Whole school issues
School ICT policy
The use of ICT is only beneficial when used
effectively in class and throughout the school. To achieve this goal, use of
ICT must be addressed in the School Development Plan and reviewed annually.
Schools that serve pupils with severe and complex needs should include a
convincing and credible ICT Development Plan. This should describe the purpose
and function of ICT within the school’s overall educational framework. It
should also include
- a current position statement on the use of ICT within the
school
- the changes and improvements envisaged for the
forthcoming year
- a realistic allocation of resources (staffing, time and
money) to deliver these intentions
As an integral part of the School Development Plan, the ICT
Development Plan should build on current ICT ‘good practice’ and be
linked to school, local authority and government targets. Above all it should
be manageable. It should:
- involve senior staff in its planning
- have an impact on lesson planning
- be linked to pupil assessment and attainment
- gain the support of all its stakeholders
- be integrated into the financial planning and budgeting
of the school
- build in continuing professional development of
staff
The Becta publication ‘Connecting Schools, Networking
People 2000’ (1999) describes the culture and factors for success
underpinning effective use of ICT in schools. Although not specifically written
for special needs, the key points are all appropriate to special schools and
units working with pupils with severe and complex needs. Amongst others these
include:
- a commitment to ICT from the head teacher and senior
staff
- a shared understanding of aims
- an acceptance that staff development is a priority
- agreement that ICT planning is integrated into and
focused on teaching and learning
- an understanding by teaching, ancillary and paramedic
staff of the potential benefits, purpose and capability of ICT
Creating this culture for success is fundamental to ICT
service delivery to individuals with severe and complex needs.
Health and Safety checklist
Part of school ICT policy should address Health and Safety
of ICT use within the school environment. Health and safety issues will feature
throughout this document, but this checklist may be useful in reviewing the use
of equipment in the classroom.
Location of equipment
- equipment does not block light or exits or impede
children
- equipment is stable and secure on a flat, non-slip
surface
- equipment is sufficiently close to mains and network
sockets
- equipment has been checked for electrical safety (refer
to school Health and Safety guidelines, and school and local authority Health
and Safety officers)
- cabling has no obvious problems (i.e. no frayed or badly
kinked cables, no ‘daisy chained’ mains extension leads)
- cables are tidied and will not trip pupils, or be easily
pulled out. Use cable ties and clips, or elastic bands to keep cables out of
harm’s way
- equipment is not positioned beside sources of liquid
Seating and ergonomics
- monitor is at the correct height and distance
- keyboard, mouse and other control devices are at the
correct height and distance, using stands and rests if required
- keyboards, pointing devices and switches can be secured
in the correct position using Velcro or other non-slip material
- monitor is tilted towards the pupil, and does not reflect
glare
- screen colours and size are adjusted to suit the
pupil’s preferences
- pupil is seated in a stable, secure position to maximize
function, with special seating and / or supports if necessary
Use
- power is switched off before peripherals are connected
and disconnected (unless the equipment manual specifically states that this is
not necessary)
- pupils who suffer from epilepsy have been identified, and
either use LCD (flat panel) screens, or use of standard screens is carefully
monitored and limited
- pupils are monitored to ensure they take frequent breaks
from the screen and access devices, to prevent eye strain or physical pain
- pupils with visual impairment or using touch screens do
not sit very close up to the screen for long periods
   
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