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An excellent source of information on funding is the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). This link will take you to their Funding and initiatives page.
A more immediate source was recently announced by the education secretary, Charles Clarke. He stated that schools can now use the money set aside for building improvements to improve ICT infrastructure.
To quote Mr Clarke: "As I said in my speech at the BETT exhibition in January, we need local solutions for local needs to make sure that every pupil gets the most out of the technology available. Schools are best placed to decide where the money should be spent so I have changed the guidance to allow schools to invest their devolved capital money in ICT. This means that they can now use this funding for ICT infrastructure, including interactive whiteboards and in particular for equipment which complements eLC funding for content."
What do these changes mean?
The changes mean that school's now have the ability to use the Devolved Capital Funding to improve ICT provision, including the purchase of interactive whiteboards. The funding:
 ??Can be spent on ICT equipment.
??Must not be spent on books, ICT software or training materials/services.
??Must not fund operating leases in respect of equipment or facilities. Finance leases are classed as borrowing, for which explicit approval from the Secretary of State must be sought.
??Capital expenditure has to be greater than ?2,000. ("For VA schools the de minimis level for capital expenditure is ?2,000.")
Definition of de minimis:
This is an abbreviation of a longer Latin phrase "de minimis non curat lex." This is a Latin phrase which means "the law does not care about very small matters". It can be used to describe a component part of a wider transaction, which in itself is insignificant or immaterial to the transaction as a whole, and will have no legal relevance or bearing on the end result.
It also means that the value of a benefit that is so minimal that accounting for its cost would be unreasonable or administratively impractical.
Where can I find out more about the changes?
A full copy of the Devolved Formula Capital Guide (which covers this matter) can be found at the Teachernet website.
Or contact:
For LEAs, please speak to, or E-mail, your normal Local Implementation Division contact if you have any queries.
For schools, please speak to your LEA, or contact the Schools Capital Policy Team at
5Q Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
Tel: 020 7925 5471
Email: schools.capital@dfes.gsi.gov.uk.
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