About Ianbean.co.uk

Ian was the ICT teacher and curriculum coordinator at Priory Woods School in Middlesbrough which is internationally recognised as an example of best practice in the use of ICT to support teaching and learning for students with severe and complex difficulties including Autism. HIs leadership of ICT won for the school many local, national and international awards. The school web site which Ian designed and ran for many years and welcomes millions of visitors each month from across the globe.

Ian left Priory Woods to lead the Information Team at Inclusive Technology where he was responsible for delivering training and consultancy to schools around the world. While at Inclusive, Ian worked closely with the development team to help design much of Inclusive's software output over the last seven years. This includes titles from the 'Big Bang', 'Switch Skills', 'Target and Touch' and 'Maker' series, each design underpinned by best practice research Ian carried out in schools and colleges. Most recently Ian worked on MyZone LP, an innovate switch accessible learning learning platform for children with SEN.

“As a judge of the Becta ICT in Practice Awards, when I first met Ian on a visit to Priory Woods School, it was obvious that we were witnessing someone special. Here was someone with a deep technical knowledge who was able to translate that into personalised and meaningful learning for children with the most complex needs and also to make learning fun. What put Ian at another level was, and still is, his infectious enthusiasm to share what he knows with others.

A major ambassador for ICT and special educational needs, both in the UK and abroad, Ian is hugely respected and widely admired and has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the use of technology with children and young people with complex needs. An excellent and hugely entertaining speaker, trainer and a thorough professional, I cannot recommend Ian too highly.”
Terry Waller - Head of Inclusion Policy, BECTa

“If I had to pick one person to endorse in the field of technology and SEN, Ian would be that person. He has phenomenal knowledge, especially in the field of addressing the needs of learners with complex barriers to traditional learning, PMLD, MDVI. He has recently written and produced a free resource identifying the stages of switch access and progression which is an extremely valuable resource to the educational world.
He is a superb trainer and keynote speaker, combining his wide range of experience and depth of knowledge with a sense of humour and a complete understanding of the practical issues in the full range of learning environments. He has a world-wide following due to his expertise and willingness to share and support colleagues. Without hesitation or reservation I can assure you that if you work with Ian, you will enjoy the experience and gain so much from the relationship.”
Carol Allen - Advisory Teacher ICT and Inclusion, North Tyneside