Becta recognises the role of Local Authorities
It is noted with interest that Becta has launched a Local Authority section to its website. This is interesting, as there were concerns that LA's were being by-passed by centralised initiatives aimed at creating a direct relationship with schools. Becta and LA's have a common purpose and need to work together!
The procurement area of the LA site is intriguing in that it recognises LA as an aggregator of purchasing power, but what isn't clear is the relationship between local procurement contracts and national frameworks. Kent is clear though , and has contracts in place for most brands of education technology, and should be the first call for purchases. We have also drafted guidance for schools on how to buy ICT.