IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk opening hours over the Christmas period

Posted on 06/12/2021 15:11:02

To reflect the reduced demand on the Service Desk over the Christmas holiday period, we will be changing the opening hours to reflect this.

Our opening hours will be as follows:

December 20th – 23rd - 08:30 to 16:00

December 24th - 09:00 to 12:00

December 25th – January 3rd 2022 - Closed

Normal opening hours of 08:00 to 16:30 will resume on Tuesday, January 4th 2022.

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Google for Education training sessions – November 10th onwards

Posted on 02/11/2021 15:36:19

Whether you are back in the classroom or teaching remotely, Google’s latest Product Training Series will showcase how to make the most of Google Workspace across four key pillars:

• Collaborative
• Easy-to-Use
• Safe + Secure
• Engaging + Inclusive

Through a series of demo-based training sessions, Google trainers will share educational use-cases as well as tips & tricks to help make their technology work for you!

Each session will cover features available across four Workspace editions: Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Education Plus.

These sessions are free and suitable for educators, curriculum & IT leaders, and IT Administrators. If you're unable to watch live, register to watch on demand.

Recordings will be available the day following the session.

A link to see the events can be found here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: NCSC cyber security training package available

Posted on 02/11/2021 15:29:36

If you are planning on holding any training days in the near future or wish to promote to your staff, this is a reminder that the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) have made a free cyber security training package available and it can be accessed here

With cyber security threats faced by Educational establishments on the increase, this will help raise staff awareness and help deal with such threats.

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Action Required - Microsoft 365 and Outlook for Windows Connectivity

Posted on 07/10/2021 08:12:58

Microsoft have issued a notification that from November 1st 2021, only certain versions of Office/Outlook will be able to connect to Office/Microsoft 365 services. 

In order for you to be prepared for this, please visit the following webpage to ensure that there is no interruption to any Microsoft services that you currently use.

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Microsoft Re-imagine - Free Microsoft Event – November 9th at 17:00 hours

Posted on 02/11/2021 15:32:59

There is a free Microsoft virtual event on November 9th at 09.00 PST (17:00 - UK Time)

During this free 45-minute virtual event, changemakers and industry leaders will come together to address gaps widened by the pandemic, tackle challenges with innovative technology, and share best practices to support inclusive learning.

More details and a link to the event can be found here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk opening hours over the forthcoming half-term holiday period

Posted on 21/10/2021 09:58:41

To reflect the reduced demand on the Service Desk over the forthcoming half-term holiday period, we will be changing the hours of the Service Desk accordingly.

From October 25th - 29th, the hours will be as follows -

08:30 to 16:00. 

Normal opening hours of 08:00 to 16:30 will resume on Monday, 1st November

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk opening hours over the forthcoming Summer holiday period

Posted on 09/07/2021 11:13:59

To reflect the reduced demand on the Service Desk over the forthcoming Summer holiday period, we will be changing the hours of the Service Desk accordingly.

From 26th July to 31st August, the hours will be as follows -

09:00 to 16:00. 

Normal opening hours of 08:00 to 16:30 will resume on Wednesday, 1st September

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk opening hours over the Easter holiday period

Posted on 21/03/2021 12:31:54

To reflect the reduced demand on the Service Desk over the Easter holiday period, we will be changing the hours of the Service Desk accordingly.

From 29th March to 9th April, the hours will be as follows -

09:00 to 16:00. 

Normal opening hours of 08:00 to 16:30 will resume on Monday, April 12th.

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Dropbox email being sent to Norfolk schools

Posted on 27/01/2021 11:52:32

We are aware of a large number of schools receiving an email this morning from a "school" in Norfolk or Suffolk, asking them to click a link as they have files in Dropbox. The subject of the email is - xxxx (where xxxx is the name/abbreviation of the school) sent you some files.

This appears to be a phishing/scam email so please can we ask schools not to click on any links in the email and simply delete it.

You may get a subsequent daily reminder to say you have not downloaded the files and to do so. Again, please simply delete it.

