Advice and support for Local Education Authorities. Applying the power of technology to the needs of education

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1 Advice and support for Local Education Authorities Applying the power of technology to the needs of education

2 Advice and support for Local Education Authorities Becta's purpose is to support the development of education through the embedding of technology in learning and teaching, in educational organisations and in wider education networks and systems. We are the Government s key partner in the expansion and delivery of its information and communications technology (ICT) and e-learning strategy for schools and the learning and skills sector. With excellent links with national and local organisations and a network of LEA experts, the services range from high-level strategic review and guidance, through development and information services that support LEA staff, to the provision of information and support with schoolbased issues. Effective leadership and management of LEAs and schools are important to ensuring that the potential of ICT for learning is maximised the information in this pack is geared to support LEAs in attaining that goal. Further Information For further information contact lea@becta.org.uk or go to the LEA area of the Becta website

3 Becta supporting the strategic role of LEAs LEAs play a key part in providing a framework for schools own ICT development plans, outlining the support which is available, the manner of implementation and the way in which it intends to use ICT to raise standards and contribute local and national priorities. To enable LEAs and other providers to maintain and review their strategy, Becta has a range of materials that will support these activities. Leading to Success in ICT In support of the issues raised by chief education officers, Becta has developed a tool to help LEAs to review and reflect on the effectiveness of their ICT provision, planning and implementation. Senior officers in LEAs are now able to review and plan their ICT provision and assess the impact that it is having on learning, teaching and management in their schools. Becta developed the online LEA review and planning matrix for this purpose, with support from ConfEd, DfES, NAACE, NCSL, Ofsted and senior LEA officers and advisers. The matrix enables users to consider their processes of developing an LEA vision for ICT and the strategic plan for its implementation, monitoring and review. Throughout the review, actions are suggested and links to online resources are available to help the LEA to plan ways to move forward. Users can then amend these actions to take account of local circumstances. By using the matrix, LEAs can: structure their review of ICT and identify their strengths and areas for further development identify gaps in their ICT strategy and determine the steps needed to move forward prepare, tailor and monitor an action plan. Throughout, the review and action plan remain confidential and LEAs can amend and improve them as often as necessary. Once an LEA has registered online [ plans can be stored, retrieved and contributions made by those the LEA wishes to involve. Becta has established a process for peer-based consultancy support for LEAs interested in reviewing ICT provision for their schools. lea@becta.org.uk for further information. You can download an electronic copy of this publication Leading to success at [ docs/matrix-final.pdf].

4 LEA support for ICT in schools Completed by experienced LEA officers and advisers, the summary report Reflections on success, identifies common characteristics of LEAs which had a successful Ofsted inspection where ICT was a feature. This document identifies some highlights of current practice in: vision and planning implementation of support, training, infrastructure and resources monitoring and evaluation. The report provides clear guidance and poses challenging questions for LEA leaders. You can download an electronic copy of this publication Reflections on success at [ docs/lea_support_3.pdf]. Leading the way in ICT In March 2003, chief education officers engaged in a national seminar about their role in leading ICT and the issues involved. With contributions from David Bell Her Majesty s Chief Inspector of Schools (HMCI), Ofsted; Doug Brown Head of ICT in Schools, DfES; Heather Du Quesnay Chief Executive, National College for School Leadership; and the Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP Secretary of State for Education and Skills. The conference report looked at: Ofsted s findings on LEA support for ICT developing a better understanding of national direction for ICT in schools sharing practical suggestions about how this might develop further clarifying how LEAs can complement the national programme through clear local strategies. You can download two versions of the conference report: Leading the way in ICT summary [ the way-final summary.pdf] Leading the way in ICT full seminar report [

