Staff Timetabling Software - recommendations?

[soveryapt]

Good afternoon everyone

 

One of my schools has decided they would rather (having been told for a while things are available) move to a software based timetabler.

 

Now, they do have Nova T as part of their SIMS licensing from the LEA, but they don't like it because it's too complicated for their needs. I've not played with it, so I don't know if that's actually the case or not.

 

In light of that, I need an easy idiot proof timetabling software that can cope with not only teaching staff but also support staff for a varied timetable through an SEN school.

 

Any suggestions? For me, I think alchemy might be an easier pursuit, but hey ho! lol

 

Thanks

Andy

[Sagima]

We use Timetabler Free trial : timetable software ... for timetabling school timetables ... for easier scheduling. for both our schools (although we don't use sims) - website looks awful but our timetablers like it - and knowing them it must be pretty simple to use. They only bother me about it once a year when it is time to update.

[Linfit]

Timetabling software is not cheap. Most schools use either Nova or Timetabler. Both have their proponents and both are capable of doing most things. If I had my preference, I'd use Timetabler here, but as we are a SIMS school and Nova is therefore already paid for, we use Nova. All timetabling software has a steep learning curve: even an experienced timetabler has to get used to the specific terminology and workflow requirements of a particular piece of software. I don't think that any software that does something so complex as a school timetable is going to be "simple" in that respect, as its not a simple task, even in a small school. In the end, someone needs to weigh the benefits that might come from having a timetable done in software against the time and cost of someone being trained to do it. It may well be that if there are no obvious gains, you are better off carrying on doing it manually.

[soveryapt]

Thanks both.

@Linfit, I totally agree, hence why I'm considering Alchemy as a sideline if I can find it. Especially with what they're after doing.

 

I'll see if I can get my hands on Nova to play with and download the free trial of Timetabler to see how it compares for them.

 

[CAM]

Sadly 'easy' and 'timetabling' are two words that don't go together. Timetabling is a complex job and requires a suitably complex piece of software to go with it. Either way, it's easier then pinning bits of string and card around your office and banning everyone from SLT to the cleaners from setting foot in there upon pain of death as something gets moved. Or so the older timetablers have told me.

 

I'd suggest a training course for whatever you use but if you can't get on one, networking with local schools using the same package is a great idea. I've resolved a few calls myself from neighbouring timetablers who are stuck on something.

[soveryapt]

Totally agree, they were saying about building something up in Excel that would work, so I pointed out by the time they've paid for the staff time in doing that you'd be better off learning Nova T that we already pay for as part of our SIMS package. They quite like the sticky notes and board option, but it's when things change that becomes complex.

 

I think they're going to contact a few of our Link Schools to find out what they do for timetabling and visit them to see it in action.

 

Thanks

Andy

[soveryapt]

Just bringing this thread back to life as I'm being asked again about it now they have time to plan it into next year and such.

 

Looking at the options and I've fed back the answers from before (i.e. whichever you go for, spend the money in training people well to use it to get the full use out of it).

 

Anyway, this particular school is near Accrington and wondered whether there were any schools nearby who might be willing to show them how they use Nova6 or some other timetabling software to give them an idea with regards to any pitfalls to be aware of etc and to give an honest appraisal as to how it works, does it save on the staff time when sorting timetables or scheduling cover, or does it still take 5 people 30 mins to go through and sort cover for classed when someone is ill?

 

Thanks y'all

Andy