislation and regulation of online safety (Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role) Impact of AI and algorithms on children's online experiences Parental and educational strategies for online safeguarding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Online Safety and the Guests 03:51 The Impetus Behind the Online Safety Act 05:35 Support from LGfL for Schools and Parents 08:14 The Role of Parents in Online Safety 10:59 Ofcom's Regulatory Role and Responsibilities 13:34 Impact of Algorithms on Children's Online Experience 16:21 Engaging Parents in Online Safety Discussions 18:06 Children's Experiences and Parental Awareness 20:06 Overcoming Parental Barriers to Online Safety Conversations 22:30 The Future of Social Media Regulations 24:38 Empowering Parents and Educators for Online Safety 26:57 Empowering Parents with Resources 28:30 Regulatory Frameworks and Company Accountability 33:40 School Policies on Technology Use 41:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 47:39 Envisioning a Safer Digital Future 49:57 The Importance of Online Safety in Education 51:04 Navigating the Challenges of AI and Online Safety Resources Online Safety Act (UK) - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/29/enacted Ofcom's Online Safety Framework - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety UN Rights of the Child in Digital - https://www.un.org/en/rights-of-the-child UNICEF Digital Child Safety Initiatives - https://www.unicef.org/child-rights/digital-safety LGFL Safeguarding Resources - https://lgfl.net/Safeguarding/saferesources Australian Online Safety Laws - https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/children-and-teenagers/online-safety Ofcom's Research on Children's Online Experiences - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/children-online Global Regulatory Cooperation on Digital Safety - https://www.ituc-csi.org/global-cooperation-digital-safety The resource I referenced is the Parent Online Safety Toolkit for schools – available to download at https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/

We kick off this episode with Neelam Parmar, who shares her insights on digital transformation and the integration of AI within global education systems. Neelam highlights how different regions are leading technological innovation, from online safety standards in the UK and AI-driven healthcare efficiency in China, to groundbreaking tech testbeds in the Middle East. Next, we turn to Derek Devine from Clever, who shares his unique career journey transitioning from a wedding planner to the world of EdTech. Derek explains how the Clever platform is alleviating the burden on schools worldwide by providing accessible, free technology for educators and students. Rounding out the conversation, Kat Couchie from NetSupport joins us to discuss the strong sense of community at Bett this year, including the fantastic energy at the Women in EdTech events. Kat also emphasizes the crucial renewed focus on inclusion and support for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), reminding us that any use of technology in the classroom must always be driven by strong pedagogical reasons to truly support student development and needs. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the event's highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum—visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/—and fully supported by the Bett team.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, scalability, and human connection. We begin with Peter Lancet from My Trencher, who discusses the "numbers game" university career services face. He explains how his platform provides an "operational layer" that allows small teams to support thousands of students, moving from reactive advice to strategically identifying and assisting those most at risk. The conversation then deepens with Doug Delpha, a Professor at the University of Strasbourg and AI Engineer. Doug advocates for a return to the "Aristotle and Plato" style of mentorship, arguing that while teachers must become AI-proficient, their primary role is to be a protected human figure who can handle sensitive student crises that chatbots simply cannot. Crucially, Doug also issues a wake-up call regarding digital sovereignty, challenging international institutions to build "elasticity" into their systems rather than relying blindly on American infrastructure that could be impacted by geopolitical shifts or outages. We then turn our focus to the administrative side of inclusion with Andy Bell from Trellis. A winner of the CivTech award in Scotland, Andy shares how his team is using AI to alleviate the paperwork burden in Special Educational Needs (SEND) departments. By transcribing meetings and automatically creating first drafts of child plans, Trellis is helping councils and teachers reclaim valuable time, allowing them to focus less on administration and more on the students who need them most. Ready to learn more about the future of learning? This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway and Edmentum. Discover how they are transforming education by visiting https://www.everway.com/ and https://www.edmentum.com/.

We kick off this final day at Bett UK 2026 with a splash of joy as Dr. Ali Struthers and James from Taskmaster Education take us inside the "Taskmaster Club." They discuss how the beloved TV format is being used to assess the "unmeasurable" skills like collaboration, lateral thinking, and resilience while teaching children valuable life lessons about fair play and understanding that "not everyone is a winner". Turning to the structural side of education, we navigate the complex world of professional standards with Andy Donachie from The CPD Group, who issues a critical warning about the surge of low-quality, AI-generated training and emphasizes why true credibility must remain rooted in human expertise. Rounding out the episode, Michael Forshaw from EdTech Impact tackles the hidden challenge of "shadow apps," explaining how his new "Digital Audit" service helps schools uncover forgotten subscriptions and shift their focus from buying "shiny" tech to measuring actual evidence and impact in the classroom. Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.

We open this episode with Vicky Merrick, who shares insights from her groundbreaking pilot projects on collaborative assessment. Vicky explains how "comparative judgment" is revolutionizing subjective subjects like Art and Music, allowing teachers to achieve high statistical reliability by comparing student work rather than deciphering complex rubrics. Following Vicky, Mark House from RM broadens the discussion to the "global conundrum" of assessment in the age of AI. Mark argues that we must "measure what we treasure" rather than letting technology dictate values, emphasizing the importance of local context such as honoring rural community values and addressing the disconnect between passing exams and possessing the skills employers actually need. Rounding out the conversation, Nici Foote passionately advocates for bringing "joy" back into learning and ensuring digital inclusion. Nici discusses how tools like Canva are leveling the playing field for neurodiverse students even making complex tasks like timetabling fun and challenges the narrative around phone bans. Instead of bans, she suggests building "analogue communities" for balance while teaching authentic digital skills, and calls for affordable resources to support Teaching Assistants (TAs), whom she identifies as the "missing link" in special education. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.

We kick off this special episode with Lord Jim Knight, who shares his powerful perspective on the "moral panic" surrounding technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, Lord Knight advocates for a more nuanced approach balancing safety with agency and explores how AI can revolutionize assessment through methods like the "viva" to support lifelong learning and inclusion. Next, we sit down with Jez and Jon from YouHQ to discuss their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform used in nearly 200 schools globally. They reveal how their tool has evolved into a critical safeguard, helping schools identify "invisible" students who are struggling, while also empowering young people to track their sleep, mood, and personal goals. Finally, we are joined by Paddy from Everway, one of our sponsors, to talk about their commitment to "cradle to grave" inclusion. Paddy explains how Everway is ensuring that the accessibility tools students rely on in school like read-aloud and dictation are available in high-stakes exams and carry through to the workplace, truly leveling the playing field for neurodiverse individuals throughout their lives. Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.