Management Information Sheet
FFT ASPIRE update
Most schools are beginning to see the benefits of the new FFT ASPIRE online analysis tool providing self-evaluation dashboards and pupil estimates within the new interactive target-setting functionality. An update on 30th January will bring Autumn Term census information into the system so pupils and year groups will be up to date, and routines for importing and exporting pupils and target-setting datasets will be available.
However, there are still some further developments awaited, and attached are FFT’s schedules for release of new functionality for primary phase schools and secondary phase schools over the coming months. We have been particularly disappointed in the delayed release of the new target setting functionality for secondary schools.
Also attached is a helpful guide to understanding the account set-up procedures, and some information on free Webinars offering support from FFT. To find out more about the Webinars including times and availability, please go to http://www.fft.org.uk/training-events/Webinar.aspx and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
FFT charges have increased; please be aware of the following revised subscription rates for the next academic year (which will be due for payment in the coming financial year).
| School/Academy Phase | Charge per school |
|---|---|
| Infant / First Schools (no year 6) | £83 |
| Primary School (<= 100 pupils) | £83 |
| Primary School (> 100 pupils) | £128 |
| Secondary School (KS4 and/or KS5 data) (including all through schools) | £603 |
| Special School / PRU | £128 |
The above costs are the rates charged by FFT to the Local Authority plus £3 for administration. Unlike some Local Authorities we do not charge for support and advice from our data team.
Alternatively, you can subscribe directly with FFT and the costs are as follows:
- Infant Schools and Special Schools £250
- Primary Schools £300
- Secondary Schools and all-through Schools £1250
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ROLLING FORWARD:
The current contractual arrangement is that schools already subscribing to FFT this year will have their subscription rolled-forward, unless they log on to the new Norfolk S4S website to end their subscription. Therefore if you currently subscribe you will be charged for FFT next year unless you opt out.
For this year only, there will be an exception to this arrangement for all Secondary Schools/Academies. As FFT’s charge has increased significantly for secondary schools and they have yet to see the full benefits of FFT ASPIRE, I have asked our Service for Schools Team to end all Secondary FFT subscriptions on 31st August, leaving you to decide if and when to re-subscribe by logging on to the new Norfolk S4S website. I have confidence that by next September FFT ASPIRE will be well worth new cost, but I would prefer to wait until the functionality is complete before asking you to make that commitment.