A SUCCESSFUL project to raise parents’ awareness of communications technology has been stopped in its tracks by the suspension of individual learning accounts.
The Parents IT programme has been offered by bcdgroup.com, a learning provider specialising in the internationally recognised European computer driving licence. Almost 60 Scottish schools have been involved or expressed an interest, and there are about 90 projects based in charities and churches.
Martin Watts, of bcdgroup.com, said that parents already on courses would be able to continue but no new projects could start. He hoped that the Scottish Executive’s promise to find alternative ways of funding adult learning would mean that the clear demand for courses could be met again soon.
Holy Family primary in Kirkintilloch has 40 parents studying two evenings a week. Under an incentive scheme run by bcdgroup.com for institutions with more than 40 enrolments the school received a cheque for pound;850 in November and is due another pound;325 for parents recently registered.
Marie Louise Brogan, the school’s IT co-ordinator, said that the cash would go towards an interactive whiteboard which would be used by pupils and parents, as well as the school board and parent-teacher association.
With demand for the programme so buoyant, she hoped that the bar on new enrolments would prove only “temporary”.
Last week Jack McConnell said at First Minister’s question time that the accounts, which were closed on December 20 after a brief reprieve following their suspension south of the border, would be replaced by a new scheme taking “the best from the old programme while addressing the concerns that have been raised”.
Pressed about claims of fraud by Opposition MSPs , Mr McConnell said: “It is important that we investigate any allegations or suspicions about the system.”
