DfE Connecting the Classroom project funding

[localzuk]

I've managed to email an email that was mentioned in one of the earlier links to a spam thread. I got a response back pretty quickly telling me that the scheme has been expanded to run for the next 3 years as it was previously just a limited pilot. Schools should be receiving an email in the coming weeks around May and will be told if they qualify and also what year they will be able to apply for their funding. So you could potentially be told your eligible this year, but only allowed to apply for your funding in 2024.

This is very interesting, and may well change our plans here! Our current system is on its last legs, and we are definitely struggling to find the money to replace it with a modern equivalent without dropping down to something like Unifi.

[cooper549]

We are exactly the same, we are going through the process now of looking at replacing all the WIFI (currently running unifi AP's with no end of issues) and switches with a Meraki system throughout and are just waiting for pricing back. We were given an 'off the shelf' price of around £200,000 which obviously scared the life out of most of the finance department, but have since had some very favourable pricing at around just less than half of that.

 

Because of our situation, I did ask if we invested ourselves would be able to claim back retrospectively and the answer was a definite no, so even if we were picked for the funding, I'm not exactly sure what we would spend it on now if we were to go ahead with the project this year.

[StevieM]

Because of our situation, I did ask if we invested ourselves would be able to claim back retrospectively and the answer was a definite no, so even if we were picked for the funding, I'm not exactly sure what we would spend it on now if we were to go ahead with the project this year.

 

It doesn't work like that, I'm afraid. If you've already got your network up to speed, then you wouldn't be eligible for any funding. The only difference this time round may be for gigabit broadband.

[robyholmes]

Would the scheme fund repacing existing structured cabling (Some as old as CAT5) with new to desktops? Our wireless isn't to bad so we'd be looking at switches and cabling mainly. If we can get some funding.

[Primus]

We are exactly the same, we are going through the process now of looking at replacing all the WIFI (currently running unifi AP's with no end of issues) and switches with a Meraki system throughout and are just waiting for pricing back. We were given an 'off the shelf' price of around £200,000 which obviously scared the life out of most of the finance department, but have since had some very favourable pricing at around just less than half of that.

 

Because of our situation, I did ask if we invested ourselves would be able to claim back retrospectively and the answer was a definite no, so even if we were picked for the funding, I'm not exactly sure what we would spend it on now if we were to go ahead with the project this year.

 

If you're having issues with Unifi would it not be better to get someone in to look at it as many schools use it (we certainly do) with no issues.

 

Would be more cost effective than spending £100k on a new WiFi setup - I've always thought I had expensive tastes when it came to equipment but £100k is steep!

[StevieM]

Would the scheme fund repacing existing structured cabling (Some as old as CAT5) with new to desktops? Our wireless isn't to bad so we'd be looking at switches and cabling mainly. If we can get some funding.

It didn't cover ours, unfortunately. It paid for CAT6 to the new WAPs and an upgraded fibre uplink between the cabinets, but we couldn't get our existing cabling to desktops replaced nor any additional wired network points under the scheme.

[StevieM]

Would be more cost effective than spending £100k on a new WiFi setup - I've always thought I had expensive tastes when it came to equipment but £100k is steep!

 

Not if someone else is paying for it!

[robyholmes]

It didn't cover ours, unfortunately. It paid for CAT6 to the new WAPs and an upgraded fibre uplink between the cabinets, but we couldn't get our existing cabling to desktops replaced nor any additional wired network points under the scheme.

 

Just have to put a WAP on every desk then I guess, ha

[Primus]

Not if someone else is paying for it!

 

Fair but at the moment it sounds like they're not (yet at least) and they have issues.

[cooper549]

If you're having issues with Unifi would it not be better to get someone in to look at it as many schools use it (we certainly do) with no issues.

 

Would be more cost effective than spending £100k on a new WiFi setup - I've always thought I had expensive tastes when it came to equipment but £100k is steep!

 

That's a cost to replace the switches and new fibre links between cabinets. We've had someone out to look at the wifi and we've got good coverage across the school, the placement of AP's was well considered when it was installed, they all run back on gigabits links and even the setup of the unifi network was setup correctly with just a couple of tweaks to make. But unfortunately, after making the changes, it hasn't made much of difference.

