Becta Schools - Self-review framework

Self-review framework frequently asked questions

Why should I review my school using the Self-review framework?

The Self-review framework provides a structure for reviewing your school’s use of ICT and its impact on school improvement.

The use of technology in schools is not an end in itself: the overall aim must be to use ICT to enable pupils to make better progress and to raise attainment. The Self-review framework is designed to help you review your use of technology in a structured way, which will in turn help inform your overall school improvement strategy and plans. Additionally, because the Self-review framework complements the Self Evaluation Framework (SEF), its use can provide compelling evidence in support of your school’s SEF.

Where has the self-review framework come from?

At BETT 2005, the Secretary of State for Education announced that the way to ‘help all schools use ICT effectively’ was through the development of a ‘route-map which enables all schools to identify where they are, and shows practical steps they can take’.

Becta was tasked with leading on the development of what was to become the ICT self-review framework. The framework builds on the principles of supported self and peer review, developing leadership capability and capacity, and having a sound support network.

Who else is involved?

Becta has developed the self-review framework in collaboration with a range of partners, including the following.

Ofsted
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services
National Strategies
Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT)
Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
Naace

What is the structure of the framework?

A revised self-review framework has been launched, which now has six elements rather than eight. The elements have been revised after consultation with teachers, head teachers, TDA, National Strategies, NAACE and SSAT to ensure the framework remains up to date and relevant in line with new quality standards and practices within education:

Leadership and management
Planning
Learning
Assessment of ICT Capability
Professional development
Resources

The framework is based on a series of descriptors of different levels of maturity in the use of ICT in schools. The descriptors, which were written in conjunction with other agencies, have been revised in light of the use of ICT and new educational initiatives in schools.

Why are you revising the framework?

The Self-review framework has been revised to ensure it remains up to date and relevant with evolving changes to quality and standards. The revised and improved framework changes include:

a reduction in the number of elements, strands and aspects
a more streamlined look and feel
takes account of new educational initiatives, and ICT practical applications
all ICT Mark thresholds are now at level 2 throughout the framework.

These changes are based on feedback from and consultation with teachers, head teachers and organisations, such as TDA, National Strategies, NAACE and SSAT.

I’m already using the Self-review framework. What impact will the changes have on my school?

You will still access the online tool at www.becta.org.uk/selfreview. All data schools have submitted by 16 June 2010 has automatically been transferred to the revised framework. From 18 June 2010, please take the opportunity to look through the revised framework and review your progress.

If you are intending to be assessed for the ICT Mark before 31 October 2010 you can use the pre-June release of the framework. Assessments after 31 October will be based on the revised framework launched on the 18 June 2010. Please contact NAACE on 0115 945 7242 or emailictmark@naace.co.uk for further advice.

How will I access the revised framework online?

In exactly the same way you do now. From the 18 June 2010, the online tool www.becta.org.uk/selfreview will provide access to the revised framework. Your existing username and password will be the same.

After the framework is revised, can I continue to work offline?

Yes – documentation, including PDFs for the six elements of the revised framework, are available for download here.

We intend to be assessed for the ICT Mark; how will the changes affect my school?

From the 18 June 2010 , the ICT Mark level will be level 2 for every aspect of the revised framework. Previously it was at level 3 for certain aspects.

If you are intending to be assessed for the ICT Mark before 31 October 2010, and have questions about how the changes may affect your assessment, please contact NAACE on 0115 945 7242for support.

We have the ICT Mark; do the changes affect the ICT Mark?

Your current ICT Mark accreditation is unaffected.

You will notice that in some aspects you will no longer be recorded as having reached the ICT Mark threshold. This is because technology standards have continued to improve and the revised framework now takes this into consideration. However, your current ICT Mark is not affected by these changes. Your accreditation will still be valid until the expiry date shown on your certificate.

If your ICT Mark expires after 31 October 2010 you will be required to re-apply using the revised framework. If you are applying for re-assessment of your ICT Mark before this date, please contact ictmark@naace.co.uk for further advice.

How much does it cost to use the framework?

Nothing - it’s free.

How do I sign up to use the framework?

You need to register your details via the free online tool. Once you’ve registered you will receive an email giving your username and password.

Are there examples of other school’s experiences using the framework?

Yes, there are lots of examples of schools that have worked through the self-review framework.

Watch videos showing how four schools approached the self-review framework
Watch school staff reflect on their experiences
Read case studies of past experiences

Do I have to register to use the framework?

Registration allows you to edit and save your assessments and action plans. It also enables the system to remind you if you have an action that is due for completion. In addition, you will need to register if your school is working towards the ICT Mark.

Which element should we look at first?

There is no one correct approach to tackling the self-review framework. Schools have started with various different elements first, perhaps the most common starting points being the leadership and management, resources or curriculum elements.

Read the Getting started section for further advice.

How long will it take to complete the framework?

Schools tend to take varying amounts of time to complete the framework. As a rough guide, it is likely to take a whole development day or one to four meetings per element.

Can I get any help?

Yes, from your local authority ICT Advisor. Many authorities are offering training programmes, support, and events to help schools in their area make the most of the self-review framework.

Can all schools use it?

Yes, any school can register to use the framework, including Pupil Referral Units and independent schools.

Will my data be kept confidential?

The self-review framework has to operate within the regulations of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. Therefore, whilst we actively promote information about how many schools are using the framework, we only release names of schools using the framework upon request, and we do not share school or individual data. For example: if a local authority requests the names of schools who are using the self-review framework we will share this information, but not release school levels or progress.

How do I report technical problems?

If you experience any technical problems when using the tool please send your query to selfreview@becta.org.uk or call 0845 053 5534.

You’re unlikely to lose your work if you encounter technical problems as it saves automatically. You may lose work however if your session times out before data has been saved.

How many people can register from one institution?

As many as you like.

How do I save my work?

All work is saved automatically as you work through the different sections.

How does the benchmarking work?

Benchmarking allows you to view your school capabilities against established best practice of other schools.

If you have any questions about the self-review framework that are not answered here, please email selfreview@becta.org.uk or call 0845 053 5534.

Sign up

Signing up is easy and it's free: Self-review framework*

*Includes Northern Ireland.