enjay

Dinopass stopped working for us a few months back (it seems to be back up now though), so I swapped to Password Ninja which also has lots of customisation for the type of word it uses (colours, animals, shapes, etc.). I struggled getting some of them working, but I didn't spend the time troubleshooting it, as I had what I needed.

Claude does the same any time you ask about law/legislation.

We're the opposite way round to you but I went with Google SSO anyway, as it seemed easier than the Azure way! The Google SSO works if you're signed in to Chrome too, not just on a Chromebook.

Yeah, the instructions are pretty clear. It took a few hours (term-time hours, probably less than an hour if you can concentrate!) to set it up. You have to choose MS or Google for the SSO, you can't have both unfortunately.

Or Canva, you can sign up the entire school for free.

Keeping the student in MIS ensures we have the data for 6 years, but the guidance also appears to say we must ensure the monthly backups are backed up too. Giving the monthly backups to DfE via Wonde and leaving them to it arguably isn't ensuring they're backed up, unless we've got something from DfE confirming they back up the Wonde data.

Is anyone running Access Dimensions, and if so what SQL version are you on? I need to upgrade our SQL instance. Our provider's hosted environment is all 2019, but if I'm going to upgrade I might as well go for 2022 if it works.

(not my vacancy, posting on behalf of another school) We are seeking a dynamic individual to take overall management and operational responsibility for the school’s IT systems. The successful candidate would join the wider IT Support team working across our multi academy trust, which runs one of the largest Google Workspaces in the UK. For an applicant information pack, please click here: https://gillotts.org.uk/vacancies/it-network-manager/ For a Gillotts School application form, please click here: https://gillotts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Gillotts-Support-Staff-Application-form-February-2022.doc Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 25 February 2025. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date. Job description – IT Network Manager Accountable to: School Business Manager, RLT IT Director Conditions of service: NJC Grade 11 (points 31- 34), £40,476 - £43,693 per annum 37 hours per week, full year Objectives: ● overall management and operational responsibility for the school’s IT systems Main areas of professional responsibility: 1. Desktop & Application and Support ● Performing advanced diagnosis procedures on problems related to hardware, peripherals and applications ● Following instructions to efficiently and effectively install and upgrade client/server applications ● Identifying and installing relevant and essential software patches ● Identifying and giving appropriate advice on compatibility of applications with existing systems, based on user requirements ● Giving appropriate level of advice on compatibility of hardware and OS 2. Server & Network Support ● Designing and installing network infrastructure to meet the needs of the school ● Managing, installing and setting basic configuration options for equipment such as switches, routers and wireless access points ● Installing additional servers and upgrading the network operating system ● Setting up firewalls and maintaining internet filter systems ● Managing remote access to the school’s intranet and network services ● Installing software and trouble-shooting installation problems ● Maintaining hardware and software on the server, ensuring all software licenses are up to date ● Managing network access rights ● Establishing and monitoring appropriate systems logs ● Maintaining the IT asset register ● Producing and maintaining network documentation, including contract monitoring and warranties 3. Configuration & Installation ● Designing and applying processes that are relevant to the school environment and reporting on the effectiveness and impact of the processes ● Designing, implementing and monitoring the school procedures on receiving and testing IT equipment ● Managing the collection of, appropriate access to, and storage of, data 4. Website Management ● Keeping current with emerging web technologies ● Tracking and reporting on all site metrics ● Resolving any website problems 5. Continuity, Maintenance & Security ● Maintaining and regularly reviewing whole-school system contingency plans ● Developing and implementing a maintenance schedule ● Identifying failing systems and suggesting solutions ● Designing and implementing the school backup and virus protection ● Ensuring school policy on staff and pupil access to data and files is implemented ● Implementing appropriate security systems to protect hardware, data and confidential information 6. Support Request Management ● Interpreting detailed diagnostic information ● Prioritising the resolution of problems and determining whether external support is required ● Producing and analysing separate incident and problem reports for management purposes ● Producing reports from support logs to provide basic management information on the volume and nature of requests ● Analysing the support logs to produce management reports and help plan future support service developments ● Allocating tasks between support staff in line with service demands ● Advising leadership team on areas of CPD, based on support log analysis ● Creating and maintaining e-mail and MIS accounts including liaising with ESS SIMS/ Bromcom and Google Support 7. Internal Support & Arrangements ● Assisting and recommending to the school managers internal and external support arrangements and contracts required to deliver an effective IT service in the school ● Reporting and monitoring progress against agreed service levels (both internal and external) ● Collating data to inform a review process of the standards achieved by internal support staff ● Providing occasional out of hours support for scheduled events (by agreement) and for emergency scenarios 8. Strategy & Planning ● Advising on annual development planning and costings ● Identifying software, hardware and working practices to enable the development of IT to support improvements in teaching and learning ● Planning and implementing changes to elements of the IT service ● Contributing to Global RLT IT Support development 9. Budget & People Management ● Supporting the effective implementation of the school’s financial and accounting procedures ● Carrying out the effective supervision of staff, including the line management of the IT Technician ● Providing user guides and IT training to new and current staff and students 10. Safeguarding and GDPR ● Acting as the the Online Safety Lead, working in support of the DSL to enable them to carry out their responsibilities, including taking day-to-day responsibility for online safety issues, and being aware of the potential for serious child protection concerns ● Working in support of the Data Protection Lead, including keeping and regularly updating a register of the school’s data processing activities and ensuring that the platforms and suppliers used by the school have a UK GDPR compliant data security policy 11. Health and Safety ● Responding to any matters relating to IT raised by whole school Health and Safety audits undertaken as part of Health and Safety Monitoring. Ensuring that the IT department undertakes an annual IT H&S audit and works with the Facilities Manager to produce and implement an action plan to remedy any deficiencies identified Other duties: ● To be familiar with and adhere to all School & Trust Policies ● To fulfil your duties and responsibilities regarding safeguarding pupils and health and safety ● To support the aims and ethos of the school and promote good relationships with students, colleagues and parents ● To set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance ● To participate in the Trust’s arrangements for appraisal, professional development, meetings cycle, quality assurance and internal verification

