AI & TECHNOLOGY AT ALC

At Acorns Learning Centre, we believe technology should enhance learning, not replace the teacher, the child’s thinking, or the hands-on materials that sit at the heart of our approach.

We use AI and digital tools carefully, intentionally and in line with our Montessori-inspired, observation-led teaching model. For us, AI is not a shortcut or a digital worksheet. It is a tool that helps us understand each child more deeply, plan more effectively and personalise learning with greater precision.

 AI supports the way we plan, track and personalise learning at ALC.

Our teachers use AI-assisted systems to help analyse lesson observations, identify patterns, align learning with the curriculum, and connect each child’s progress to their personalised learning plan. This helps us make better decisions about what each child needs next, whether that is more support, consolidation, challenge or a different way of approaching a concept.

AI helps us:

• analyse teacher observations 
• identify learning gaps and strengths 
• align next steps with the UK curriculum and our wider ALC curriculum 
• support personalised lesson planning 
• suggest targeted activities and resources 
• track progress over time 
• give teachers clearer insight into each child’s learning journey 

This empowers our teachers to deliver highly personalised in-person and online lessons, while still keeping professional judgement, human connection and observation at the centre.

We also introduce children to AI as a learning tool in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. This may include using AI to support creativity, research, questioning, problem-solving, project work or digital literacy. We want children to understand that AI can be useful, but that it should be used responsibly and actively.

AI does not replace Montessori materials, pen-and-paper learning, direct teaching, discussion, handwriting, reading, reasoning or independent thinking. It enriches the programme where appropriate and helps prepare children for a world where technology will be part of how they learn, create and solve problems.

We do not encourage unnecessary screen time at ALC.

Any use of screens must be structured, intentional and purposeful. Technology should enrich and enhance learning, not distract from it. We do not use screens passively, and we do not use them simply to keep children occupied.

When screens are used, they are chosen carefully because they can:

• increase engagement with a lesson 
• give the child more autonomy and independence 
• support research, creativity or problem-solving 
• provide access to interactive or visual learning experiences 
• enrich learning in ways that may not be possible through paper, pencil or Montessori materials alone 
• support online learning where appropriate 

We believe screens should be productive, not passive. This means children are expected to think, create, respond, explore or apply learning when using technology.

At the same time, we remain committed to a safe, minimal and balanced approach. Hands-on learning, discussion, reading, writing, movement, practical materials and teacher interaction remain central to our sessions.

We also work closely with parents. Before using screen-based tools with a child, we seek parent agreement and take into account each family’s preferences around screen time. We understand that every family has different views, and we respect that.

Our aim is to use technology in a way that is safe, structured and meaningful, always with the child’s learning and wellbeing at the centre.

Our online lessons are designed to be interactive, structured and personal. They are not passive screen sessions. Children are guided by a teacher throughout, with clear learning goals, live modelling, questioning, discussion and opportunities to practise independently.

We use online tools carefully to make lessons engaging and responsive. This may include digital whiteboards, quizzes, visual models, shared resources, videos, worked examples and live feedback. These tools help us adapt the lesson in real time, check understanding and keep the child actively involved.

Online lessons still follow the same ALC principles: observation-led teaching, Montessori at the core, mastery, spiral review and personalisation. We observe how the child thinks, where they hesitate, how they respond to support and what they are ready for next.

Where appropriate, online learning may be supported with printed resources, green book notes, homework tasks or hands-on materials at home, so children continue to learn through a balanced mix of digital, written and practical work.