Looking for advice

[rf600]

Evening,

Don't post much, as normally the questions I know the answers to have already been answered.

But as the title suggests need a bit of advice, bit of background.

I'm self-employed, running the networks for a number of primary schools in West Yorkshire.

Have been a tech and senior tech in high schools, now classed as a network manager in primary,

been doing this for the last 12 years

My wife is a Teacher, and has an interview for a job in Dorset.

Now if she gets it I will be following her down and leaving my business behind.

 

So now to the advice,

Does anyone know how well the IT support is in Schools down there?

Is it all run by the council or do the schools employ their own techs?

Or is there many opportunities in the private sector in the area?

the school is near Winfrith Newburgh, anyone know the area?

any places we should avoid when looking at houses?

 

Now all this is just speculation at the minute as its only an interview,

but its a big move and I like to have an idea of what I'm getting into.

 

Cheers in advance

 

James

[elsiegee40]

Calling @witch who is from Dorset. I read in the paper this week that Dorset schools refeive the second worst funding of any area in the country which doesn't sound encouraging

[witch]

Hello @rf600

Dorset is a very diverse place and it really does depend on where you are in the county as to your experience of IT support and schools. We have several unitary authorities (Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch) and also there is a difference between North and East Dorset. Not least in the age ranges of the schools - I work in two schools no more than 3 miles apart, both Dorset schools, but one is a middle school up to year 8 and the other is a junior school up to year 6!

Yes, we have always struggled for funding but generally I think IT is reasonably well supported. Most of the schools I know either have their own tech or use a local support company or two to provide help when needed.

I suggest you join ANME as there are a few Dorset techies in that and indeed on here. I am not sure how many self-employed guys there are though.

Dorset county does support as well and there are often jobs available with them - usually based in Dorchester. They also have quite a good support network with regular meetings and IT updates.

 

Your biggest issue might be house prices - I know there are some expensive bits in Yorkshire but down here, the prices are very high everywhere, particularly in the countryside.

I can certainly give you advice on areas to live if you want to pm me.