The safety and wellbeing of our learners, partners and staff is our priority. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Barbara Veeramallay-Permaul, will respond to and support with all safeguarding concerns.
Louise Campton’s Story
In January of 2015, my 7-year-old son was really struggling with his learning at Primary School and was upset every morning which broke my heart as a mum. I discovered this came from the fear of raising his hand in the classroom or being asked directly for an answer to a question by his teacher.
At home, Thomas and I would learn together using fun apps on the iPad which he enjoyed, and this made him feel relaxed and his learner knowledge and ability increased. I knew there was a way for children to have technology in the classroom as I had read about this, and I was keen to support Tom with his learning so approached the headteacher.
The school explained that they could not offer Tom the chance to use the iPad in the classroom as it would not be fair to others and many teachers were extremely fearful of using technology in the classroom due to their lack of knowledge and ability to fix an issue should it arise. I could see the school wanted to help; however, they had a million other things to deal with and no funding available to them.
I was about to reach the ripe old age of 40 and had spent my entire working life as a Careers Adviser supporting young people on their educational journey and into successful careers, so I could not walk away from helping my own son. I needed to do something but I wasn’t sure of what or how.
I began to research and meet with executive headteachers who had similar challenges with staff lacking in confidence when using technology, which could potentially support their children with special educational needs. I felt strongly something needed to be done as the children were (in many cases) better than their teachers when using technology….surely this couldn’t be right? How would we create the future digital experts if children were not engaged in technology whilst in Primary School?
There was evidently a need for staff training but also for an on-site person who could assist teachers when they encounter challenges to troubleshoot the technology and ensure the classroom teaching and learning was not impacted negatively.
At a similar time, the government announced their plan for the Apprenticeship Levy reform coming into effect in 2017. I could see this would impact schools who would be paying additional tax into the apprenticeship levy pot, and I wanted to build them a programme which would really help them to transform their school in terms of using digital and embracing new and innovative technologies.
In 2016, I pitched to several investors and managed to secure half a million pounds to meet the government guidelines for becoming a Training Provider for apprenticeships. I created a company name, brand, and website, developed social media and marketing materials with the support of a small team who would build the product and support the learners through their apprenticeship programme.
Our first apprentice, Jack Hunt was the very first Primary Goal apprentice. Learn about Jack’s journey with Primary Goal here
I would like to say a huge thank you to every single person who supported me on my journey as founder in Primary Goal as you helped to create the wonderful business you see today which is all about changing lives through education.
I am very excited to continue my role as Founder and Ambassador of the business, working alongside Louise my CEO and supporting businesses with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by gifting 25% of their levy funds into schools to inspire and educate our digital natives of the future.
