PROJECT: TO EMPLOY A CLUSTER ICT TECHNICIAN

Project Leader: Leighterton Primary School
Schools in Cluster: Leighterton, Avening, Brimscombe, Horsley,
Rodmarton, St. Dominic’s, Thrupp

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
To employ a cluster ICT technician to:
· Deal with hardware and software.
· Pass on expertise to staff.
· Undertake work with groups of children.

COLLABORATION
The project has impacted on inter-school collaboration in a very positive way:
· There is much email contact between schools.
· Software has been rationalised across the cluster.
· Cluster policies are being developed.
· A cluster ICT co-ordinator has been identified.
· Other areas for similar co-operation are planned – Numeracy and Literacy.

REPLICABILITY
This has been a very successful project and is recommended to other clusters. However, careful initial planning, advice from the LEA personnel and finance departments, detailed attention to the recruitment process and the laying down of parameters for the post are essential.

CONTRIBUTION TO STANDARDS
Standards in ICT have been raised significantly:
· More hands-on time for children because equipment works more consistently. QCA modules are being introduced.
· Staff confidence in equipment has been raised and wider use of ICT in the classroom is developing.
· ICT co-ordinator working with technician on schemes of work, policies and QCA modules. Planning downloaded from Internet.

SUSTAINABILITY
The project involves significant financial contribution from cluster schools (£1500 from each school this year) but savings are being made by using the technician’s expertise to upgrade and maintain hardware and peripherals and train staff.