After a heads-up from Aq, I followed his lead and wrote to my MP. Basically, there is an Early Day Motion which raises concern that schools are being hugely restricted in the ways that they can use their IT budgets, meaning that they are effectively unable to make use of free and open source software, even though the same organisation responsible for those purchasing policies reported extremely favourably towards free and open source software! The text of my letter is below:
Dear Evan Harris,
John Pugh’s Early Day Motion EDM 179 “Software in Schools”
I’m writing to you to ask if you would sign the above EDM.
The EDM text raises the concern that BECTA’s current purchasing framework makes it effectively impossible for schools to make use of free and open source software, and as a consequence, makes it very hard for local free and open source individuals and small businesses to work with schools. BECTA’s own publication “Open Source Software in Schools” is very positive about free and open source software, yet, unfortunately, the purchasing framework laid down by BECTA and the Department of Education and Skills them makes it almost impossible for schools to explore this issue.
(link)
: BECTA’s “Open Source Software in Schools”In use, free and open source options provide economic, social and education benefits; further, free and open source software allows one to learn more widely about software and the way in which IT systems function. Whilst not suitable in all circumstances, the option should always be available.
As an IT professional (and in particular as a free and open source enthusiast and advocate) and father of two, one attending (*deleted*) Primary School, I feel that this matter is very important.
I’d be happy to talk further about this matter in person or on the phone.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Ewart