Technology

ICT is an integral part of the Primary Capital Programme (PCP). Becta is the government agency that leads the national drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning. As such Becta has been involved in the PCP since the early stages.

There is a clear expectation that local authorities (LAs) should address ICT in their Primary Strategy for Change. Becta have produced a checklist to support LAs in planning technology into the PCP. This includes links to Becta tools and guidance to help LAs and schools through each stage of the process. Video case studies are also available in which two of the PCP pathfinder authorities share their experiences of planning for the integration of technology into the programme.

Although there is no separate funding identified specifically for ICT within the Primary Capital Programme, LAs are expected to ensure that the role of technology in transforming learning (e.g. to enable personalisation) is fully addressed in the programme.

LAs are encouraged to use the Becta self-review framework with their primary schools as part of the process of developing their vision and strategy for ICT. Becta's purchasing frameworks are available for PCP LAs to purchase their ICT infrastructure and managed services (where this is the most appropriate route) and Becta's functional specifications should underpin any new technology being purchased as part of the programme.

Becta's support materials for the PCP can be found here.

Last updated: 24 October 2008