5 Becta Providing concise, timely and appropriate information for LEAs Regular updates for CEOs and senior staff This series of ICT Updates [ is a termly updating and alerting newsletter on ICT matters of strategic significance for senior LEA officers. These are available in print format or as pdf documents. A further publication, can be prepared as and when required, which focuses on a key ICT issue. Recent examples include The impact of ICT on teaching and learning. A publication on data security will be available in the near future. Online support and guidance Through the Becta portal [ the specific area for LEAs and support providers holds a range of materials to help LEAs and strategic school managers. The portal includes Building the Grid a website which provides advice, guidance and information to support all aspects of ICT planning, procurement and practice, plus links to sources of further relevant resources. It has a range of documents, case studies and other resources to complement the guidance available on the DfES and other partner sites. Special educational needs and inclusion With inclusion being such a current cross-curricular issue for schools, and with huge implications to consider, educational organisations need to have up-to-date information on legislation and current issues concerning inclusion. ICT can offer a range of individual opportunities for supporting inclusive practices and whole-school solutions as well as having the potential to reduce exclusion and support all learners. The publication Managing Special Needs highlights the benefits of using ICT to support special educational needs and provides a starting point for choosing a solution appropriate to the requirements of an individual school. The document can be downloaded from Becta s website [ ngfl.gov.uk Inclusion The Inclusion website [ has a catalogue of resources to support individual learning needs for teaching professionals, parents, carers and learners. Resources for those using ICT in an inclusive approach to education include publications, software, equipment and online information. Communication Aids Becta s Communication Aids Project (CAP) [ is designed to help students with significant communication difficulties and, in particular, to give support to pupils who have difficulty in understanding language, communicating verbally and using written communication. Cap News, the quarterly CAP newsletter, includes details on the products available through CAP, new additions to the website and a diary of events. The newsletter is available to download from the website. CAP Update 2003 is a free video aimed at all those who are involved in supporting pupils that have received specialist equipment and who make applications.

6 Becta Influencing and raising the quality of support NAACEmark for service providers Becta has worked in association with NAACE (National Association of Advisers for Computers in Education) to review and enhance the NAACEmark accreditation scheme that assures schools and colleges that service providers have met a national quality standard. NAACEmark is an accreditation process, which NAACE operates in association with Becta, with seven service areas in which organisations can be accredited: ICT education and training Helpline and support service ICT learning and support/resource centres ICT information services ICT education resource development Technical support Consultancy for ICT development planning in education. Service providers can become accredited in one or more areas and would need to register separately for each. For more information about NAACEmark for ICT service providers, please visit the NAACE website [ ICT Support Network Becta operates the ICT Support Network as a partnership of ICT support providers operating at national, regional and local levels in the UK to support schools and colleges in their use of ICT. Becta provides a range of free services to ICTSN members, including a weekly newsletter and a members-only website. If you are an ICT support provider and wish to join the ICT Support Network, first visit the ICTSN website [ and check that you are in agreement with the ICTSN spirit of membership, then proceed to the joining option.

7 Strategic leadership of ICT in schools (SLICT) Highly effective strategic leadership of ICT is critical if schools are to equip learners for the future. Educationalists are increasingly aware of the liberating effect of technology through raising standards across education and opening the doors of the classroom to a dynamic world of change. Designed by headteachers for headteachers, SLICT addresses the leadership of ICT in schools. This is not a skills-based course, but an opportunity for headteachers to build knowledge and understanding of key issues of ICT in schools and to facilitate the undeniable potential that technology has to enhance and extend learning. The programme is based around the principles of vision, review and planning through self-and peer-review. This 12-week programme allows opportunities to share, challenge and support learning within a community of practice, through a combination of face-to-face events and online learning. Strategic Leadership of ICT aims to: develop headteachers understanding of ICT and its potential for learning stimulate a clear strategic and transformational vision of ICT in schools address headteachers personal development and strategic leadership of ICT empower headteachers in the evaluation of strategic ICT issues affecting schools. The programme includes visits to at least two schools that demonstrate leadership in ICT, as well as opportunities for self-assessment, reflection and strategic planning, addressing key development areas. There are also plenty of opportunities to discuss with fellow headteachers some different approaches to leading ICT for students learning and raising standards. SLICT is available to headteachers only. The programme is heavily subsidised, with a delegate contribution of only 350. Apply for registration online [

8 Ordering The publications listed are available to order from the Becta website free of charge. To order free printed copies, either telephone (lines open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or order online British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) Millburn Hill Road, Science Park, Coventry CV4 7JJ Tel: Fax: URL: 01/ /280/a/NP/2K Becta 2004