AT Superstore Help Central Bedfordshire Council Launch Their Assistive Technology Lending Library

When the UK Government announced its Assistive Technology Lending Libraries pilot - backed by up to £1.7 million in Department for Education funding - it opened up a real opportunity for local authorities to make a tangible difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Central Bedfordshire Council was one of the local authorities that stepped up to make the most of it, and AT Superstore was proud to support them every step of the way.

What Is the Lending Libraries Pilot?

The Assistive Technology Lending Libraries pilot is a government-backed initiative that enables schools to borrow and trial assistive technology devices with their pupils before committing to a purchase. The idea is straightforward but powerful: rather than spending limited budgets on equipment that might not be the right fit, schools can find what genuinely works for individual children first.

The pilot supports pupils with a wide range of needs - from dyslexia, ADHD and autism to sensory and communication difficulties - with access to tools such as reading pens, text-to-speech software, tablets and AAC devices, and screen magnification kits.

Central Bedfordshire's Motivation

For Central Bedfordshire Council, the pilot was an opportunity to plug a gap they'd already identified in their SEND provision. Sarah Fraher, SPLD Inclusion Outreach SENDAT explained:

Central Bedfordshire were keen to explore ways to support schools to meet the needs of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. We already had systems in place for pupils with hearing and vision needs but felt our offer for cognition and learning could be improved.

That honest self-assessment - and the willingness to act on it - is exactly the kind of thinking that makes these projects successful.

The Impact on Students

The council has high hopes for what the lending library will mean for pupils across their schools:

We anticipate it will support students to work with greater independence and support them to access lessons alongside their peers more easily. We would like students to feel empowered and confident in lessons and when working outside of school.

Greater independence, better access to the curriculum, and increased confidence: these are the outcomes that matter - and they're precisely what well-chosen assistive technology can deliver when it's matched properly to individual needs.

Where AT Superstore Came In

Setting up a lending library is no small undertaking. Selecting the right products, understanding how they work across different needs, and making sure staff feel confident using them - all of that takes expertise and hands-on support.

Sarah Fraher reflected on the role AT Superstore played in bringing the project together:

AT Superstore provided advice on products and delivered training to ensure we felt confident with knowing how the products purchased worked.

That combination of product knowledge and practical training is something we take seriously. It's not enough to supply equipment - the people using it need to understand it, and the children benefiting from it deserve to have staff who feel confident in its use.

Matt Dean, CEO of AT Superstore, echoed this:

Projects like this are exactly why we do what we do. Working with Central Bedfordshire to get the right technology into schools - and making sure staff feel genuinely confident using it - is what makes the difference between equipment sitting in a cupboard and equipment changing a child's day. We're proud to have been part of this.

Advice for Other Councils Getting Started

If your local authority is considering setting up a lending library - whether as part of the pilot or beyond it - Central Bedfordshire's experience offers some practical wisdom:

Consider what areas / needs you would like the products to support with and then look for products that will address these.

It sounds simple, but starting with the need rather than the technology is the approach that leads to the best outcomes. Define the gaps first, then find the tools to fill them.

Thinking About Your Own Lending Library?

Whether you're already part of the pilot or exploring what assistive technology could look like for your schools, AT Superstore can help. From product advice to staff training, we work with local authorities and schools to make sure the right technology reaches the right children.

Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support your project.

Related reading: How AT Superstore and Kirklees Council gave children the tools to succeed in school

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of assistive technology are available through the lending libraries? The libraries include a range of tools to support different needs, including reading pens, dictation and text-to-speech software, tablets, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, screen magnification software, and screen reading kits. The exact equipment available will vary by local authority depending on what they have chosen to stock.

Who is eligible to use the assistive technology lending library? Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are the intended beneficiaries. This includes pupils with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, communication difficulties, and sensory needs. Schools within participating local authorities can access the library on behalf of their pupils.

How can a local authority set up an assistive technology lending library? The first step is identifying the specific needs you want to address — whether that's cognition and learning, communication, sensory support, or a combination. From there, you can work with a specialist supplier like AT Superstore to select appropriate products, receive training, and build a library that genuinely meets the needs of schools in your area.

How can AT Superstore help with a lending library project? AT Superstore works with local authorities from initial product selection right through to staff training. We can advise on which products best address specific needs, supply the equipment, and deliver hands-on training to make sure everyone using the technology feels confident. We supported Central Bedfordshire Council through exactly this process as part of the government lending library pilot. Get in touch to discuss your project.

Do staff need training to use assistive technology effectively? Yes — training is a crucial part of any successful assistive technology rollout. Research shows that staff confidence directly affects how much pupils benefit from the technology. AT Superstore provides training alongside equipment supply to ensure schools get the most out of their investment.

Can schools outside the pilot access assistive technology support? Absolutely. While the government pilot is limited to specific local authorities, any school or local authority can work with AT Superstore to explore assistive technology options, build a loan bank of equipment, or source devices for individual pupils. Contact our team to find out what's possible for your setting.