Support available to schools
Specialist Teaching Services
Your school may apply to get support from an Advisory Teacher through our Specialist Teaching Services.
Advisory Teachers are qualified in the teaching of children with disabilities and can provide advice and support to the schools of children and young people with disabilities and the staff working with them including SENCOs, teachers and teaching assistants.
The support can include:
- liaison with other agencies and health professionals
- partnership work with parents and carers
- advice on curriculum access and examination arrangements
- advice on accessibility and adaptations to the school environment and equipment
- health and safety advice
- training as required
Advisory Teachers can also offer schools support for children or young people with medical conditions.
See getting specialist support for schools for more information.
How to apply for help
To apply for support, contact our Specialist Teaching Services.
SEND code of practice
Your school has a duty to comply with the statutory guidance Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years. Chapter 6 highlights the guidance for schools.
Assistive Technology (AT) Lending Library
Leicestershire County Council is participating in a Department for Education (DfE) pilot to trial assistive technology (AT) equipment in mainstream primary and secondary schools.
The pilot aims to help children and young people with needs such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD and communication difficulties to access learning, participate fully and become more independent.
What schools can borrow
Schools can borrow up to 3 different types of equipment each term at no cost. Equipment available includes:
- scanning pens
- wireless audio systems for group learning
- mobile sensory rooms
- large-button keyboards
- adapted joysticks
- tablets
View the equipment catalogue:
How to apply
To borrow equipment, please follow these steps:
- Review the equipment catalogue.
- Complete the online application form.
- Applications will be reviewed by the project team.
- If approved, collection details will be provided.
- Trial the equipment in school and evaluate its impact on pupils.
Complete the online application form to borrow equipment:
Assistive Technology library loan request
Equipment is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability.
Loan dates
| Term | Order by | Collection dates | Return date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026/27 | 4 September 2026 | 21 and 22 September 2026 | 14 December 2026 |
| Spring 2026/27 | 8 January 2027 | 18 and 19 January 2027 | 15 March 2027 |
| Summer 2026/27 | 9 April 2027 | 19 and 20 April 2027 | 28 June 2027 |
Schools should ensure that all equipment is returned by the relevant return date.
Collection and return
All equipment must be collected from and returned to:
Leicestershire County Council (Room 600)
County Hall
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RA
Terms and conditions
Key conditions of the loan scheme include:
- equipment remains the property of Leicestershire County Council
- schools are responsible for the safe use, storage and return of equipment
- electronic equipment should be returned to factory settings before it is returned
- equipment must be returned by the agreed date
- participating schools will be asked to complete a short evaluation as part of the pilot project
For full terms and conditions, see the application form.
Further information
If you have any questions about the Assistive Technology Lending Library, email cfsatll@leics.gov.uk.