Paul Fisher

12 October 2001 01603 222505

paul.fisher.edu@norfolk.gov.uk

To: Headteachers

Dear Headteacher

I am pleased to advise you that additional capital funding has been received from the DfES to improve the school management ICT infrastructure.

The main purpose of this funding is to ensure that all schools have appropriate administrative computer systems in place, in terms of hardware and software to meet the baseline requirement laid down by the DfES. This includes the requirement for all schools to be able to undertake the new Pupil Level Annual School Census in January 2002 and to be able to transfer data electronically by May 2002.

Through the previous school management project schools were provided with a PC and the Phoenix Software package which satisfy the current DfES requirements. A trial has successfully been run this term using secure file transfer software that will satisfy the DfES’s second requirement. This software is to be made available to schools later this term.

The new funding is being distributed to schools to enable a computer to be available to each headteacher and every school administrative office with access to the existing Phoenix Staff/Pupil Management software. The package will include one desktop PC together with an extra Phoenix user licence for each school. Schools may opt to take a laptop with or without a docking station subject to meeting the extra costs. A limited number of laptops are also available at no cost to small schools that have not already benefited from previous Small School grants. This central approach to the provision of additional facilities will ensure best value is achieved.

Schools are asked to visit:

to indicate which option they prefer as well as supplying additional information to assist in the planning of the delivery and installation of these systems. You will also have the opportunity to purchase additional computers to take advantage of bulk purchasing prices. Please ensure that you complete your return by 5 November, 2001.

Once your selection has been received and ordered, you will be contacted again to arrange installation.

Yours sincerely

Director of Education