The need for improved technical support in schools has expanded as the Government and schools have increased their investment in information and communications technologies.
There is a shortage of teachers but the January 2001 schools census showed that teacher numbers were at their highest level than at any time since 1984 - and 11,000 higher than 1997.
There is nothing wrong with becoming more ambitious along the way, but I think what the government has asked the council to do is a perfectly good starting point.
We do recognise the need to move towards the publication of information showing the progress made by pupils from one stage of their education to another.
Where the private sector, or anyone else, has skills, knowledge and resources that can help to deliver a high quality of education and to raise standards, we should use them.
