AI Technology Evaluation Guide
This guide is designed to help primary school leaders make informed decisions about AI technology investments.
Successfully integrating AI into schools requires thoughtful planning, strong infrastructure, and clear guidelines to ensure ethical use, safe implementation, and informed decision-making. This guide is built to support primary school leaders in asking the right questions and considering key factors before investing in AI solutions for the sector. The surge in adoption across the UK is clear: 58% of teachers now report using AI to help with their work (Teacher Tapp, 2025), but the benefits are only fully realised when efficiency gains are protected. AI must be reliable, ethically sound, UK GDPR compliant, and teacher-controlled to guarantee appropriate use and safeguard pupil data; investing in anything less puts your school or Trust at risk.
Investing in AI isn’t just about adopting new technology—it’s about creating more effective, accessible, and pupil-centred learning environments. When designed to enhance educator impact, AI significantly reduces administrative burden; the Woodland Academy Trust found it reduced average weekly planning time by 52.5% (Woodland Academy Trust Report, 2025). This powerful time-saving potential allows teachers to personalise learning, unlock adaptive learning experiences and provide targeted support to help every pupil thrive.
Safety, UK GDPR Compliance, & Ethics
Accountability Has the AI vendor established transparent, curriculum-aligned policies
regulations and support responsible use?
Fair and Transparent Is it clear to families how AI is being used with their children?
the solution provide clear insights and measurable outcomes?
Does the AI tool support age-appropriate assessments that provide useful data insights?
Instructional Value & Pedagogy
Does the platform provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop skills and understanding around the responsible and ethical use of AI?
Teacher Oversight & Control
Can teachers review, edit, and guide AI outputs, with safeguards to ensure pupil experiences are safe, equitable, and teacher-directed—without generative AI like chatbots?
Age Appropriateness & Ease of Use
Is the tool intuitive and age-appropriate for the intended audience and teachers?
Does the tool ensure that direct interaction with AI remains under the control of teachers, rather than pupils, to safeguard instructional integrity, pupil privacy, and responsible use?
Seesaw is a workload dream for our staff and we are so excited about the new AI features! - Catherine, Assistant Principal, Pendle
Does the tool integrate with existing edtech systems, support interoperability, and simplify teacher workflows?
Is this a plug-in or add-on—or a fully independent, whole-school platform?
Trust & Longevity
Is the vendor financially stable, experienced in education, and prepared to support your school or trust over the long term?
Training and Support
Is training and ongoing support provided to help teachers use AI confidently and responsibly?
Equity & Accessibility
Does the tool support diverse learners—including pupils with SEND and EAL learners—with bias-aware, accessible, and culturally responsive features?
Stakeholder Communication
Does the tool help schools communicate effectively with parents/carers for strong parental engagement, including multilingual support and ready-to-share guides?
Customization & Efficiency
Can teachers customize AI-generated content and feedback, including lessons and assessments, to align with curriculum objectives, adaptive teaching, and reduce planning time?
Total Number in the ‘Yes’ Column
Seesaw Follows the EDSAFE Framework for AI in Education
The EDSAFE AI Alliance is a global coalition dedicated to promoting the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) integration of AI in education through policy, research, and practice. They are led by a steering committee of organisations working at the intersection of AI and education, and aims to bring diverse voices to help educate policymakers and shape an equitable and safe AI education ecosystem. Organisations like AACTE, NEA, AASA, ISTE/ASCD, CAST, Digital Promise, and more guide high-level policy and strategy.
Seesaw Value Add + Validation
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
Seesaw is helping primary schools support teachers and save them time with safe, effective AI - fully integrated into our all-in-one platform. Designed specifically for primary, it eliminates extra logins, reduces cost and integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
Privacy & Security
Seesaw is committed to the responsible use of AI in our products and services. Seesaw adheres to security industry best practices and laws to protect the integrity of your data. We never sell your data, advertise third-party products or own the content you add to Seesaw.