Aim of the project:

To develop Web resources to support teaching assistants in the delivery of a Key Stage One Literacy Support Programme.

S&H Specialism:

Consultancy
Mixed Media Content Development
Research and Evaluation

The project:

Sparrowhawk & Heald worked with the Fischer Family Trust to develop Web resources to support teaching assistants in the delivery of a Key Stage One Literacy Support Programme. The Web site supports an existing programme with an overview for new recruits, help from experts and downloadable resources. The project was split into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Agreeing a specification for development
During this phase Sparrowhawk & Heald organised a focus group of existing users of the programme to enable better understanding of the priorities for the different areas of the site. Questionnaires were also sent to the websites potential audience (Teaching Assistants) to establish their available access to email and understand their current use of computers outside the project.

Phase 2: Developing the site
Sparrowhawk & Heald worked closely with the client to develop appropriate materials including the provision of case study frameworks. Relevant icons to be used on the site were created from materials closely related to the project, and existing materials were edited and adapted to make them appropriate for the Web. A number of school visits were also made to capture the project in action.

Outcomes:

The site went live in January 2001, and has since been through a second phase of development. You can visit the site at: www.ksonelsp.org

"In looking for Web site designers for our Literacy Project we soon realised that very few had an understanding of what is required for an educational site. Sparrowhawk and Heald came highly recommended and we have been delighted with their knowledge and expertise. From the start Sparrowhawk and Heald became involved in the project, visiting schools, talking to current users to assess their needs and requirements - at the same time becoming familiar with the materials and processes involved. Throughout, Sparrowhawk and Heald have listened carefully to what we require from the site and at this stage (pre-launch) we feel confident that this will translate into a practical and user friendly site." Rosemary Williamson - KS1 Literacy Support Programme Director - Fischer Family Trust