§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by what date New Opportunities Fund moneys for information and communication technology skills training for teachers will be available to schools. [67384]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 25 January 1999]: The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) will be sending information to schools, including details of how to apply for their funding entitlement and how to use it, in Spring 1999. The aim is that training for teachers and school librarians can begin—in schools—in Summer term 1999. Funding from NOF will be available to schools from mid-April.
§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list, for the delivery of information and communications technology skills training for teachers funded by the New Opportunities Fund, the organisations which(a) expressed interest in applying to become approved providers, (b) formally applied to become approved providers and (c) have been accepted as approved providers. [67391]
§ Mr. BanksThe New Opportunities Fund (NOF) is currently completing an approval process within which prospective providers have to demonstrate the skills and experience necessary to deliver high quality training in information and communication technology (ICT).
Some 3,500 organisations applied for the specification for training providers. Of this number 194 (England), 38 (Scotland), 38 (Wales), and 21 (Northern Ireland) made formal applications. The names of successful applicants will be published when final decisions have been taken.