Expenditure supported at school level
NGfL Part A grant (ICT infrastructure and services) is intended to
support expenditure on:
- Local Area Networks for curriculum and management use (including computers (see below),
peripherals, servicing, technical training and support) of a standard suitable for
delivering the requirements of the National Curriculum, and which take account of
the DfEE's Information Management Strategy
for schools and LEAs.
- Secure Internet connectivity (as defined on the 'Superhighway
Safety' website) of a capacity equivalent to ISDN2 or above.
- The procurement and development (e.g. in conjunction with local developers, including
libraries, archives, museums etc.) of content and applications, and operational software
that supports the delivery of the curriculum and school management and administration.
Circular 0255/2000 describes
how at least 15% of the funding devolved to schools for the implementation of their ICT
development plans should be used for the purchase of such resources.
Computers (desktop, portable and handheld) and thin-client devices purchased with NGfL
funding in 2001-02 must be capable of being networked, and of running current versions of
educational multimedia software and Internet/intranet applications.
Schools do not have to purchase from suppliers recommended by their LEA or
from the LEA itself (although there may be valid reasons for doing so), but
all expenditure should be in line with an ICT development plan agreed with the
authority. These should incorporate the Government's targets for the NGfL (particularly
the achievement of the ICT baseline) and should be reviewed regularly in line
with accepted practice. Guidance on planning can be found here
and on the
'Building the Grid' website.
Expenditure supported by NGfL Part B grant will be broadly similar
in nature to that defined above for Part A funding. However, since schools receiving
this funding will typically be experienced users of ICT, they will be expected
to contribute more towards the development and sharing (at local, regional and
national level) of innovative teaching and management techniques and learning
resources.
Good practice and resources developed in this way should be made available on the NGfL,
for example on the contributory database
within the Virtual Teacher Centre.
Schools benefitting from Part B funding should be clear about the purpose for which this
is being made available, and should include appropriate objectives in their ICT development
plans.
Return to NGfL Funding Guidance
Return to Standards Fund website