 

So our idea is to replace the switches with new ones with fibre between all the Cabs and have a good old sort out, most of the switches and such have very basic setup and nothing is too complicated but it was pretty much all done nearly 10+ years ago (much longer than I've been at the school)

 

The Wi-Fi might respond much better once that's all sorted, but to be honest, I think ill move away from Unifi regardless, We've had too many AP's just randomly die for no reason, to the point I've had to upgrade firmware through the JTAG header on the AP themselves to revive them.

[Primus]

That's a cost to replace the switches and new fibre links between cabinets. We've had someone out to look at the wifi and we've got good coverage across the school, the placement of AP's was well considered when it was installed, they all run back on gigabits links and even the setup of the unifi network was setup correctly with just a couple of tweaks to make. But unfortunately, after making the changes, it hasn't made much of difference.

 

So our idea is to replace the switches with new ones with fibre between all the Cabs and have a good old sort out, most of the switches and such have very basic setup and nothing is too complicated but it was pretty much all done nearly 10+ years ago (much longer than I've been at the school)

 

The Wi-Fi might respond much better once that's all sorted, but to be honest, I think ill move away from Unifi regardless, We've had too many AP's just randomly die for no reason, to the point I've had to upgrade firmware through the JTAG header on the AP themselves to revive them.

 

One or two might die randomly without any reason - when it's multiple I'd be looking into it as there must be a reason behind it.

 

As I say, we've used it extensively for years now and it's been rock solid - that said we use both their APs and edge switches so that might account for some of it but for the first year we ran the APs off HP switches and it was still fine.

 

We've had 1 AP die in that time and that was someone pouring water over the floor above (don't ask).

[Wave9_Lee]

It didn't cover ours, unfortunately. It paid for CAT6 to the new WAPs and an upgraded fibre uplink between the cabinets, but we couldn't get our existing cabling to desktops replaced nor any additional wired network points under the scheme.

 

I guess their view is they're focussed on wireless primarily in terms of end-user access. Moving to as few devices as possible on physical ports is the direction. I guess in most schools this would be admin desktops wired but vast majority of users moving to wireless. So no point in refreshing what will be defunct or at least massivley under utilised.

 

Not that you would think that with some of the new build spec that is out there with flood wiring everywhere..!

[StevieM]

I guess their view is they're focussed on wireless primarily in terms of end-user access. Moving to as few devices as possible on physical ports is the direction. I guess in most schools this would be admin desktops wired but vast majority of users moving to wireless. So no point in refreshing what will be defunct or at least massivley under utilised.

 

Not that you would think that with some of the new build spec that is out there with flood wiring everywhere..!

Oh, I understand that, and I'm certainly not complaining. Wave9 did a fantastic job managing our bid and I'm more than happy with what we've had done...without paying a penny!

[Wave9_Lee]

@Wave9_Lee have you got a link where I can see this information?

 

Yep, here you go; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-investment-areas-selection-methodology HM Government has announced it will further drive school improvement in England by delivering a package of measures in new Education Investment Areas (EIAs). These areas cover the third of local authorities in England where educational outcomes are currently weakest and other local authorities containing existing place-based interventions.

 

In DFE text, these areas are directly linked to the Gbps/fibre Connectivity funding for fttp, but I would think that these areas are also the basis for the CTC programme, as they are clearly focussing on these areas over the next 3 years. https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-pledges-150m-to-get-high-speed-internet-to-all-schools-by-2025/

 

The selection process of investment areas is based on performance/outcomes etc, so focussing on these areas are likely to get better bang for their buck. Also seems to be focussed on Primary (KS2 & 4).

 

/Obligatory plug

 

Needless to say Wave 9 can help with these projects and have delivered many over the last 6 months with great feedback. We're exclusively Cisco Meraki (10 yr licence/support) and have compliant direct award framework options for speed and simplicity.

 

/plug over

Edited April 1, 2022 by Wave9_Lee

[Wave9_Lee]

Oh, I understand that, and I'm certainly not complaining. Wave9 did a fantastic job managing our bid and I'm more than happy with what we've had done...without paying a penny!

