Enhancing IT Infrastructure, security, and sustainability
- With budget constraints a significant concern, schools are looking for ways to maximise their IT spend, prompting a shift towards more strategic procurement practice. This includes adopting multi-year contracts to stabilise costs and streamline procurement processes. [1]
- As schools incorporate more digital solutions, there’s an increased focus on ensuring data security and privacy. The adoption of secure cloud services and training in cybersecurity are becoming crucial components of IT strategies in educational settings.
- Primary schools often face significant budget limitations, impacting their ability to effectively upgrade or maintain IT infrastructure.
- A lack of comprehensive asset management results in poor visibility over hardware inventories and warranties, complicating maintenance and updates.
Awarded contracts to five suppliers, fostering a partnership approach that ensures multiple hardware needs are met comprehensively and efficiently
Established a four-year partnership framework, reducing the need for frequent re-procurement and allowing for better financial planning and resource allocation
Achieved an average cost saving of £110 per laptop, optimising budget use
Implemented effective contract management to support regular price reviews, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value for money
Supported budget constraints, environmental sustainability goals through the procurement of refurbished IT hardware and remanufactured laptops
Engaged in activities protecting and improving the environment, including 114 hours dedicated to climate change talks, waste minimisation training, litter picking, school garden projects, wildlife charity volunteering, and carbon reduction reporting
2 apprenticeship opportunities to provide career pathways for pupils
Offered 16 training opportunities (Levels 2, 3 & 4), committing 176 people-hours to delivering training, raising awareness, and providing career talks and mock interview sessions. The training program aims to upskill entry-level IT careers and provide placement opportunities
Delivered 152 hours of learning interventions in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and provided access to the Cisco Networking Academy
References:
[1] https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2023/01/30/5-of-the-biggest-education-trends-in-2023/
