Applying for the ICT Mark: Next Steps for renewing and streamlined schools

There are three steps that you need to take when you have reached the ICT Mark level on the self-review framework:

Step 1: Apply;

Step 2: If you are submitting streamlined commentary, you will need to submit this to Naace* and

Step 3: Book.

Please note that the assessment is the same for all schools, it is simply the preparation which is different.

Further details of these three steps are given below.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Step 1: Apply for the ICT Mark

When you have worked through the Becta self-review framework double-check that you have met or exceeded the ICT Mark threshold in all aspects and updated your supporting commentary or evidence. (If you are using the streamlined approach in conjunction with the old self-review framework you do not need to complete the evidence or commentary sections). Complete the application form at http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=srf&catcode=frm_ict_mark. This will tell the ICT Mark office that you are ready to proceed with an assessment.

Step 2: Complete and send us the Streamlined Commentary document*

The Streamlined Commentary document* can be used in conjunction with the old self-review framework for assessments taking place before 31 October 2010.  The Streamlined Commentary document is below and can be your substitute for completing the evidence and commentary on the self-review framework. You will still need to ensure that the self-review framework shows all aspects at or above the threshold level, and you may decide to provide your evidence and commentary there instead of using the streamlined commentary- that is your choice. There is an additional help document below also available for download- the diagnostic prompts. As soon as you have completed the commentary please email it to us at ictmark@naace.co.uk.

Step 3: Book an assessment visit

Use the online booking form at www.tinyurl.com/ICTMarkBook. The form will ask you to confirm whether your school has an agreement with the Local Authority- check the list at www.naace.co.uk/971 to see if this might apply to your school.

The ICT Mark office will then collect your evidence as a csv file from the self-review framework, check it, then arrange for an assessor to contact you to fix a mutually convenient date for the assessment. Additional information is available about what the assessment visit will be like at www.naace.co.uk/967.

Please be aware that we need at least four weeks from receipt of your booking before an assessment visit can be arranged- this is to give us time to process the application, check your evidence, contact a suitable assessor and then for the assessor to fix a mutually convenient date with you.

For your information, ICT Mark assessment fees have been standardized at:

Independent and International schools pay the above, plus £150 and the travel costs of the assessor. The figures for school pupils are based on PLASC figures as published by Edubase (http://www.edubase.gov.uk/home.xhtml).

Help? The ICT Mark office is staffed to provide a support service for you as you engage with the assessment process. Please email us at ictmark@naace.co.uk or telephone 0115 848 3140 and we will do our best to deal with your query promptly.

* Please note that the streamlined version of the Self-review framework will be available for assessments taking place prior to 31 October 2010 after which this option will be withdrawn completely.