Reading the NAACE newsletter this weekend I came across the following:

Learning platform: steps to adoption grants

Colleagues will be aware that Becta is planning to support the increased adoption of learning platforms in schools through grant funding to groups of schools working together. This will be targeted towards the primary sector at schools that have not started or are just beginning to use a learning platform. The award will be through a competitive grants process; notification of the Grant Notice is expected following the formation of a new government. To ensure fairness for those local authorities who were unable to attend the recent regional forums the following information was given:

• Grants will be awarded to groups of primary schools working together;
• Consortia of schools may be based around a hub school and will be supported / coordinated by local authority, RBC or similar public sector body;
• Consortia will be expected to demonstrate they are using advice and guidance based on a recognised adoption model and materials;
• An external impact evaluation will be undertaken to inform future plans

Watch this space, we’ll keep our antennas tuned for the alert from Becta.

A plug for NAACE – Synetrix became a sponsor of NAACE earlier this year.  NAACE describes itself as: “Naace is the professional association for those concerned with advancing education through the appropriate use of information and communications technology (ICT). Naace was established in 1984 and has become the key membership organisation for those working in ICT in education.”

So if you fit the members’ description and you haven’t joined, why not?

Patrick Kirk