Application deadline extended - not noon 25/02/25.

It feels like it is time for a school AI policy, if only to centrally list all the AI processes we have, especially any decisions which AI is making (anyone put students in sets based entirely on Lucid/Midyis tests?). As for AI issuing detentions, we're (almost, sort of) there already, as ClassCharts will automatically issue a detention to someone who gets 3+ low-level behaviour points in a day. This is a straight if-this-then-that ruleset, so is just the sofftware doing something an admin person could, which means it isn't an AI-based decision, but it is an AI-generated action.

This is a few months old now, but I was reminded of it recently and thought I'd share it here. A pro cycling team had all their bikes stolen at the Women's Tour of Britain last year. They were still able to complete the event because other teams loaned them spare bikes and other teams' mechanics helped set up the bikes - unlike the things we buy in Halfords, pro bikes have different saddles, handlebars, pedals and pedal cranks specific to the size and preferences of each rider, so getting a bike ready can be a lot of work. https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lifeplus-wahoo-stay-in-tour-of-britain-women-on-borrowed-equipment-after-all-their-bikes-were-stolen/ I wonder how many other sports would see a response like this?

IANAL but possibly. "You can use my photo in the newsletter" consent is different since we're talking biometric data here, but it depends on the wording used on your biometric consent form. Does it say "I give consent for my child's biometric data to be used for the catering system" or is it wider consent for use of their biometrics in general?

Did anyone else receive an FOIA request from Defend Digital Me about biometrics? It says their focus is on retention of data and consent when someone leaves, but the documents they're requesting are much wider-reaching. Related, am I right in saying we don't need to provide information which is already on our public website?

If consent is required to use that feature, it isn't just the students/parents - you'd need it for every visitor, including the postie, refuse loading operatives (as I believe they're officially called), plus anyone who hires the school in evenings, any shared use sports facilities, etc. And because the law is mad, you would probably also need consent from anyone who broke in!

Ah, now that depends on the particular ears in question. Some might be unquestionably big!

I wasn't suggesting use of initials excluded an email from a disclosure request, I just gave it as an example of steps we take to protect someone's identity but cross-referencing with another data source could still identify them.

Yes, but... by that same logic, using student initials in documents rather than full names is also personally identifiable information as you could still potentially work out who it is, especially with some initials and/or context of knowing the year group or which staff member sent the email. You have to draw a line somewhere.

That's where it sits with us too, and for now that's fine because our CCTV system can't do it anyway. There is only so long we can both do that though, at some point we'll need to upgrade our CCTV systems, and chances are high the new ones will include this functionality, although of course we don't have to use it just because its there. There is also the possibility the new system will enable it as standard; we found that with a newer model of camera which could send audio down the Ethernet cable rather than needing a separate cable. The legal side is definitely something to sew up before implementing - we've already have FOIA requests asking whether we use facial recognition, gait analysis, etc. on our CCTV.

Good point. There is also a difference between uploading an jpg and saying "is this person on camera?" and screen-grabbing a face from your CCTV and asking "find me other footage of this person".

Interesting question, I am keen to see responses from people who know what they're talking about, but in my mind your two examples are different as "find me a tall person in a red jumper" isn't biometric data, but "find me this face" is.

