Rm Regulatory News (RM.)

22 Mar 2007 07:00

RM PLC22 March 2007 22nd March 2007 RM chosen for London "Computers for Pupils" initiative. RM has been appointed preferred bidder by the London Grid for Learning Trust(LGfL) for a framework agreement to provide PC hardware, support services andInternet connectivity as part of London's Computers for Pupils programme.Computers for Pupils is a Department for Education and Skills (DfES) initiative,intended to provide home access to ICT for the most disadvantaged pupils. As part of the programme, RM will offer schools in London a wide choice of PChardware, including products from its own range and from other manufacturers.This hardware will be complemented by a package of software and support,designed specifically to enhance educational outcomes. RM will also beresponsible for delivering mobile and home-based broadband Internetconnectivity, incorporating the Group's RM SafetyNet filtering service. Commenting on the selection, Brian Durrant, Chief Executive of LGfL, said: "LGfL took the lead in undertaking a competitive procurement exercise on behalfof London's local authorities. The RM solution met with considerable supportfrom the evaluation team and we're pleased to have an outcome which meets ouroriginal vision of a fully integrated solution from a single vendor." Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, said: "A report published by the London School of Economics in 2004 suggested a linkbetween home access to ICT and educational attainment. It's great news that RMhas been selected to work with LGfL - and schools across London - to helpdeliver that benefit for some of the capital's most disadvantaged pupils." Notes: The RM Group is a leading provider of educational products and services toschools, colleges & universities, local government and central governmenteducation departments & agencies. Founded in 1973, RM works closely witheducationalists to use new products, processes and technology to improveteaching and learning and is recognised as a leading innovator in theeducational information and communications technology (ICT) arena. The London Grid for Learning (LGfL) is a Consortium of all London's localauthorities working in collaboration through the LGfL Trust. It procures anddelivers high quality educational broadband services on behalf of localauthorities in the London area. LGfL has taken the lead in coordinating theComputers for Pupils initiative in London. Computers for Pupils is a Department for Education programme intended to providehome access to ICT for the most disadvantaged pupils. The DfES has allocated£60m (£50m for hardware and £10m for connectivity) across government years 2006/07 and 2007/08 to fund the programme. £9m of funding has been allocated to LocalAuthorities in London. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange