Welcome to a reading pen pilot program designed for your Local Authority! 

We know that so many local authorities are facing ongoing challenges in supporting learners’ reading needs. They’re difficult waters to navigate: with diagnoses of Special Educational Needs on the rise and a below-inflation increase in per-child funding even after the new government’s record investment in SEND, it’s getting ever-harder to balance the books and still ensure that students have access to the best tools for the job, and the support they need in order to succeed.  

But it’s not only about the cashflow element, either. Tightly stretched teacher time also plays a part in reading support decisions: investing in the right solutions for your setting often requires a lot of teacher time, bandwidth and research – and those are things that so many teachers just don’t have to spare. Teachers’ heavy workloads and limited time mean they often struggle to fully explore new tools, and we know that quick decisions and a lack of evidence-based decision-making carry risk. But what can we do about it? 

In an age where the expectation of literacy is higher than ever, having support that doesn’t tick all the boxes is a risk your learners can’t afford. That’s why we designed the Scanning Pens Local Authority Reading Pen Pilot Program: because Local Authorities like yours need to know that you’re investing in the best tools for the students in your care, you’re making your budget work as hard as you do, and that the solutions you choose are evidence-based, flexible and scalable, so that you can ensure that each and every learner who needs it has access to the tech they need to thrive.  

Alright. But what’s so special about reading pens? 

By supplementing the words on the page with an accurate, lightning-fast audio, reading pens take reading multi-modal. And readers who learn to read multi-modally become stronger readers overall. That means retention gets boosted, skills grow faster, and confidence issues disappear as the barrier between the reader and words on the page breaks down. 

But that’s not all: any reading pen Local Authority takes on as part of the pilot will have been designed by the reading pen experts at C-Pen. C-Pen have been designing and creating award-winning reading pens for decades, and as well as being a worldwide bestseller for educators looking to support reading and boost outcomes, these pens are also packed with support and customisation features to help each and every reader in their care find the right level of support and tackle reading independently. 

✔️ Bulit-in dictionary definitions 

✔️ Multiple language scanning 

✔️ Customisable playback speed and word pause 

✔️ Customisable accent 

✔️ Scan-to-file mode 

✔️ Voice recorder mode 

And there are alsoJCQ-approved models that can be used in UK exams – meaning that reading pens can continue to support students when they need it most, instead of stopping at the exam hall door. 

How does the Local Authority Reading Pen Pilot Program work? 

We send your Local Authority a reading pen package, and then our education experts step in to ensure that you’ve got all the support you need in order to implement a reading pen revolution. We think the best part is that more and more readers get access to reading pens and can experience the joy of reading, free from stress and reading barriers… but we think you’ll love the risk-free element, where you get to try out this tech and experience for yourself how effective it is before you part with the funding.  

Additionally, our training and reading support are both fully aligned with the UK Government’s education targets and the SEND Code of Practice: 

• Adaptive teaching: We support educators in tailoring instruction to meet diverse learner needs through accessible tools and inclusive strategies. 

• Reasonable adjustments: Our training and resources empower schools to implement practical, legally compliant adjustments that remove barriers to learning. 

• The Four Areas of Need: All our approaches are scaffolded to support: 

→ Communication and interaction 

→ Cognition and learning 

→ Social, emotional and mental health 

→ Sensory and/or physical needs 

So, let’s break it down: 

Step 1: Planning your reading pen pilot  

Once you’ve signed up for your reading pen pilot program, we’ll be in touch to design the perfect implementation plan for the schools included in your pilot program. This plan will include lay out your next steps, which includes comprehensive support, training, and analysis. 

Together we'll identify: 

• Your current literacy and inclusion priorities 

• The best-fit reading pen product for schools supported by the authority 

• An ideal tailored implementation plan for you 

• The perfect start date for your pilot 

• The best window of opportunity for schools to sign up 

• The most effective way to promote the opportunity to schools within the Local Authority  

And then once you’re sure on next steps, we’ll ship your reading pen package directly to you! 

Step 2: Implementation training 

Once your pilot plan is in place, we’ll deliver a dynamic, expert-led training session designed to energise your team and all schools registered, to ensure a smooth rollout across your schools. 

Here’s what to expect: 

• Guided walkthroughs of reading pen features 

• Strategies for integrating the pens into your literacy interventions 

• Tips for engaging students, especially those with SEN or at risk of disengagement 

• A multi-school strategy that encourages widescale adoption of your new reading support 

• CPD-accredited learning that supports your team’s professional development 

We’ll also share evidence of impact from previous pilots, so that you can explore the outcomes for yourselves and experience the impact through a teacher-level lens.  

Step 3: Continuous support in action 

Throughout your pilot, schools in your authority and your advisors will benefit from hands-on, proactive support. Our dedicated sales and education teams are here to ensure everything runs smoothly, your staff feel confident, and your students thrive. 

Here's what's included: 

• On-demand guidance when need a hand or have a question 

• Further check-ins, during the trial to troubleshoot and towards the end to review impact 

• Ready-to-use classroom resources and student reflection tools to boost engagement 

• Support with gathering feedback data and testimonials to evidence the real impact of your pilot program 

Step 4: Final feedback and ongoing support  

As your 60-day trial wraps up, we’ll guide you through a simple yet helpful review process. Together we'll evaluate your outcomes and reflect on the impact across your Local Authority with a brief feedback form, reviewing any outcomes or testimonials. 

You’ve seen the difference. Now let’s scale the success! 

We’re certain by this stage you’ll have experienced first-hand evidence of improved literacy and engagement. So, we're here to support your Authority in taking the next step: continuing the journey toward wide-scale implementation or returning the pens back to us if you decide they’re not for you.  

But that’s not all: you’ll also receive CPD & post-pilot support  

✔️ 1-hour CPD session for all pilot Local Authorities 

✔️ 3-hour CPD session for schools that purchase 

✔️ Advanced CPD modules for SENCOs and literacy leads 

But you don’t just have to take our word for it:  

“Schools engaging in the pilot have seen significant progress in student reading scores, increased independence, and improved learning confidence.” 

– Terri Cawser, 

Deputy Service Lead 

How reading pens changed the story at St John Wall School 

Before the pilot program: 

• Limited access to curriculum content for students with cognition and learning differences – hindering their academic progress. 

• Low student confidence and independence due to reliance on adult support for reading tasks. 

• Barriers to support impact not just academic progress, with students unable to engage with materials unaided. 

• Staff unfamiliarity with assistive technology and stigma around assistive tech from peers resulted in missed opportunities to create inclusive environments. 

After the pilot program: 

• Reading pens empowered students to access content and conquer reading barriers – boosting their confidence and independence. 

• Full staff training and peer-led sessions helped embed reading pens into every corner of school culture. 

• The reading pens didn’t just support learning, they sparked a whole-school shift toward inclusivity and autonomy. 

• Beacon School status, and the school has become a national model of best practice. 

To find out more about the Scanning Local Authority Pilot Program, check out our Local Authority Pilot Program hub page, where you can kickstart your 60-day pilot and revolutionise reading support across schools in your area.  

But if you’re looking for ways to support young readers without maxing your budget or making a huge funding outlay this term, check out the newScanning Pens leasing program– where we help schools, Trusts and Local Authorities like yours access award-winning reading support for just 24p a day! 

And finally, we’re a chatty bunch. If you want to speak to one of our reading support experts about supporting the reading needs in your setting, we’re always happy to explore in-depth solutions with you and your finance department. 

📧 Drop us a line: ukinfo@scanningpens.com 

☎️ Give us a call: +44 (0) 207 976 4910