(not my vacancy, posting on behalf of another school) We are seeking a dynamic individual to take overall management and operational responsibility for the school’s IT systems. The successful candidate would join the wider IT Support team working across our multi academy trust, which runs one of the largest Google Workspaces in the UK. For an applicant information pack, please click here: https://gillotts.org.uk/vacancies/it-network-manager/ For a Gillotts School application form, please click here: https://gillotts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Gillotts-Support-Staff-Application-form-February-2022.doc Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Thursday 06 February 2025. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date. Job description – IT Network Manager Accountable to: School Business Manager, RLT IT Director Conditions of service: NJC Grade 11 (points 31- 34), £40,476 - £43,693 per annum 37 hours per week, full year Objectives: ● overall management and operational responsibility for the school’s IT systems Main areas of professional responsibility: 1. Desktop & Application and Support ● Performing advanced diagnosis procedures on problems related to hardware, peripherals and applications ● Following instructions to efficiently and effectively install and upgrade client/server applications ● Identifying and installing relevant and essential software patches ● Identifying and giving appropriate advice on compatibility of applications with existing systems, based on user requirements ● Giving appropriate level of advice on compatibility of hardware and OS 2. Server & Network Support ● Designing and installing network infrastructure to meet the needs of the school ● Managing, installing and setting basic configuration options for equipment such as switches, routers and wireless access points ● Installing additional servers and upgrading the network operating system ● Setting up firewalls and maintaining internet filter systems ● Managing remote access to the school’s intranet and network services ● Installing software and trouble-shooting installation problems ● Maintaining hardware and software on the server, ensuring all software licenses are up to date ● Managing network access rights ● Establishing and monitoring appropriate systems logs ● Maintaining the IT asset register ● Producing and maintaining network documentation, including contract monitoring and warranties 3. Configuration & Installation ● Designing and applying processes that are relevant to the school environment and reporting on the effectiveness and impact of the processes ● Designing, implementing and monitoring the school procedures on receiving and testing IT equipment ● Managing the collection of, appropriate access to, and storage of, data 4. Website Management ● Keeping current with emerging web technologies ● Tracking and reporting on all site metrics ● Resolving any website problems 5. Continuity, Maintenance & Security ● Maintaining and regularly reviewing whole-school system contingency plans ● Developing and implementing a maintenance schedule ● Identifying failing systems and suggesting solutions ● Designing and implementing the school backup and virus protection ● Ensuring school policy on staff and pupil access to data and files is implemented ● Implementing appropriate security systems to protect hardware, data and confidential information 6. Support Request Management ● Interpreting detailed diagnostic information ● Prioritising the resolution of problems and determining whether external support is required ● Producing and analysing separate incident and problem reports for management purposes ● Producing reports from support logs to provide basic management information on the volume and nature of requests ● Analysing the support logs to produce management reports and help plan future support service developments ● Allocating tasks between support staff in line with service demands ● Advising leadership team on areas of CPD, based on support log analysis ● Creating and maintaining e-mail and MIS accounts including liaising with ESS SIMS/ Bromcom and Google Support 7. Internal Support & Arrangements ● Assisting and recommending to the school managers internal and external support arrangements and contracts required to deliver an effective IT service in the school ● Reporting and monitoring progress against agreed service levels (both internal and external) ● Collating data to inform a review process of the standards achieved by internal support staff ● Providing occasional out of hours support for scheduled events (by agreement) and for emergency scenarios 8. Strategy & Planning ● Advising on annual development planning and costings ● Identifying software, hardware and working practices to enable the development of IT to support improvements in teaching and learning ● Planning and implementing changes to elements of the IT service ● Contributing to Global RLT IT Support development 9. Budget & People Management ● Supporting the effective implementation of the school’s financial and accounting procedures ● Carrying out the effective supervision of staff, including the line management of the IT Technician ● Providing user guides and IT training to new and current staff and students 10. Safeguarding and GDPR ● Acting as the the Online Safety Lead, working in support of the DSL to enable them to carry out their responsibilities, including taking day-to-day responsibility for online safety issues, and being aware of the potential for serious child protection concerns ● Working in support of the Data Protection Lead, including keeping and regularly updating a register of the school’s data processing activities and ensuring that the platforms and suppliers used by the school have a UK GDPR compliant data security policy 11. Health and Safety ● Responding to any matters relating to IT raised by whole school Health and Safety audits undertaken as part of Health and Safety Monitoring. Ensuring that the IT department undertakes an annual IT H&S audit and works with the Facilities Manager to produce and implement an action plan to remedy any deficiencies identified Other duties: ● To be familiar with and adhere to all School & Trust Policies ● To fulfil your duties and responsibilities regarding safeguarding pupils and health and safety ● To support the aims and ethos of the school and promote good relationships with students, colleagues and parents ● To set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance ● To participate in the Trust’s arrangements for appraisal, professional development, meetings cycle, quality assurance and internal verification

Good point, the safeguarding team are also displayed, and some stuff about emergency assembly (although visitors are also offered that on paper).

Public Liability Insurance, Companies House registration, and some energy ratings from recent audits (like the A-G things you get on fridges).

Agreed, but if this is information they would share with a parent, then sharing it via M365 to a corporate account is fine. This is true of an email or a printed letter too.

A personal account might be accessible to anyone who gets hands on their parent's phone. Yes, we should tell the parent that someone at work could access it, but it is their choice which email address is used.