YOUR article on cash for computers for teachers (TES, October 22) was critical of the latest initiative and feared that many will miss out because of inadequate funding.
However, I know that far more teachers will miss out because they can’t even meet the criteria.
I manage the information and communication systems for a non-maintained special school (and charity). When I first learned about the New Opportunities Fund Teacher training scheme I registered our interest but no information arrived. After numerous telephone calls and e-mails, I was informed that non-maintained and independent schools were not eligible.
As our schools are not eligible for the training then our teachers are most definitely not eligible for this latest scheme.
The Government is sending out a mixed message: inclusion for special needs pupils but exclusion for the schools which educate them.
L Burgham
Royal School for Deaf Children
Margate, Kent
