In just over three months the new term will begin, yet schools are no clearer as to the direction they should take in implementing the ICT agenda. The government consultation on the disapplication of the ICT Programmes of Study and Attainment targets closed on 11 April. However, as I write we have had no indication of the outcome of that consultation. What seems clear is that if the attainment targets are disapplied, there will be no realistic mechanism for holding schools accountable for teaching ICT. There will be no requirement to report ICT performance to parents, and no impact on league tables of poor (or no) ICT teaching. There is a danger that many schools will reduce the resources and effort they devote to ICT if the attainment targets are disapplied. My advice to heads is to stick with the existing programmes of study through key stages 1-3, recognising that they offer scope for inspirational teaching.

Dr Peter Twining, Senior lecturer at the Open University and director of Vital Professional Development.