As a reminder, this link will help you if you are unsure if a website/email is legitimate or not - https://icteducation.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?id=1349 

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Norfolk Schools Management Information System (MIS) Framework

Posted 07/12/2020 10.26am

The current Management Information System contracts with Norfolk County Council will expire on 31 March 2021.

Feedback from schools currently purchasing the service through ICT Solutions has shown a desire to continue with the current framework in place.

The following suppliers are available on our Framework at discounted pricing:

• Bromcom
• Capita SIMS
• Pupil Asset
• RM Integris
• Scholarpack

MIS pricing is in the process of being sent to schools/academies.

If you are thinking of switching your MIS Supplier, please can you notify us no later than December 18th so that we can notify the supplier on your behalf. Failure to do so may result in a financial penalty being imposed by them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Microsoft Training Recordings

Posted 07/12/2020 10.26am

We recently held training sessions for MS Teams and O365.

If you were unable to attend, recordings of the sessions held on 22nd October and 5th November are available on YouTube.

Starting with Microsoft Teams for Education: https://youtu.be/h-pe2qLDAHA

Do more with Office 365: https://youtu.be/w-KCe-TCNa0

We would appreciate your feedback and suggestions on what to cover in potential future sessions: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lOM_8mowLU-yDq7UATSAsV_upC52Ec5EjQhZD-wIFptURTdaNTgwNkI0V1k0TkRGV0VBU1NQWEdEMS4u

ICT Solutions are an accredited Microsoft Global Training Partner, we can offer a range of training options and bespoke packages to meet your requirements.

If you would like to know more about our training packages please contact us at ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Vodafone 30GB data allowance SIMs available for Schools

Posted on 24/11/2020 09:33:06

Vodafone UK announced it is giving free connectivity to 250,000 children across the UK to help them access school work from home, catch up on lost learning during school holidays, and continue with their education if they are required to isolate. The Vodafone schools.connected support – in the form of data SIMs – is available to primary and secondary schoolchildren in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Schools can order the data SIMs to give to pupils who find it difficult to access education from home because they don’t have the right connectivity. Each SIM has a 30GB data allowance valid for 90 days.

The launch of this emergency package follows consultation with head teachers and education trusts, who report that many children are struggling to access education from home due to a lack of connectivity.

More details and how to apply can be found here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Norfolk Schools Management Information System (MIS) Framework

Updated on 11/11/2020 15:04:01

The current Management Information System contracts with Norfolk County Council will expire on 31 March 2021. Feedback from schools currently purchasing the service through ICT Solutions has shown a desire to continue with the current framework in place. The following suppliers are available on our Framework at discounted pricing:

• Bromcom
• Capita SIMS
• Pupil Asset
• RM Integris
• Scholarpack

Some schools have expressed an interest to view other Management Information Systems, so we have arranged demonstration sessions with each supplier. In the current climate, these will be carried out via Microsoft Teams and is recommended the Head, Business Manager, Data Manager and School Secretary attend so you can make an informed decision for your school/academy.

These demonstrations are open to all Norfolk schools, regardless of whether they purchase their MIS or have their support via ICT Solutions. They will be aimed at Primary and Special schools/academies.

We have the following dates and times available. To join the demonstration, you would simply need to click on the link beside the MIS you are interested in seeing.

It would be appreciated if you are thinking of attending any of the events, if you could email ict@norfolk.gov.uk with your preferred date/time.

MIS pricing from April 2021 is unavailable at present but will be shortly.

If you are thinking of switching your MIS Supplier, please can you notify us no later than December 18th so that we can notify the supplier on your behalf. Failure to do so may result in a financial penalty being imposed by them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Free Microsoft training sessions in October and November

Updated on 11/11/2020 14:59:46

With many schools now using Microsoft 365 and Teams for remote learning, we have put together some short training sessions on getting the best out of these applications in an educational environment.  The training will be delivered by one of our Microsoft Global Trainers and are free to attend.

