In some establishments the 'ownership' of ICT is still seen to belong to the ICT Department. Where this is the case the only way the department can spend the amount of money needed to set up and maintain all the resources we would like is, in my experience, to convince the LMT of the school or college that the equipment will be available to as many staff and students as possible at all times.  I have argued successfully with sponsors, governors, headteachers and LMTs that a setup such as we need can only be justified if we can ensure maximisation of efficiency of use.  However, in my experience, a single department does not have the 'clout' to make such demands of a limited school budget.  Nor can one department be seen to laud it over other departments. This is too big a task for the Head of the ICT Department.

ICT can therefore only be effectively managed as an whole-school policy.  It requires leadership 'from the top' or certainly the person appointed to lead ICT development MUST have the total support of LMT.  The Director of ICT (or whatever other title) must inspire and generate the whole-school vision subscribed to by every department.  Every department must be seen to be taking ICT on board and enjoying reasonable, if not equal, access to the resources available.  Not only that, but every teacher needs to be aware of the whole-school ICT policies so as not to confuse our students with differing standards or techniques.

How this even-handed approach is managed given existing staffing structures, rooming and INSET needs, never-mind the needs for a long-term finance package needs further consideration.

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