Developing a Digital and Data Skills Pathway

The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations. The Every child achieving and thriving white paper set out five strategic goals to drive up standards with the power of safe and proven technology and AI. This includes ‘giving the school workforce the confidence and expertise to use digital and AI safely’. The key commitment for this goal is: ‘We will set out a clear and progressive skills pathway for digital and data skills for the education workforce to increase their confidence and expertise in using digital and AI safely and effectively. We will integrate these skills into existing professional qualifications and, working with organisations that offer support which aligns with the pathway, give school leaders more certainty that they are investing in high-quality training’. The pathway will set expectations for the sector in relation to the skills and expertise needed to use technology, digital, data and AI safely and effectively, drive an ongoing professional development journey, and support alignment of sector support and the development of new training to a consistent framework. The Department for Education will shortly be publishing an ‘Invitation to Tender’ (ITT) to deliver this commitment. This ITT will: definitely include A) development and drafting of the content of the skills pathway. potentially include B) development of an online implementation offer to support the effective use of the pathway; and / or C) a wider support service bringing together resources, guidance, signposting and/ / or networking opportunities. We are currently carrying out user and stakeholder engagement to understand what support may be needed for B and C above and will clarify this further in the ITT. Bids will be required to set out how they can deliver part A) development and drafting of the content of the skills pathway by December 2026 / January 2027, and pending results from user and stakeholder engagement, bids might also be asked to provide subsequent milestones up until March 2028 setting out how the remainder of the requirements will be delivered. Consortia and sub-contracting bids are welcomed. The contract will run until March 2027 if only part A is to be delivered. If Part B and C are also required the contract will be for two years with a break clause after the first year, pending user and stakeholder engagement and funding decisions for 2027/28. Delivery of the full requirement will need extensive experience of: the education system, professional development and the use of technology in schools in England. development of digital content using Government Digital Service principles. The tender documentation will be clear that the pathway must: be co-designed and tested with the sector. be designed for all publicly funded schools and trusts. be based on robust evidence. support self-efficacy and professional development. be aligned to the national curriculum and consider professional development standards and frameworks. be inclusive, flexible, adaptable and cognisant of workload.