Innovation and creativity are at the heart of Outcomes First Group’s (OFG’s) continual progression and development of provision for our pupils. We embrace the incredible pace of technological development we are witnessing and the ever-increasing opportunities for teaching and learning that it brings. We want to ensure we are at the forefront, utilising every available option to enhance our pupils’ experiences.
Here, my colleague Lorna Davies-Bailey, headteacher at Hillingdon Manor, reviews her school's immersive room and the impact and benefits to pupils, and Philippa Whipp, Head of School at Acorn Park, discusses QTRobot, an expressive humanoid designed as a tool for therapists and educators which uses facial expressions, gestures and games to teach children with autism spectrum disorder about communication, emotions and social skills.
The benefits of immersive technology to autistic pupils
Lorna Davies-Bailey, Executive Headteacher, Hillingdon Manor School, part of Options Autism, discusses the benefits of their new immersive room.
‘Hillingdon Manor School is located over three state-of-the-art sites, providing specialist education and support for autistic children and young people aged 3-19 and their families. Our Early Years and primary campus, Upton Grange in Slough, Berks, opened in 2021 in response to the growing need for specialist provision in the area and caters for 35 autistic pupils aged 3-11 with complex communication and sensory needs.