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iPad Learning Scheme
Northfield School iPad Scheme
Digital Intent
Empowering pupils to excel in a digital age by fostering a dynamic learning environment where every pupil is equipped with the tools and knowledge, along with personalised digital resources to enable all pupils to reach their full potential in the 21st century digital age.
The Northfield School iPad Scheme is designed to enhance teaching and learning by providing every pupil with access to high-quality digital tools. The iPad scheme supports independent study, assessment, SEND provision, and prepares pupils for a technology-driven world.
About the iPad Scheme
Our aim is to ensure all pupils can fully engage with digital learning. iPads are used daily in lessons for modelling, assessment, classwork, homework, and independent study. The scheme also ensures consistency across subjects, helping pupils build strong digital skills.
Key Benefits
- Equal access to digital learning resources for all pupils.
- Seamless use of Microsoft Teams, Showbie, ClassCharts, Sparx and other learning platforms.
- Improved retention and independent learning through digital homework such as Seneca and Sparx as well as our independent learning packs for Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11.
- Strong alignment with SEND support and personalised learning.
- Clear communication with parents about pupil progress and homework.
- Safe, monitored use through school safeguarding and filtering systems.
Daily Loan iPad System
If a pupil forgets, loses, or has an iPad in for repair, the school offers a daily loan iPad subject to availability. This ensures that learning is never disrupted, and teachers can rely on every pupil having access to the technology they need.
Insurance and Repairs
Parents can submit insurance claims for damaged or broken iPads using our online form for Year 7-9. This helps ensure accurate reporting, faster resolution, and reduces accidental insurance fraud.
For pupils in Year 10 and 11 where the insurance has ended, we support our parents and carers by offering local repair companies to fix broken devices which can be found here.
Parental Engagement
Parents receive regular information about homework completion and digital learning. Through the iPad scheme, parents can monitor assignments set on Seneca and Sparx and support their child’s learning more effectively at home.
Important Questions
What apps do pupils need?
Microsoft Teams, Showbie, ClassCharts, Seneca, Sparx and other core learning apps. These are installed and managed by the school.
What if my child damages their iPad?
Parents should complete the online claim form. The school will advise on repair and provide a temporary loan device subject to availability.
How do teachers use iPads in lessons?
Teachers use iPads for modelling, retrieval tasks, assessments, fieldwork practice, dual coding, and personalised tasks based on pupil ability levels. Jamf teacher and Apple Classroom are used by teachers to monitor iPad usage in the classroom.
I’m concerned about the additional screen time that my child will be spending on a device during school time. How long will this be?
Screen time can be separated into active and passive screen time. Any time the iPad is used in the classroom is classed as active screen time (assessments, quizzes and research) of which there is no limit on how much this can be utilised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the iPads managed?
All devices are centrally managed by the school using a secure system called Jamf School, which allows us to:
- Install and update apps remotely
- Apply age-appropriate restrictions
- Filter and monitor online content in school
- Lock or wipe lost/stolen devices
This ensures the iPad remains a safe, educational tool at all times.
How do you manage screen time?
We focus on purposeful, active screen time:
- Active use: Completing quizzes, annotating work, creating presentations, responding to feedback
- Passive use: Watching non-educational videos or scrolling – which is minimised by curriculum design
Devices are used alongside books, discussions, and practical work. The device usage has been carefully planned into excellent developed lessons to enhance pupil’s learning.
Is there financial support or a subsidy?
Yes – we are committed to making the scheme accessible for every family. Support includes:
- Fully funded for families eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
- Insurance included for accidental damage
- Payments can be spread monthly or paid outright at the beginning of the scheme
We are happy to discuss your circumstances in confidence. Please contact us directly if you have any concerns about affordability.
What if the iPad is damaged or lost?
Each iPad comes with:
- Full insurance for accidental damage and theft but not covered for loss
- A quick and simple claim form linked to our partners at CPU
- Access to a daily loan iPad while repairs or replacements are arranged
This ensures your child never falls behind in class.
What expectations do you set for pupils?
All Year 7 pupils receive guidance on:
- Looking after their iPad
- Using it responsibly in and out of school
- Following our iPad Code of Conduct
The iPad is a powerful learning tool – and we work with pupils to build positive digital habits that last.
Can I bring my own device?
- Yes – if the device meets our system requirements an Apple iPad purchased from a retailer can be brought onto the scheme
- We unfortunately cannot accept other forms of technology such as Android tablets or laptops as they do not match with our Apple ecosystem
Want to Learn More?
You’ll receive full details at our iPad Scheme Information Evening during the summer term and further correspondence towards the end of this academic year. In the meantime:
We look forward to welcoming your child to Northfield School – and starting their digital learning journey together.