 

I guess that it would make sense for schools that have significant requirements in this area (who qualify for the CTC funding) to get some cabling quotes alongside the project from their CTC supplier and pay the balance themselves? This should be more cost effective as your survey, project management costs etc are (kind of) subsumed and if the contractor is already going to be on site, the 'per port' costs should be optimised..

[mrstrong]

sorry if in an earlier post but can anyone clarify how you apply for this or will the DfE contact

the school if we're eligible ?

 

we're running mostly UniFi AP-Pro about 7 years old (running over older cabling (> 15 years) so some will only connect at 100FDX)

Fairly reliable just rebooted an AP been up for over 200 days, a few go "disconnected" but unplugging the POE at patch panel fixes)

[Wave9_Lee]

sorry if in an earlier post but can anyone clarify how you apply for this or will the DfE contact

the school if we're eligible ?

 

we're running mostly UniFi AP-Pro about 7 years old (running over older cabling (> 15 years) so some will only connect at 100FDX)

Fairly reliable just rebooted an AP been up for over 200 days, a few go "disconnected" but unplugging the POE at patch panel fixes)

The DFE will send you an invitation letter - probably to the SBM/head etc. Perhaps ask them to look out for it and check spam etc.

[Wave9_Lee]

The next phase of CTC is approved and due to be formally announced. £150M investment in 55 education investment areas. 3 tranches. approx numbers - 800 schools 22/23, 2,000 schools 23/24, 800 schools 24/25. The mathematicians amongst you will work out that's an average of £42k per school.

 

As stated before, if you're eligible, you'll be sent an invite. I believe eligibility is focussed on OFSTED status (needs improvement etc) and current LAN condition (i.e EOL, on it's knees) - waiting to hear more about this.

 

If anyone needs assistance with quoting, understanding the process, applying etc, then please get in touch. We have complaint procurement routes to make the whole process simple and fast. Stocks are still an issue for everyone, but hopefully getting better nearer Q4. We have a call with DFE in the next week or two and I know there are some cusomer webinars coming up, I'll post here when I get the info.

[StevieM]

We have complaint procurement routes to make the whole process simple and fast.

 

No complaints from me. You did a great job with our bid!

 

 

Stocks are still an issue for everyone, but hopefully getting better nearer Q4.

 

That reminds me, our external AP has arrived so I need to arrange installation.

[Wave9_Lee]

No complaints from me. You did a great job with our bid!

 

That reminds me, our external AP has arrived so I need to arrange installation.

 

the most common typos I make; complaint/compliant and netwrok... every time..

 

I'll get Matt to drop you a line Steve

[HereIGoAgain2601]

Would love to find out the actual criteria for this. Spoke to the DFE who said it was priority investment areas, and the OFSTED ratings. In our trust we have 5 a schools eligible and only one is RI. One is in the investment area and desperately needs funding to get up to speed and has been declined - claims to be because they are Good but as I say we have 4 others also rated good that are getting the funding and are just down the road! Very frustrated with the lack of transparency around this.

[mullet_man]

We are in one of the areas Oldham but our Ofsted rating is good and network is ok.

 

What are the chances, would love to upgrade our Unifi wireless to Meraki haha.

Edited May 28, 2022 by mullet_man

[snagrat]

We are in one of the areas Oldham but our Ofsted rating is good and network is ok.

 

What are the chances, would love to upgrade our Unifi wireless to Meraki haha.

 

You’ll be surprised.

 

If you are asked then the DfE will see your Unifi network, regardless of age or standard, as needing replacement. Purely because they do not see Unifi as a good solution.

[mullet_man]

You’ll be surprised.

 

If you are asked then the DfE will see your Unifi network, regardless of age or standard, as needing replacement. Purely because they do not see Unifi as a good solution.

Thanks, I'll have to make sure the head is aware to keep an eye on the DfE emails.

[StevieM]

We are in one of the areas Oldham but our Ofsted rating is good and network is ok slow, unreliable and has a negative impact on teaching and learning.

 

FTFY!!