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Gaia Learning Launches Bloom AI Platform, Inviting Schools to Join Summer Pilot as Inclusion Bases Announced

As schools across the UK rapidly expand inclusion bases and specialist SEND provision, Bloom (by Gaia Learning) has launched a Summer Term 2026 pilot of its AI-enabled inclusive learning and evidence tracking platform — designed to reduce teacher workload while strengthening personalised support.

Developed by the team behind Gaia Learning, Bloom responds directly to the growing demand for scalable, evidence-led inclusion models. 

With more schools establishing internal inclusion units and hybrid pathways, leaders are seeking technology that not only delivers flexible learning, but also captures meaningful data without increasing administrative burden.

Bloom combines virtual classroom delivery, embedded AI support tools and real-time analytics into a single platform. Its AI-enhanced features are designed to:

Streamline teacher administration and reduce manual evidence collection

Automatically surface engagement and progress insights

Support personalised learning pathways aligned to individual needs

Track wellbeing indicators alongside academic development

Generate structured evidence for EHCP reviews and inspection readiness

By automating routine tracking and surfacing actionable insights, Bloom enables educators to focus on teaching and relationship-building rather than paperwork.

Kate Heath, CEO of Gaia Learning and Founder of Bloom, told That's Technology: “After the recent news concerning the rapid growth of inclusion bases in schools, it’s clear the sector is actively seeking better ways to support learners with additional needs.

" While inclusion bases can provide vital targeted support, our priority must always be integration — ensuring students remain connected to their wider school community rather than feeling isolated. Bloom was built to support that balance. 

"It enables personalised learning pathways, strengthens engagement and provides clear evidence of progress, while reducing the administrative burden on teachers. By embedding AI-driven insights into everyday practice, we can support inclusive provision that is both relational and operationally sustainable".

The platform supports students accessing inclusion hubs, alternative provision, hybrid timetables and reintegration pathways. Real-time dashboards allow school leaders to monitor attendance, engagement and progress trends, helping identify early intervention opportunities and demonstrate measurable impact.

At a time when schools face rising accountability expectations alongside increasing SEND demand, Bloom positions technology as an enabler of practical inclusion — not an additional layer of complexity.

The Summer Term 2026 pilot invites schools, Multi-Academy Trusts and local authorities to shape the next phase of development while accessing early implementation support.

Expressions of interest are now open.

For further information or to apply for the pilot, schools can contact:

www.bloom.education

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World Radio Day: Celebrating the Power of a Timeless Medium

Every year on 13 February, World Radio Day shines a spotlight on one of the most enduring, accessible and trusted forms of communication we have. 

In a world dominated by screens and scrolling, radio remains refreshingly simple: turn it on, listen, and connect.

Why radio still matters

Radio has a unique ability to reach people wherever they are — in cars, kitchens, workplaces, hospitals and even in areas with limited internet access. 

It doesn’t demand your full attention, yet it keeps you informed, entertained and accompanied.

 For many, radio is a friendly voice in the background; for others, it’s a vital lifeline.

Unlike many modern platforms, radio is:

Accessible – no expensive equipment or data plans required

Inclusive – broadcasts in multiple languages and formats

Immediate – trusted for live news, weather and emergency updates

Human – real voices, real conversations, real connection

Radio’s role in community and culture

From national broadcasters like BBC to small local and community stations, radio plays a crucial role in reflecting everyday life. It supports local music scenes, gives a platform to underrepresented voices, and keeps communities informed about what’s happening on their doorstep.

Community radio, in particular, is often powered by volunteers and passion. It’s where niche interests thrive — specialist music shows, local history, faith programming, grassroots sports and charity appeals all find a home on the airwaves.

A trusted companion in difficult times

During crises — whether extreme weather, power cuts, or wider emergencies — radio often proves more resilient than digital platforms. Battery-powered and car radios continue to function when mobile networks and broadband falter, making radio an essential part of public safety and preparedness.

It’s also a source of comfort. Familiar presenters, music choices and shared experiences help reduce feelings of isolation, especially for older listeners or those living alone.

Radio in the digital age

Rather than fading away, radio has adapted. Many stations now offer:

Live streaming and catch-up services

Podcasts and on-demand shows

Smart speaker integration

Social media interaction with listeners

This blend of traditional broadcasting and digital innovation ensures radio remains relevant to younger audiences while still serving its loyal listeners.

How to celebrate World Radio Day

Mark the day by:

Tuning into a station you don’t usually listen to

Supporting a local or community radio station

Exploring podcasts from radio broadcasters

Sharing your favourite radio memories or presenters

Encouraging younger listeners to discover radio

Still broadcasting, still connecting

World Radio Day is a reminder that radio isn’t old-fashioned — it’s time-tested. In an age of information overload, radio’s simplicity, reliability and warmth continue to make it one of the most powerful media tools in the world.

So on 13 February, turn the dial (or tap the app), and celebrate the medium that’s been keeping us company for more than a century — and shows no sign of going quiet anytime soon. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Every year on 11 February, International Day of Women and Girls in Science shines a spotlight on the vital role women and girls play in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 

It’s a day about celebration, yes — but also about visibility, opportunity, and making sure the next generation knows that science is very much for them.

