Schools applying for Academy status - FAQS
My school is considering becoming a new academy and I was wondering what the implications would be regarding the IT provision that you currently provide, in particular: School IT Systems Support.
School IT Systems Support team will be very happy to continue supporting new Academies in all aspects of ICT support and consultancy. For example; SIMS support, technical and network support, design and consultancy, etc.
Will it cost us more if we are an Academy?
The charges will remain broadly the same however Academies incur VAT charges.
What, if any, are the implications for our SIMS pupil records?
Your school will be given a new DfE number and you will probably need to setup a new SIMS database. .
Will this cost us anything?
There will be costs to the new Academy for a new SIMS single site licence, etc.
One off charges are:
- Capita require new Academies to purchase a ‘single site’ licence, as Academies are no longer part of the LA they are not authorised to use the LA’s SIMS licence.
- You will almost certainly wish to move much of the pupil, etc data held in your current SIMS database into the new database. There will be a charge for the migration process. The cost will depend on the quantity of data, complexity, etc. could be from £1,800 to in excess of £6,000
Annual maintenance and support charges will increase too.
- You will be required to purchase your SIMS Annual Maintenance direct from Capita (not from SITSS as you may currently do). This has the effect of increasing the Annual Maintenance and support charges to an Academy as you will need to pay the Capita charge plus a proportion of the support charge levied by SITSS.
How much will the single site licence cost?
This is dependent on school size and could be in the region of £18,000. We will provide a cost on request.
Why do we need a new SIMS database?
Currently the DfE say it is a Data Protection requirement because the Academy is a different legal entity to the previous maintained school.
The DfE are reviewing this position and will hopefully publish a decision before the end of July.
Our school purchased a single site licence from Capita some years ago. We now use the Local Authority licence – do we still need to purchase another single site licence?
If you previously purchased single site licences Capita are happy for the school to novate them to the new academy. There will be a £200 administration fee. It is important you check which modules were previously purchased as you may need to purchase additional modules.
I still have some questions related to SIMS support, technical / network support. Etc. Were can I get further information and guidance?
We are very happy to come to your school and meet with relevant staff to discuss these areas and help you prepare an implementation plan. Just email us on janine.bryant@hertscc.gov.uk or maralyn.pomeroy@hertscc.gov.uk
|
