SCHOOL ICT NEWS BULLETIN No 123 - 22/04/2008

Published by Children’s Services

ESPO Contract Changes – Photocopiers

The Espo approved suppliers for Photocopiers are as follows – Konica Minolta East, Canon UK, Sharp UK and Ricoh UK. Please contact Leah Fletcher on 01603 475605 if you require a quote and advise. Please remember before signing a contract for a new photocopier to have it checked by Leah before signing.

Unfortunately there are some suppliers posing as "ESPO approved" under this arrangement so the check will ensure that the contract you are being offered matches the pricing, terms and conditions of the ESPO contract with no hidden surprises.

Author: Amanda Carr

Phoenix Gold - Version 1.43

DCSF School and Pupil Census – May 2008

The next version of Phoenix Gold, V1.43, will shortly be distributed to schools. It has been updated with the changes required to enable schools to carry out the forthcoming DCSF Census and the NCC May returns, it also includes updated Statutory Assessment settings.

The Summer DCSF Termly School Census will take on place on 15th May 2008. This will take the same format as the recently completed January return but with fewer processes to undertake.

Helpsheets on all processes required for the SAPC and NCC May Returns can be found via the link below.

http://www.eficts.norfolk.gov.uk/schoolmanagement/phoenix/may_return.aspx

As always schools are encouraged to carry out at least one "Dry Run" before Census Day, to familiarise themselves with the processes required.

High Schools Only – Post 16 Learning Aims

As previously notified by the DCSF, this is an additional section in the Summer Return. Data is required for all learning aims pursued since October 2007, whether these are still on–going or not.

Author: Amanda Carr

Enforced Enclosures – Pupil Absence Recording

Pupil Attendance

Enforced Closures

If schools are un–expectedly required to close to all pupils, or specific groups of pupils, then you should use the Absence code of "Y" against all pupils affected.

Should you have any specific queries relating to such closures please contact your Pupil Attendance Contact in Children’s Services.

Author: Amanda Carr

2008 School Amalgamations – domain and changes

There is a list of school name changes and amalgamations for summer 2008 on our website under S on the A to Z. We will shortly be requesting these new domains and scheduling in email migrations for those schools alongside the pending move from RM Easymail to the Exchange 2007 platform. Schools not on the list should find that their domain will not change, please contact ICT Solutions if you think you have been missed off.

Author: Jay Zelos

E2BN Annual Conference

You can book now for the E2BN Annual Conference held on the 24th - 25th June 2008, at The Robinson Centre, Wyboston, Beds, MK44 3AR.

This two day conference is for heads, teachers and others concerned with the potential impact of ICT in education. The conference offers a chance to listen to world class speakers, engage in hands on workshops and see how innovation and best practice is offering new challenges to children across the region.

Visit http://conference.e2bn.org/ to confirm your booking.

Author: Michael Pickett