A multi-academy trust in the UK has launched a pupil-led initiative to improve how information reaches children across its schools, building on an existing partnership with a specialist education technology provider.
Transform Trust, which operates 26 primary schools mainly in the East Midlands, has extended its collaboration with TrilbyTV, described as the UK’s leading digital signage platform for education. Originally, TrilbyTV screens were installed in every staffroom to deliver clear and consistent updates to teachers and support staff. The system has now evolved into ChilbyTV, a pupil-driven project where content is created and managed by students for their peers.
The trust’s Children’s Parliament brings together pupil representatives from across its schools to discuss ideas, share experiences, and address school life issues. During these sessions, parliament members noted that while staff received messages reliably through the screens, pupils often did not. In response, they proposed ChilbyTV, a digital signage system designed specifically for children and displayed in shared spaces such as corridors and halls.
The project progressed quickly from concept to implementation. A dedicated training day was held at Ashbrook Junior School, with TrilbyTV director Neil Emery, head of relationships Terri Roberts, and Canva learning consultant Adwoa Oforiwa, leading practical workshops. Year six pupils participated in hands-on sessions where they researched important themes, planned timely communications, and designed engaging, animated visuals using Canva. The training emphasised principles of effective communication, including timing, visual clarity, and accessibility for all pupils.
A key feature of ChilbyTV is sustainability. Trained parliamentarians will pass their skills to younger peers each year, embedding digital communication expertise across the trust’s schools over time.
Screens display a mix of school-specific announcements and trust-wide messages on topics such as safeguarding and belonging. The initiative aims to foster a shared communication culture that keeps children’s voices central while promoting consistency across the trust.
Trish Wilson, Transform Trust associate, said: “Children’s parliamentarians have driven this project right from the start and it will be amazing to see the information they want to share reaching children in their schools and beyond. Children across Transform are eager to connect with each other and Chilby offers a great way to enable this.”
The roll-out of ChilbyTV was completed in January 2026, with schools beginning to use the platform from late February.
What began as a staff-focused communication tool has grown into a trust-wide, pupil-led platform. It equips young people with transferable digital skills, including content creation and design using Canva integrated with TrilbyTV. By involving pupils directly, Transform Trust ensures messages resonate effectively with the children they serve.
This initiative aligns with broader UK education efforts to use digital tools for better inclusion and participation. Established in 2013, Transform Trust continues to welcome new schools while prioritizing innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and community building.