ICT

Information and Communications Technology at Little Heath is developing at a rapid pace. For information about the work of the school in this area click on the link below or email the ICT Co-ordinator, David Ware

• Case Study of developments (originally on London Borough of Redbridge website)

 At Little Heath School, we are committed to using computers for the benefit of young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). 

For pupils with SEN, ICT provides significant opportunities for helping them to be independent and responsible learners and develop essential skills for their present and future lives.  It:

· motivates and encourages them in their learning

· enables them to achieve successful learning outcomes

· stimulates information handling and communication skills

· provides facilities for avoiding “one chance” learning

Developments involving multimedia (the use of text, sound, image and video), computer networking and communications (the Internet, World Wide Web and Electronic Mail) in particular, represent previously unimagined opportunities to reduce the feelings of isolation and inadequacy felt by pupils with SEN and those who support them. 

We have developed a computer network with full multimedia capabilities, fast access to the Internet and the World Wide Web and an Intranet with a wide range of learning resources and tools for teachers.  The network consists of over 80 computers with at least 2 computers in every classroom - most have 3.   Opportunities for extending the number of computers for pupil use are vigorously exploited  - most classrooms have been equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and increasing numbers of staff are being provided with laptops.

Pupils have their own username and password for using the network to create and present work and communicate with others.  They all have their own email address and websites and use professional software such as the Microsoft Office suite of applications alongside specialist software like talking word processors.  All pupils benefit from a programme of ICT lessons in every year group and use the network to support their learning in all subject areas.  All pupils leave school with an Entry Level Certificate in Information Technology and most take a GCSE exam in ICT in year 11.

The school has achieved tremendous success in using ICT and our reputation for good work is spreading far and wide.  We regularly appear in the local and national newspapers and our work has featured on BBC Newsroom South East and [.tv] on Sky Television.  We have our own website and communicate with schools all over the world.  We have recently become an ICT Register School with the Specialist Schools Trust and we are a member of the Essex Branch of the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN).  We are a reference site/resource centre for Inclusive Technology and SEMERC and offer support to parents and others through our ICT Centre for SEN.