School ICT News Bulletin No. 273 - 18/12/2017

Published by ICT Services 4 Education

eBulletin Items

1. ACTION REQUIRED: Google nsix accounts - new Staff and Pupil tab files required.
2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Norfolk MIS Framework - Deadline Date – 12/01/2018
3. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk availability over the Christmas period
4. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: GDPR awareness courses available to book
5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Powering Off Core Network Equipment Over Christmas Holiday Period

1. ACTION REQUIRED: Google nsix accounts - new Staff and Pupil tab files required.

We are currently checking that our school data is up to date and any Google nsix accounts that are no longer required are removed. If you are not using the hosted Norfolk SIMS MIS it is important that we receive tab files regularly, every time there is a change in your staff or pupil records or, if there isn’t a change, at least once a month. It is important that we receive both files even if you only use the Staff accounts, as this ensures that any pupils that have left your school have their affiliation to your school removed on our system and Google.

From a data protection point of view we need to ensure the data we hold is accurate and up to date and that we only hold data that we still need to hold for a designated and agreed purpose. We have had reports of schools receiving e-safety alerts for staff members who left their school a long time ago. This was the result of schools not having sent us an up to date staff list.

From our initial findings we have found some schools have not sent a return since the start of September. Therefore, please can we ask that you send us a return ASAP. If we do not receive anything we will be contacting schools at the start of next term and may potentially have to suspend and remove the accounts. We cannot generate them from you as the data is generated from the information held in your MIS.

Further details about these files, their format and how to send them to us can be found on the following pages of our website:

https://ict.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?id=160  Overview

https://ict.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?id=157  Tab file formats

https://ict.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?ID=1157  Sending the files via Anycomms

If you need any further information or help with generating and sending these files to us then please let us know. 

2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Norfolk MIS Framework - Deadline Date – 12/01/2018

Further to our previous communications (MI Sheet 79/17) the current Capita SIMS MIS contract is due to expire on 31st March 2018. 

In response to requests from our customers, we are keen to offer a Multi MIS offering to give you more choice when selecting an MIS system to meet your future needs.

We are currently working with the following Framework suppliers to produce pricing and migration/training options where necessary.

·         Capita SIMS

·         Pupil Asset

·         RM Integris

·         Scholarpack

·         Bromcom

If you attended one of the supplier days held in July or September, you will have already received pricing for each option. If you did not attend and would like to receive pricing please let us know.  The pricing you have received is based on Norfolk pricing and includes LA support for Primaries and Specials. 

If you wish to stay with Capita SIMS:

We will renew your contract from 1^st April 2018. This will not be automatic so you will need to advise of your intention to stay with SIMS.  

If you wish to move to another MIS supplier:

To aid plans during early 2018, we are encouraging our existing SIMS MIS contract schools who wish to move MIS to make a decision on the Framework by 12^th January 2018 to allow for any migration/training activity to be planned in with the supplier during February/March 2018.  

Please do not place an order direct with the supplier if you wish to use the Norfolk Framework pricing.  

If you are a non-SIMS School and would like a quote from the Framework please contact us (with your NOR) via ict@norfolk.gov.uk

Norfolk schools and academies are not obliged to use this framework and can make alternative arrangements if you so wish.  If you choose to go to the supplier directly for your MIS, please be aware that Norfolk terms, pricing and support will not apply.  If you do choose to make your own arrangement for your MIS from April, please can you let us know so we can update our records.

If you have any questions or require further demos of the systems, please let us know by emailing  ict@norfolk.gov.uk

3. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk availability over the Christmas period

We would like to inform our customers of our opening hours over the Christmas period.

We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

For More Information:

Please contact the Service Desk on 0845 303 3003 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

4. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: GDPR awareness courses available to book

We are holding a further two GDPR awareness courses in January for Schools. Venues are as follows:

9th January - Abbey Conference Centre, Norwich

16th January - Kings Lynn Innovation Centre, Innovation Way, King's Lynn

More details and bookings can be found on SLA Online - S4s.norfolk.gov.uk

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 0845 303 3003 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Powering Off Core Network Equipment Over Christmas Holiday Period

We would like to ask schools to refrain from turning off the power to the core networking equipment over the forthcoming Christmas holiday period. Core networking equipment includes routers, switches and servers, often in a wall or floor cabinet. These devices are monitored by ourselves and Updata and turning off the power results in false alarms. This could result in your school incurring a charge for an engineer visit.

Services Affected:                           Schools Internet, email and any service accessed via the internet

Services Not Affected:                    All other school systems which do not require access to the internet

When:                                              19th December 2017 - 3rd January 2018

What You Need To Do:

If there is no alternative to powering off the communications cabinet and core equipment then please contact the Service Desk to advise us in advance

For More Information:

Please contact the Service Desk on 0845 303 3003 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk