GREED

They are prone to damage those warranty documents... I mean try as I might they always ended up in the shredder

I wish I had kept the picture, but back in my IT Support days in schools I ordered 2 screws from a laptop RAM cover (you know the ones, tiny tiny). I lost one then broke the other... I was good! Anyway, expecting at most a letter or small packet, I was astounded to see DABS sending me a box the size of an old style colour laser printers (BIG!), with bubble wrap, tape etc to find the packet inside and them more bubble wrap. Maybe they knew it was me and I break things! They were the best protected screws of all time! The postage costs must have been more than the screws themselves.

I assume my cheque is in this evenings Post then?

It would be nice to see some cooperation some of the time where there is genuine unity. Often, a great idea is argued down just because the other party 'has to take the other side'.

Just being helpful You know me, customer focused!

Surely (and I speak with some authority here given my previous role) just make it an optional feature a school or even a use can turn on and off... sorted.

You can download the spreadsheet and use how you wish, in case that isn't clear. Statistics are as accurate as possible and taken directly from DfE census returns. For your purposes it should give you a good idea!

Back in the day I did get Aspen into a couple of Free Schools

Are they asking for the account to use and login with or is this for using data extraction technology and using the permissions in a more automated way, or through reports? Not that it makes much difference from a legal perspective, @PhilNeal is spot on there.

Awesome response Mic, really great advice on how to maximise services and performance of servers. I am sure most elements can be used as many setups I have worked with have a SQL Server setup that is NOT dedicated to just SIMS. Was reading down your recomendation list and I remember doing about half of those things (in particular spreading out the physical location of the default and required databases, and the log file setup) when I was still in schools. Really really useful. It would be great if a Capita bod could comment on things that should NOT be done from this list, due to SIMS not being able to cope with it, and/or offering alternatives.

Save any needing to edit, just to clarify this is not hiring for SchoolsICT the company (us! Nothing to do with us!).

I think you are right, mistakes do happen everyone does it. The key is have policies in place to a) mitigate it is the first place and then policies on how to deal with mistakes. I had a brilliant one when I first started for Follett, I send a reply announcing myself to a few and added also a distribution group... which went to all 10000 employees and associates including the CEO... nothing like first impressions!

I think the last on your list repeated again and again is key.

Please tell me you sick pay looks remotely like that too!

Well, surely this biggest reason will be they are unhappy with the setup they have currently? Only they and their schools will know that, and really it is up to the schools (that are left under LA control!) to speak up about their dissatisfaction! Either to their LA or more publicly. Perhaps they feel they are charged too much? Maybe you could draw up a proposal for each LA with a price and submit it to them... if it is a good price then they will want to know more... Those would be my biggest two drivers FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVE. If it were me somewhat more educated in the overall market there are many more drivers. Be careful @bromcom_PR you may have what you think SHOULD be their drivers, but that doesn't mean that aligns with theirs.

Arbor is another to review. Sounds like it would be helpful to have user reviews/testimonials for systems... hummmmmm....

I'm not sure I agree either. I'm not talking about creating an MIS I'm suggesting they let the MIS be the MIS and create a suite of apps that extends what they do well and give the market what it wants. They have room for growth, however there is approaching a saturation point where Sims schools all have what they want or need. Unable currently to move into facility or integris markets where there could be heavy demand the chaps will need to analyse where they go next as they begin to see the growth curve begin to level out.

Indeed... but if their app is 90% of the way there.... They can diversify! I'm not saying it is yet, but it is dangerous to be held back by ones own branding and image

They will sell off brands before that happens... in fact I think plans are already afoot!

Bahahaha hahahaha haha hahaha. Maybe!

When you hear some inside stories about the wastage that goes on... my god even central government are given a run for their... err.... money

So here is the question: If you can display all this great stuff to parents, how about creating or extending the app to give a mobile platform for SIMS that teachers can use???

Serco warns of further fall in profits and need for emergency cash | Business | The Guardian Eeek. Feel sorry for friends working for them.

Big thumbs up here been using and or following for years, goes from strength to strength.

Fantastic news guys!!