** Please note: There has been an amendment to the date of the next session, it is now the 26th. The link is still valid **

If you were unable to attend, recordings of the sessions held on 22nd October and 5th November are available on YouTube.

Starting with Microsoft Teams for Education: https://youtu.be/h-pe2qLDAHA

Do more with Office 365: https://youtu.be/w-KCe-TCNa0

We would appreciate your feedback and suggestions on what to cover in potential future sessions: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lOM_8mowLU-yDq7UATSAsV_upC52Ec5EjQhZD-wIFptURTdaNTgwNkI0V1k0TkRGV0VBU1NQWEdEMS4u

ICT Solutions are an accredited Microsoft Global Training Partner, we can offer a range of training options and bespoke packages to meet your requirements.

If you would like to know more about our training packages please contact us at ict@norfolk.gov.uk

Notice to Schools/Academies regarding the Audio Visual Framework - November 2020

Posted on 09/11/2020 16:11:19

The current Audio Visual Framework which is in place for Schools and Academies across Norfolk via ICT Solutions / Norfolk County Council is due to expire on 31st December 2020.

We are currently in the process of re-tendering the Audio Visual Framework and will appoint suppliers to start from 1st January 2021.

The purpose of the Framework is to provide Schools and Academies with a purchase route for Audio Visual requirements within their establishment, whether it is for Classroom equipment or more specialist Hall Audio Visual equipment. It provides security in the knowledge that the companies appointed to this Framework have been evaluated by Procurement, Health & Safety and Technical Specialists within Norfolk County Council. This is to ensure the chosen suppliers provide value for money, are financially sound as a business, adhere to the correct Health, Safety and Safeguarding procedures and offer technical solutions particularly designed for educational purposes.

Robust procedures are put in place to ensure fair mini-competitions are carried out within the Framework to ensure Schools / Academies are provided with a solution which best meets their requirements, taking out the hassle of having to approach companies themselves and ensuring good procurement practice is followed.

Our Procurement Team are extremely experienced in discussing requirements and consulting with Senior Leadership Team or ICT Leads within the School / Academy to establish the educational requirements for new equipment. With the information and knowledge gained from these discussions we would then approach the suppliers within our Framework to conduct a mini competition to provide tender proposals for these requirements. These proposals are then evaluated by our experienced Procurement Team to ensure they are offering the correct solution to meet the requirements and are value for money. Once the tender has been awarded, we will request the company then arranges to visit the School or Academy to carry out surveys and discuss their solution with them in more depth. This saves the School / Academy having to manage visits from multiple companies to assess the same requirement.

We have close relationships with most of the major Interactive Screen Manufacturers who specialise in products specifically for educational environments and can arrange free of charge demos of equipment and essential training.

If you would like any further information regarding this Framework or have a current requirement to procure Audio Visual Equipment, please do not hesitate to contact our Procurement Team – ictcontractsteam@norfolk.gov.uk or 01603 475603 (Option 2).

GDPRiS Webinar - EU-US Privacy Shield & transferring data outside the EU

GDPRiS have notified us that they are holding a webinar for Norfolk schools on Tuesday, December 1st. To give you an idea of what will be covered, please see the following link - https://icteducation.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?ID=1467

Russell Holland, Barrister and Partner at PHP Law

Alexander Banthien, Technical Director, GDPRiS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Staying Cyber Aware

Posted on 13/10/2020 14:13:44

We are aware of a recent cyber attack that has affected the IT services of a council in the London area. Whilst the exact cause of the incident is currently unknown, we would therefore like to remind Schools/Academies to remain vigilant at the present time when receiving any emails, especially if they are from an outside sender.

Guidance on how to spot such emails and websites can be found on our website - https://icteducation.norfolk.gov.uk/page.aspx?id=1349

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Norfolk Schools Management Information System (MIS) Framework

Posted on 08/10/2020 09:07am

The current MIS contracts with Norfolk County Council will expire on 31 March 2021. Feedback from schools currently purchasing the service through ICT Solutions has shown a desire to continue with the current framework in place.

The following suppliers are available on our Framework at discounted pricing:

• Bromcom
• Capita SIMS
• Pupil Asset
• RM Integris
• Scholarpack

Some schools have expressed an interest to view other MIS’, so we have arranged demonstration sessions with each supplier. In the current climate, these will be carried out via Microsoft Teams and is recommended the Head, Business Manager, Data Manager and School Secretary attend so you can make an informed decision for your school/academy.

These demonstrations are open to all Norfolk schools, regardless of whether they purchase their MIS or have their support via ICT Solutions. They will be aimed at Primary and Special schools/academies. 

We have the following dates and times available. They will be the same in October and November, but we have put more than one on, in case you are unable to make either date. To join the demonstration, you would simply need to click on the link beside the MIS you are interested in seeing. 

It would be appreciated if you are thinking of attending any of the events if you could email ict@norfolk.gov.uk with your preferred date/time. 

MIS Pricing from April 2021 is unavailable at present but will be shortly. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Free Microsoft training sessions in October and November

Posted on 01/10/2020 19:33:46

With many schools now using Microsoft 365 and Teams for remote learning, we have put together some short training sessions on getting the best out of these applications in an educational environment.  The training will be delivered by one of our Microsoft Global Trainers and are free to attend.

ICT Solutions are an accredited Microsoft Global Training Partner, we can offer a range of training options and bespoke packages to meet your requirements.

If you would like to know more about our training packages please contact us at ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: GDPR in Schools and Data Protection Education join forces to provide greater support to Norfolk schools

Driving data protection excellence 

Posted 25/09/2020 9.02am

Since the implementation of the GDPR Norfolk schools have made good use of the GDPRiS software and the DPO services from Data Protection Education to aid their journey to compliance.

The two organisations are pleased to announce their closer working partnership bringing together a depth of experience and understanding of schools to ensure that Norfolk schools can have peace of mind knowing that the information, guidance and support available to them will ensure their compliance with the GDPR.

Talking about Data Protection Education’s contribution, James England, Director of Data Protection Education, commented “We are proud to be working more closely with GDPRiS to help schools in Norfolk continue to meet and exceed the requirements of the GDPR. We passionately believe that together we will strengthen existing good practices in data protection by enhancing already sound procedures and methods”. 

Lawrence Royston, co-CEO of GDPR in Schools said “This formally brings together two organisations that are at the forefront of helping Norfolk schools monitor and manage their compliance. 
“The partnership has many benefits including having access to shared resources and expertise. The partnership recognises the importance of building on this collaborative approach that strengthens both organisations and enables us to better help schools ensure they meet the new data protection regulations.”

To hear from both GDPR Schools and Data Protection Education about the new partnership and the latest features available for monitoring and tracking Data Protection within your establishments, please join our webinar on the following dates/times:

Webinar links to register

Tuesday 6 October at 2pm – register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdO6rpzwtG90V8ZVeJel5Hawc4iQnUauw

Thursday 8 October 3pm – register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpdeqvpjwjEtf7IR1tE1l0Xh94gInmYnCG

New features video link https://vimeo.com/459330983

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: New Secretary Overviews

Posted 24/08/2020 11.59am

Do you have a new secretary this term?

We are able to offer a 2 hour overview of your MIS, Anycomms plus and guidance on how to request assistance/where to find help guides to ensure that the start to their new role is as smooth as possible.

The session would be held remotely by one of our experienced team members and the cost is £60.00. 

If you would like to book a session, please register your interest at ict@norfolk.gov.uk and we will be in touch to discuss dates/times.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Digital Education Platforms

Updated 24/08/2020 11.28am

Offer extended to the 30th September 2020

Posted 13/05/2020 13:48

As you may have seen in the Government communications, they are recommending using either Google or Microsoft digital education platforms to support and deliver remote learning.

Other suppliers may be marketing you to take advantage of Government funding to move to one of these platforms.  As a valued customer of ICT Solutions, we can offer advice, guidance and provision your platform free of charge if you register your interest before 30th September 2020.

What is a digital education platform?

It's a place where your pupil' learning experience at home can continue as close to normal as possible. The platforms are purpose-built for remote learning in a way that a school website isn't.

In short, if you get set up on one of the platforms, you'll be able to:

• Assign and assess work, providing feedback remotely
• Communicate with staff, students and parents in real time, using written word, voice and video
• Facilitate collaboration between groups of pupils and teachers

For either G-suite for Education or Microsoft 365 we can offer:

• Set up your own tenant, ensuring security and compliance
• Provision user accounts for staff and students
• Migrate your existing emails across to your new platform/tenancy
• Set up Microsoft teams or Google Classroom for all classes or as per your requirements
• Enable Microsoft Teams video or Google Meet video calling and live meets 
• Provision online secure shared files areas
• Provide online training and webinars – 1 hour free training will be included in your set up package

To help you establish which platform is right for you, view the comparison guide

To register your interest please complete this form and we will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your requirements  

We are working directly with both Microsoft and Google Education teams for remote support best practice.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Service Desk Telephone Lines - July 27th to September 2nd

To reflect the reduced demand on the Service Desk over the Summer holiday period, we will be changing the telephone line hours to reflect this. From July 27th to September 2nd, the desk will be open between 09:00 and 16:00 hours.

Normal opening hours of 08:00 to 16:30 will resume on Thursday, September 3rd.

For more information please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Digital Education Platforms

Updated 01/06/2020 10.53

Offer extended to the 30th June 2020

Posted 13/05/2020 13:48

As you may have seen in the Government communications, they are recommending using either Google or Microsoft digital education platforms to support and deliver remote learning.

Other suppliers may be marketing you to take advantage of Government funding to move to one of these platforms.  As a valued customer of ICT Solutions, we can offer advice, guidance and provision your platform free of charge if you register your interest before 30th June 2020.   

What is a digital education platform?

It's a place where your pupils' learning experience at home can continue as close to normal as possible. The platforms are purpose-built for remote learning in a way that a school website isn't. 

In short, if you get set up on one of the platforms, you'll be able to:

• Assign and assess work, providing feedback remotely
• Communicate with staff, students and parents in real time, using written word, voice and video
• Facilitate collaboration between groups of pupils and teachers

For either G-suite for Education or Microsoft 365 we can offer:

• Set up your own tenant, ensuring security and compliance
• Provision user accounts for staff and students
• Migrate your existing emails across to your new platform/tenancy
• Set up Microsoft teams or Google Classroom for all classes or as per your requirements
• Enable Microsoft Teams video or Google Meet video calling and live meets 
• Provision online secure shared files areas
• Provide online training and webinars – 1 hour free training will be included in your set up package

To help you establish which platform is right for you, view the comparison guide

To register your interest please complete this form and we will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your requirements  

We are working directly with both Microsoft and Google Education teams for remote support best practice.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Census and Assessment Guidance

Posted on 22/04/2020

In light of the current Coronavirus Pandemic the DfE have cancelled or paused all but the most essential data collections, services and requests from all educational and care settings until the end of June 2020. This means that the both the School and Pupil Census Summer 2020 and Statutory Assessments have been cancelled. Therefore, we will not be publishing any guides on our website on how to run the census or complete assessments until we have further guidance from the DfE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Remote Access Service

Posted on 03/04/2020 14:55 

As more and more people are now working remotely, we are naturally receiving requests from Schools/Academies to access resources from home, primarily Star Accounts. Unfortunately, whilst we do not offer a remote access service, if you are using the Updata network, they can provide you with a quote for theirs. With some additional configuration from your IT support team you will then be able to access your Star Accounts database by RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).

Further information about the service can be found on our support website here

For more information:
Please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ICT Solutions – Business as usual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Working remotely using Google and Microsoft - Update

If you have NSIX @nsix.org.uk accounts:

If you have “Generic” @schoolname.norfolk.sch.uk account:

If you have your own Microsoft Tenant (Office 365):