NEARLY £890,000 for ICT resources for Monmouthshire's schools was approved by cabinet last Wednesday (15th July).

The new plans will insure a boost in schools' broadband promising a 100MB connection for primary schools and 1GB for secondary schools.

Teachers and children will have improved secure online access and will roll out a programme called SIMS (School Information Management System) across all classrooms.

The scheme will be rolled out in two phases. The first will see the upgrade of Wi-fI, equipment and servers ensuring all schools have an equal standard of ICT provision. The second phase will involve the connection of schools to an SRS data centre in Blaenavon.

The scheme will be funded through a reduction in the county farms capital maintenance budget, a release of authority funding from the 21st Century Schools programme, a contribution from the ICT transformation reserve and the remaining £505,775 will be funded through council borrowing.

Councillor Bob Greenland said: "I think it's absolutely essential that the digital infrastructure for schools is sufficient for current needs and digital learning going forward."?Councillor Liz Hacket Pain said: "This is quite exciting as it brings all schools up to a benchmark so every child in the county will be able to access the same standard of ICT.

"The teachers I've spoken to are very keen and want to buy into this.

"This is a very good news story and I most certainly support it."

Cabinet recommended the plans for approval but the plans will need to be approved at a meeting of the full council.