Applying to join the ICT Register

To skip this introduction, and proceed immediately with the application, please select your type of centre from the drop-down list:

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS TO THE ICT REGISTER

BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT

In November 2004, supported by DfES, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust launched the ICT Register. The Register has established a mutual support system whereby cutting edge good practice, practical help and strategic leadership advice on all aspects of ICT and eLearning is offered to the less ICT-confident. Services are offered via the ICT Register website www.ict-register.net by a range of establishments: foundation, primary, secondary and special schools, as well as City Learning Centres and other educational centres. The ICT Register also supports national strategies and priorities and the use of ICT to address special needs in the mainstream classroom and in special units/schools.

The ICT Register network provides ICT support and advice services across all areas of education, including:

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Technical Support
  • Sustainable Funding
  • Special Needs
  • Internationalism
The ICT Register is divided into 11 regions. One secondary and one primary Register school in each of the 11 regions is designated a Focus School for the year. Focus Schools work very closely with the central Register Team in supporting the other secondary and primary Register schools in their region, leading the development of ICT support in their phase and assuming responsibility for the quality of service provision. One Focus Special School is chosen to coordinate the national provision of support for special educational needs, both in other special schools and within mainstream classrooms. Two Focus City Learning Centres (North and South) are chosen to coordinate the national provision of support for city learning centres, and one Focus Foundation School for the national provision of support for early years education.

The Register provides significant potential for international interchange of expertise in ICT and eLearning and services on the ICT Register are also being used by schools overseas.

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE REGISTER

Despite being a relatively new initiative, the ICT Register has already gained national and international recognition. Joining the Register will provide the opportunity to:

  • be invited to pilot and develop new learning technologies with a range of national and international bodies;
  • join a national and international network contributing to the shaping and delivery of ICT initiatives;
  • develop your staff's skills by giving them opportunities to share their knowledge with others;
  • share your ICT expertise without getting tied into a restrictive model of delivery, and with the ability to charge to cover costs.

The Focus School/Centre role is one of leadership and quality assurance of your particular network in the region. Taking on the Focus role has additional advantages as it provides the opportunity to lead on the issues and initiatives surrounding the development and embedding of ICT both regionally and nationally. A grant of £1000 per annum is provided to offset the expense of carrying out the Focus role.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The following kinds of institutions can apply to join the ICT Register:

  • Secondary and special schools affiliated to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust
  • Primary schools, foundation schools, early years settings, city learning centres and other educational centres
  • Overseas schools affiliated to iNet
The selection process takes into account the geographic spread of applicants. All ICT Register Centres will be accredited by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and the DfES. (NOTE: All UK schools applying to join must be in the state sector)

When applying for Register status, please indicate whether you would like to be considered for the Focus role at some future date.

IF I JOIN THE REGISTER WHAT ARE MY COMMITMENTS?

On joining the ICT Register service providers are confirming that they will:
  • Inform the ICT Register team if the ICT Register contact or their contact details change, and update contact details on the website accordingly;
  • Regularly review their support services and ensure they are correctly described;
  • Respond to enquiries from potential client schools in a timely way as clients wishing to make use of any particular service will use the Register website to generate an enquiry. You will be notified of Register enquiries via the website's email facility; this email will include contact details for the client. You are expected to make contact with the named client within 24 hours;
  • Ensure that the level of service being offered, method of delivery, timescales and any associated charges are negotiated with and clearly communicated to the potential client before support is provided. Charging guidelines are available on the Register;
  • Feedback on service provision via the website, for general quality assurance;
  • Ensure that the ICT Register contact or a named representative makes every effort to attend Focus meetings regionally or nationally of ICT Register networks;
  • Lend their support to national promotional activities, where possible.
Signing the Register Agreement on application means that you understand and agree to adhere to the commitments outlined above.

In order to proceed with the application, please select your type of centre from the drop-down list: