THATLL

Tower Hamlets Lending Library (THATLL) will quickly provide hardware for pupils with a range of needs in classrooms across the borough.
Who can borrow equipment? Teachers in schools across the borough and, in some instances, we can lend equipment to pupils placed out of borough. Hardware is lent on a termly basis and reminders will be sent to you at the end of term to either renew the loan or return it.
What does it cost? It is free to Tower Hamlets schools.
What is available? Lots of up to date equipment including touchscreens, trackerballs, switches, communication aids and keyboards. See equipment list
Which pupils is this for? Essentially, equipment can be lent to any pupil who needs these specialist resources to enable curriculum access. They may have a range of needs such as:
Physical impairments
Poor fine and gross motor control
Visual and hearing impairments
Communication and interaction needs such as speech and language difficulties
They may also have cognition and learning difficulties
How do I know what to borrow? If you're not sure what your pupil(s) need you can get advice from an LEA Advisory Teacher or visit Stephen Hawking School to see equipment in use. If what you borrow does the job, great. If not, return it and try something else.
Who will set it up and maintain it? Your school will be responsible for collecting and returning equipment and for installing it in the classroom. It will come with any leads, disks and batteries it requires. If it needs fixing you should ask your school technician first. After that return it to THATLL for a replacement. If damage is due to misuse or negligence there may be a charge.
Is it insured? You will need to add equipment to your school insurance inventory whilst it is on loan.
How will I know what to do with it? When you visit THATLL to collect equipment the school staff will be happy to show you an example in use where possible and to advise you on how to use it in the classroom. You can also ask for support from Advisory Teachers, either for ICT/SEN and Inclusion or for specific needs such as Physical Impairment or Speech and Language.
What about laptops? Generally, if a pupil needs a laptop then an application will need to go to the SEN panel. There will be portable machines such as Alphasmarts available for those who need to use a keyboard for writing in class.
Can I borrow software? No. THATLL will be able to provide advice about suitable software for your pupils, but you will need to buy this from school funds.
Can pupils take it home? Yes. As long as parents clearly understand that they are responsible for it whilst it is in their houses. You need to make sure they receive any necessary training and you may want to have a brief written agreement for you both to sign.