Ofsted's ICT findings

The TES reports on an Ofsted study. ICT is used to good effect to increase children's confidence and improve their attitudes to learning. Particular gains were noted for pupils for whom English is an additional language, and pupils with learning difficulties.

Teachers have made 'great strides' in the foundation stage and KS1 by using ICT to develop children's independence and creativity. But the momentum was sometimes lost in KS2, inspectors said.

Pupils' achievement was good in about a third of primary schools, but unsatisfactory in one in 10. Primaries are well equipped, but teacher training has not kept pace, meaning that computers and other equipment are not used to their full potential. And more account should be taken of pupils' experience of ICT outside school.