Why this day matters

Despite progress, women and girls remain under-represented in many scientific fields, particularly in engineering, computing, physics and advanced research roles. According to data highlighted by UNESCO, women make up less than a third of the global scientific research workforce. That gap isn’t about ability — it’s about access, encouragement, and long-standing cultural barriers.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science exists to challenge those barriers head-on.

From pioneers to present day

Women have always been part of scientific discovery, even when history books didn’t give them full credit. Names like Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, and Marie Curie remind us that women have shaped modern science in profound ways.

Today, women and girls are leading breakthroughs in medicine, climate science, artificial intelligence, space exploration and biotechnology — often while still having to fight for equal recognition and funding.

Inspiring girls early

One of the most powerful ways to close the gender gap in science is early encouragement. When girls see scientists who look like them, talk like them, and share their backgrounds, science stops feeling distant or “not for me”.

Schools, families, youth groups and media all play a role here. Celebrating curiosity, supporting maths and science confidence, and challenging stereotypes like “science is hard” or “science is for boys” can make a lifelong difference.

The UK perspective

Across the UK, organisations, schools and universities mark the day with workshops, talks, mentoring schemes and hands-on activities. From coding clubs and science fairs to lab open days, these events help girls see real-world pathways into STEM careers — not just in research, but in healthcare, environmental protection, technology, food science and beyond.

Why representation benefits everyone

This isn’t just about fairness — it’s about better science. Diverse teams bring wider perspectives, ask better questions, and design solutions that work for more people. When women and girls are excluded from science, society misses out on innovation, insight and talent.

Put simply: science is stronger when everyone has a seat at the lab bench.

How to mark the day

You don’t need a lab coat to get involved. You can:

• Share stories of women in science on social media

• Encourage girls see science as creative, practical and achievable

• Support STEM charities and education programmes

• Celebrate the women scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals in your own life

Looking ahead

International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t just about one day in February — it’s about building momentum all year round. By challenging outdated assumptions and championing equality in education and careers, we help ensure that future discoveries are shaped by all of humanity.

Because when women and girls thrive in science, everyone benefits. 

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OPIT - Open Institute of Technology launches accessible online Foundation Programme for technology degrees

OPIT, the Open Institute of Technology, which is a foremost online tech higher education institution, has launched a new Foundation Programme. 

A fully online Pre-Tertiary Certificate designed to prepare students for entry into undergraduate degrees in technology and digital disciplines.

The programme is aimed at students who don't yet meet traditional entry requirements for degree-level study, plus career changers and learners returning to education. 

It provides academic preparation across core areas including digital literacy, mathematics, communication and introductory technology subjects.

The Foundation Programme is delivered entirely online and combines live and recorded teaching with independent study. 

Students receive daily academic support from tutors and access to OPIT’s AI-based learning assistant, which provides 24/7 personalised guidance and exam preparation.

OPIT is aligned with the European Qualifications Framework and is recognised by World Education Services (WES), allowing students to use their qualifications for further study internationally.

“Education shapes our future. Yet, as the world runs fast, traditional higher education struggles to keep pace,” Riccardo Ocleppo, Founder of OPIT  told That's Technology.

The foundation programme allows those who don’t have access to usual routes of higher education, due to personal circumstance, age or location, the chance to learn from the world leading tech professors digitally. 

Teaching is delivered by an international faculty with professional experience across business, technology and digital industries. OPIT’s teaching approach emphasises applied learning and practical skills, alongside core academic competencies required for university-level study.

The Foundation Programme is designed as a one year, 60 credit pathway that students can complete from any location, offering an accessible option for those unable to relocate or pursue fulltime, campusbased study. It is particularly aimed at international learners and working professionals who need a flexible route into higher education.

In addition to academic preparation, the programme is positioned as a pathway into OPIT’s undergraduate degrees, including courses in computer science and digital business. OPIT’s degree programmes are designed to be career-aligned and focused on employability within technology-driven sectors.

Student feedback from OPIT’s wider programmes highlights the role of flexible delivery in supporting career transitions. One graduate described OPIT as suitable for learners “looking to pursue a new career while juggling other responsibilities,” citing the combination of remote study and academic support.

OPIT programmes are also designed to be affordable relative to traditional university pathways, with the aim of widening access to higher education for global learners.

Beyond its role as an entry route, OPIT emphasises that the Foundation Programme carries significant academic value, equipping learners with the foundational competencies essential for success in modern technology degrees. 

By strengthening critical thinking, problemsolving abilities and digital fluency, the programme helps bridge gaps that often prevent students from progressing in STEM fields. 

Early cohorts have demonstrated increased confidence, stronger academic performance in subsequent studies and greater readiness for the demands of universitylevel coursework, evidence of the programme’s impact in widening participation and supporting longterm student achievement.

Applications for upcoming intakes of the Foundation Programme are now open, with OPIT accepting students who meet its academic and English language requirements.

https://www.opit.com

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